The Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) run by crop consultant Adas has launched a new online-only crop category for linseed growers.

Known as Linseed YEN Lite, the network aims to give growers a simplified way to measure and track crop performance each year.

See also: How to successfully grow a crop of winter linseed

Ben Hague, Adas crop research consultant and project lead explains the reason behind the launch.

“We want our networks to be accessible to as many growers as possible, so we launched YEN Lite to offer linseed growers a quick and simple way to understand their crop performance, with a focus on optimising agronomy.”

Instead of asking growers to collect crop and soil samples from the field for laboratory analysis, Linseed YEN Lite members are asked to simply submit their own soil descriptions and summaries of their agronomy decisions throughout the year.

Researchers will then supplement this information with available weather, agronomy, and soil data for that grower’s locality.

Users will then receive a post-harvest report to ‘fine tune’ crop management, detailing how their 2024 crop compares to the linseed crops of other members including agronomy and resource availability.

“Crop growth entirely depends on the ability of the crop to capture all the water and light it needs and finding ways to maximise that ability is key to enhancing yields.

Once you have your post-harvest YEN report, it will help you see how best to fine-tune your crop management – whether that be optimising nitrogen inputs or changing sowing rates,” says Ben.

This year, free entry is available for all new entrants. However, these spaces are limited. For those wishing to enter independently, entry for 2024 costs £150 + VAT.

The online network was developed in collaboration with linseed merchant Premium Crops. For more information please contact ben.hague@adas.co.uk