Now entering its sixth year, the Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network helps wheat producers benchmark performance and boost profitability.
Wheat producers looking to deepen their understanding of crop performance—and push their fields closer to full yield potential—are encouraged to register now for the 2026 Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN).
The upcoming season marks the sixth year of the binational program, which brings together growers, agronomists, researchers, and industry partners to collect and analyze detailed field level data. Registration is now open at greatlakesyen.com/how-to-participate/, with the program set to launch in February.
Launched in 2021, the Great Lakes YEN was formed through a unique partnership between the Michigan Wheat Program, Grain Farmers of Ontario, Michigan State University, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), and the University of Guelph.
The goal: help growers increase crop returns by improving understanding of yield potential and the factors that influence it.
“For growers joining the Great Lakes YEN, their involvement leads to a much better understanding about what’s going on in their specific fields, putting yields and efficiency on the fast track to a better bottom line,” said Jody Pollok Newsom, executive director of the Michigan Wheat Program. “Producers interested in taking a different approach to their wheat crop should consider signing up.”
Hands On Support Throughout the Season
Behind the scenes, YEN staff work directly with participants to help set up field entries and interpret reports.
“We spend the winter helping participants access the Great Lakes YEN database and enter their selected fields,” explained Dennis Pennington, MSU Extension wheat systems specialist and YEN collaborator. “We also travel across Michigan and Ontario meeting with growers to dig deeper into their reports, so they’re ready to make those tough management decisions come spring.”
How the Program Works
Each participating grower collects a series of field samples, including:
- Soil samples
- Tissue samples
- Whole plant samples
These samples are analyzed to benchmark nutrient status, crop development, and field performance. Combined with in field measurements and environmental data, the program helps growers better understand:
- How their crop is developing
- What factors are limiting yield
- How their fields compare to regional performance
- Where management changes could deliver economic gains
At the end of the growing season, YEN compiles results into a confidential, field specific report for each participant. Insights are also shared through regional education events, helping growers learn from aggregated trends without revealing individual farm data.
Register for YEN
Growers interested in joining the 2026 Great Lakes YEN must register before the end of January. Participation costs $325, and the program officially begins in February.
Where to Register
Since its beginnings in 2020, the Great Lakes YEN has evolved based on grower feedback. Participation has expanded beyond Michigan and Ontario into additional U.S. states and regions as more farmers demonstrate interest in the program’s data driven approach.