I’m excited to share something I think could be a game-changer for potato growers across Canada this season. It’s called the Strike Yield Enhancement Society — or Strike YES. Strike YES is a yield contest, but it’s not just about winning. It is also a new way for growers to celebrate what they do, learn from each other, and hopefully push yields to new heights. At its heart, it’s about connecting with other potato farmers, supporting management improvements, and having some fun while we’re at it.
As a long-term potato industry guy, my passion is supporting farmers in achieving their best yields while improving sustainability. Over the years, I’ve seen that growers often learn best from each other. Strike YES is built on that idea: creating a community where growers can share, improve, and celebrate wins together. It also takes the friendly competition that happens every season — whether it’s across the fence with neighbors or between friends at grower meetings — and gives it a bigger stage.
The contest is broken down into categories by province and potato market segment (table, chip, or processing) to make sure everyone has a fair chance to participate. If you’ve ever wondered how your practices stack up against others in your area, this is your chance to find out.
The part I’m most excited about isn’t just the contest, it’s the opportunity to learn. By joining Strike YES, you’ll get access to exclusive webinars packed with tips and insights from industry experts. And, just as valuable, you’ll have the chance to connect with other growers to swap ideas and figure out together how we can tackle the challenges potato producers face today.
Signing up is simple and free. Of course, if you’re using Strike — a soil fumigant with some big benefits for managing soil pathogens — you might have an edge in the contest. But the way I see it, this isn’t about products or inputs. It’s about recognizing the work potato producers do, sharing ideas, and building a stronger community.
At the end of the season, winners in each of the 18 categories will get barn signage, a spot on the Strike website, a prize pack … and bragging rights for the year. Most importantly, they’ll know they’ve been part of something bigger: a movement toward bigger yields, better practices and a stronger community.
Sign-up opens Jan. 15. Join me in saying “yes” to Strike YES. Let’s make this season one to remember.
