Reaching the Highest Wheat Yield: Exploring the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN)
Sep 16, 2026
This spring, I set out to explore just how high we could push wheat yield. After hearing several speakers discuss the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) over the past few years, I was excited when the Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) launched the program in Manitoba.
I encouraged a local wheat grower to participate, and while the program requires more tracking and sampling than a typical production year, we have not made any major changes to our management practices. My hope is that YEN will provide a valuable benchmark for future improvement. At the end of the season, we will have the opportunity to compare our results with other growers across the province and gain insights into which management factors had the greatest impact on final yield.
If you're looking for new ways to improve wheat performance on your farm, I encourage you to learn more about YEN and consider participating. Better yet, connect with your local Shur-Gro sales agronomist to help you discover what's possible.
What is the Prairie Spring Wheat Yield Enhancement Network (YEN)?
The Prairie Spring Wheat Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is a collaborative initiative led by the Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) and Manitoba Agriculture. The program is designed to help close the wheat yield gap in Manitoba and identify the factors that may be limiting wheat production.
Using a combination of on-farm data, weather information, and farmer management practices, YEN estimates yield potential and evaluates the factors influencing crop performance. The program also fosters a peer-to-peer learning environment where participants can share experiences, insights, and best practices with other growers.
Why Join the YEN Program?
Participating in YEN offers several benefits for Manitoba wheat growers, including:
- Benchmarking and comparing crop performance, field site data, and management practices against other growers across Manitoba.
- Receiving a personalized report with interpreted data and analysis.
The data collected includes:
- Soil nutrient levels
- Plant tissue nutrient levels
- Yield and quality information
- Yield component data
- Climatic information
- Farm management practices
By participating, growers can gain a better understanding of the factors contributing to high yields and identify opportunities to improve performance on their own farms.
Additional benefits include:
- Joining a network of innovative farmers focused on reducing yield gaps.
- Access to specialists from Manitoba Crop Alliance and Manitoba Agriculture.
- Learning from other participants through shared experiences and insights.
Who Can Participate?
The program is open to wheat growers who are in good standing with the Manitoba Crop Alliance.
Is There a Cost?
There is currently no cost for MCA farmer members to participate in the YEN program.
For additional program details, visit the Manitoba Crop Alliance's Prairie Spring Wheat Yield Enhancement Network webpage.
What Are the Expectations of Participants?
Participants are asked to provide key agronomic information about their crop, including details such as seeding information, crop inputs, and harvest date.
They must also follow the YEN data collection protocol, which includes:
- A soil sample taken prior to fertilization
- Two plant tissue samples
- Photographs of the crop at designated growth stages
- Head counts
- A sample of 100 full shoots collected at physiological maturity
- A grain sample
While the additional data collection requires some extra effort, the information gathered is critical to understanding crop performance and yield potential.
How Is Participant Data Used?
Participant data is treated as confidential.
The information collected is used to generate individual field reports that are shared only with the participating grower. Data is also analyzed collectively to develop broader insights into crop management and yield improvement strategies.
Any information shared publicly is anonymized and aggregated to protect grower privacy.
What Support Is Available?
Participants receive:
- Detailed sampling instructions
- The complete YEN protocol
- Access to crop staging and sampling videos
In addition, the YEN team is available throughout the growing season to answer questions and provide support related to sample collection, field observations, and program requirements.
Is YEN a Competition?
Yes, YEN includes a friendly competition focused on achieving the highest percentage of yield potential.
However, the primary objective of the program is not competition. The greater goal is to increase knowledge, improve management practices, and help growers better understand the factors affecting wheat yield on their farms.
Interested in Learning More?
To register for YEN, or for more information about the Prairie Spring Wheat Yield Enhancement Network, contact:
Andrew Enns
Phone: 204-330-4336
Email: Andrew.enns@mbcropalliance.ca
Anne Kirk
Phone: 204-750-1351
Email: anne.kirk@gov.mb.ca
Andrew Hector
Phone: 204-803-8407
Email: andrew@mbcropalliance.ca
Closing The Yield Gap
Every season provides an opportunity to learn something new about your crop. Programs like YEN help turn on-farm observations into measurable insights, giving growers a clearer understanding of what drives yield and where opportunities for improvement exist. Whether you're striving to close your yield gap, benchmark against your peers, or simply learn more about your wheat crop, YEN offers a valuable framework for learning and growth.