About the Ontario Corn Agronomy Network

The OCAN brings together farmers, researchers, and industry partners to generate practical, data-driven insights that support sustainable and profitable management decisions.

Guiding principles:

  • Farmers are actively engaged in data collection regarding on-farm practices
  • Data collection and management processes are convenient and consistent
  • Sharing of anonymized data to enhance cropping practices recommendations
  • Empowering Ontario farmers to rethink and improve their corn production
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FAQ's

Who can participate?

The OCAN is open to growers of corn across Ontario. Participants should have access to at least one field where they can follow the program protocols and submit the required data. Growers of all experience levels are welcome, as the focus is on learning and improving crop management

How do I register for the OCAN?

Please send an email to adacey@gfo.ca to be added to waitlist for 2027. You will be sent more information in early 2027.  

Is there a cost to participate?

The registration fee has been waived for participants taking part in the 2026 pilot. In future years, a registration fee will be required at time of registration for each individual field site participating. This fee helps cover the costs of soil, tissue, and grain sample analyses, as well as data processing and program events. Payment is due upon completion of the registration survey. The program also receives support from sponsors to help offset additional expenses and keep participant costs as reasonable as possible.

How long does the program last?

The program starts with a virtual kick-off meeting, and follows the crop season through harvest. Participants are guided through each stage of sampling and reporting, with a final report and recognition provided after harvest.

What kind of support is provided to participants?

Participants receive detailed sampling instructions and guidance on the OCAN protocol. The leadership team and affiliated agronomists are available to answer questions and provide support throughout the season.

What if I can’t complete all the sampling?

Completing all required sampling and data submission is necessary to qualify for analysis and recognition. If challenges arise, participants should contact the leadership team promptly for guidance and to explore alternatives.

Can I participate with multiple fields?

Yes. Participants may enter multiple fields, provided each field meets the program requirements and a separate entry fee is paid for each field (note that the entry fee is waived for the 2026 pilot). Each field will receive its own detailed report.

What are the requirements for participation?

To successfully take part in the program, participants are expected to complete the OCAN protocol and submit all required data. Participants should:

  • Represent a range of geographies across Ontario as well as diverse soil types.
  • Be willing to share information and learn more about their wheat crop.
  • Provide key agronomy data, including seeding details, crop inputs, harvest date, and related information.
  • Collect and submit one soil sample in the spring, tissue samples at growth stage V10 & VT, and stalk samples for nitrate testing at R6.
  • Submit a grain sample for analysis and provide a verified harvested weight through a certified crop advisor or another independent verifier. Yield monitor data is not accepted.
What are the categories of recognition for participation?

Participants are recognized for both highest yield achieved and percent of yield potential achieved, with awards presented to the top three growers in each category.

A final networking meeting brings together participants, agronomists, researchers, and extension specialists to celebrate achievements, share insights from the season, and discuss opportunities for continued learning and improvement.

How is my data used?

All participant data is treated with care and confidentiality. Data is used to generate individual field reports, support program analysis, and contribute to broader insights about crop management. When shared publicly, results are aggregated and anonymized to ensure participant privacy.

How will results be verified?

The OCAN leadership team works closely with participants to confirm all submitted data and yield results. Participants must provide verified yield weight, moisture, and harvested area information, either directly or in collaboration with a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) or another independent verifier.

Who do I contact with questions?

Questions about your field, samples, or data collection? Contact:

Questions about the OCAN program? Contact:

  • Alexandra Dacey, Agronomy Project Coordinator, GFO (adacey@gfo.ca; 519 830-5633)
  • Marty Vermey, Senior Agronomist, GFO (mvermey@gfo.ca; 519 831-1505)
What is potential yield and how is it calculated?

Potential yield represents the gap between maximum yield a crop could achieve under optimal management, and the actual yield achieved given the season’s weather and soil conditions. It is calculated by modelling the crop’s growth, development, and resource use – including light, water, and temperature – to estimate how efficiently the plant could convert available resources to biomass and grain. This provides a benchmark to compare actual yields and identify opportunities for improved efficiency and management.

Do I have to enter my best-yielding field, or can I enter a challenging field?

Participants may enter any field they choose. The program is designed to provide insight and learning, so selecting a field where you can gain the most understanding — whether it’s high-performing or presents challenges — is encouraged. Remember, the yield awards are only a small component of the OCAN; the primary goal is to improve knowledge and management across your farm.