Growing success

P.E.I. farmers lauded for strong crop yields

“When you get two or three years of good results from a new concept, then you know you’ve got something.” Anthony Nabuurs

Montague farmer Anthony Nabuurs digs around to determine how to get the best yield possible.

“We learn best by talking to our peers, comparing notes and reading the reports from researchers,’’ says Nabuurs.

“I’ve got some new things to put into practice next year.

“When you get two or three years of good results from a new concept, then you know you’ve got something.”

Nabuurs nabbed top spot recently in a friendly competition, organized by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Atlantic Grains Council, for grain farmers to see who could achieve the highest crop yields last summer.

Out of 16 participating farmers, Nabuurs had the highest yield at 2.5 tons per acre (T/ac).

Leonard McIsaac of Vernon Bridge placed second with a yield of 2.47 t/ac and Troy Webster of Middleton had third highest yield at 2.05 t/ac.

The highest percentage of potential yield, calculated by comparing the actual crop yield to the yield the field is capable of producing, was achieved by McIsaac at 66 per cent. Nabuurs was second at 62 per cent and Ryan Hamill of Newton was third at 55 per cent.

The farmers shared best practices during a roundtable session with the other participating farmers at a yearend conference and awards ceremony, which were part of Canada’s first Yield Enhancement Network.

The network enables researchers to develop on-farm innovation and helps farmers understand the factors that contribute to their overall yield.