Following on from the success of the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) which has seen farmers striving to improve their cereal yields, ADAS has now launched a new YEN focusing on oilseed rape production.
Currently the UK record for OSR yield stands at around 6.5t/ha set in 2015, but according to research, OSR grown in the UK has the potential to exceed 10t/ha.
In reality the average UK yield is only around 3.5t/ha according to ADAS, who say there are improvements to be made.
As with the cereals YEN, the OSR YEN will include a yield competition which is open to everyone and will provide an understanding of yield on each entrant’s own farm.
See also: In pursuit of optimum OSR yield
It will test entrants’ agronomy skills and innovative ideas, says ADAS, with the key aim of getting as close as possible to the yield potential of the entrant’s chosen site.
Growers who participate will benefit from an analysis of the components of yield on their farm and from an understanding of how to improve yields in future years.