Attention Canadian Potato Growers! I’m excited to invite potato growers across Canada to join a new initiative called the Strike Yield Enhancement Society — or Strike YES. It’s designed to bring growers together in a spirit of friendly competition and shared learning.
At its core, Strike YES is a yield contest, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about creating connections, learning from each other, and driving improvements across the industry. As someone who has spent many years in the potato world, I’ve seen firsthand how growers thrive when they exchange ideas and experiences. This program takes the informal sharing that happens over fences and at meetings and gives it a platform to go so much further.
The contest is divided by province and potato type (table, chip, or processing), so every grower has a fair chance to compete. Wondering how your practices measure up to others in your region? Here’s your chance to find out and to be recognized for your efforts.
What excites me most isn’t just the competition itself but the opportunities it offers for learning. Strike YES members will have access to exclusive webinars led by industry experts, covering practical tips and strategies to help you improve yields and manage challenges. Just as importantly, the program offers a way to connect with fellow growers, creating a supportive network where ideas and successes can be shared.
Signing up is straightforward and free. Of course, those using Strike, a soil fumigant proven to combat yield-robbing pathogens like verticillium wilt and common scab, might have an added production edge in the competition. But ultimately, this isn’t just about products — it’s about celebrating what potato growers already do so well and helping each other reach new heights.
At the end of the season, winners in each of the 18 categories will earn barn signs, recognition on the Strike website, a prize pack, and the ultimate reward: bragging rights. More than that, they’ll be part of something bigger: a community of growers working together to raise the bar for yields, practices and sustainability. Join us this season for Strike YES and be part of a program that recognizes your dedication to growing, learning and leading in the potato industry. More information can be found at: https://strikefumigants.com/ or you can sign up here: https://www.douglasag.ca/strike-yield-enhancement-society.html