This crop - in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia - will yield probably 6-7 tonnes of grain per hectare. That compares to traditional (pre-1900) yields of 1-3 tonnes per hectare for temperate cereals. The yield potential of cereals has increased greatly during the 20th century, mostly through breeding for higher Harvest Index (the proportion of the total plant biomass that is taken off as grain at harvest), and intensive management. High yields are realized only when water is not a limiting factor, hence yields per hectare in Nova Scotia tend to be higher than those in the western Canada.

The wheel tracks in the photo mark the lines where tractors pull fertilizer applicators and sprayers though the field. By restricting the vehicles to specific tracks, compaction of soil by heavy machinery is limited to a small area.