The Pulse Performance Network - Leading the next phase of UK pulse performance benchmarking

In this episode of Inside the Pod, host Ben Pike speaks to PGRO Research Agronomist Erin Matlock about the PGRO's Pulse Performance Network, which was launched at Cereals on 11 June. PGRO will establish the Pulse Performance Network (PPN) this autumn, marking a significant new chapter for crop benchmarking and analysis for pea and bean growers. Following 10 successful years of the pulse yield enhancement networks (YENs) under ADAS, the PGRO will create a new structure and a sharpened focus on delivering practical, farm-ready insights for today's growers. Benchmarking has a strong reputation for bringing together growers, agronomists, researchers, and industry partners to push the boundaries of crop productivity, environmental performance, and grain quality. Under PGRO's leadership, the network aims to introduce new tools and approaches designed to make participation easier and more valuable. The goal is not just to measure performance, but to ensure every dataset collected translates into something meaningful, whether that's improving yield efficiency, enhancing crop quality, or reducing environmental impact. The PPN aims to turn data into decisions. By simplifying participation, strengthening collaboration, and focusing on actionable insight, the PPN aims to ensure every participant walks away with knowledge that can be applied directly to their farming system. This evolution will support both growers and the industrial supply chain as the sector works towards greater productivity, consistency, and resilience in UK pulse crops. To support a more streamlined approach, the PGRO has developed a dedicated PPN app that will allow participants to record crop management information directly in the field throughout the season. The PPN will officially open for applications in September. To find out more, head to the PGRO website at pgro.org