What does percent of check mean in seed variety data?
It is the variety’s yield expressed as a percentage of an established benchmark variety grown in the same trials, the same years and at the same sites. An FP variety at 112% of Carberry yielded 12% more than Carberry in those trials. It is not a prediction of what it will yield on your farm.
Why does the same variety show two different yield numbers?
Because different sources measure different things. SY Manness averages 18% higher yield than AAC Brandon on MASC 2022-24 crop insurance data, which reflects thousands of real insured fields, and 107% of AAC Brandon in the 2026 Manitoba Seed Guide, which reflects replicated trial data. Both are accurate descriptions of different datasets.
Which yield data source should I trust for my farm?
Use all three, in order. Your provincial variety guide to build a shortlist on a level footing, crop insurance data for your risk area to see what the variety does on commercial fields nearby, and registration or head-to-head trial data to understand the specific traits. No single source answers the question on its own.
What is genetic gain in plant breeding?
It is the cumulative yield and quality improvement a breeding program builds into each successive variety through parent selection and generations of selection. It shows up as higher yield potential, stronger disease packages, better standability or better grade protection, and rarely all of them at once.
Does a higher yielding variety always pay better?
No. Grade determines the cheque as much as volume does. A variety with slightly lower protein, a weaker fusarium rating or poorer standability can yield more and return less, depending on your buyer, your growing conditions and your protein premiums.
How do I compare two varieties measured against different checks?
You cannot compare the percentages directly. Find a table where both varieties appear against the same check, in the same trial years, or ask your Territory Manager to pull a head-to-head comparison from the FP Genetics Western Canadian trials.