June-July 2012

WINTER CANOL A EDITION June • July 2012

The official publication of the U.S. Canola Association

Blackleg’s Potential in Southern Plains Powerhouse Grower: Bob Schrock What's New in Winter Canola Research

WINTER CANOLA ACREAGE AND DEMAND GROWING IN U.S.

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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW GRAIN MARKETING AND ALL OTHER STEWARDSHIP PRACTICES AND PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Details of these practices can be found in the Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers printed in this publication. Individual results may vary. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2011 Monsanto Company.

JUNE • JULY 2012 VOL. 4, NO. 1

WWW.USCANOLA.COM EXECUTIVE EDITOR Angela Dansby angela@uscanola.com MANAGING EDITOR Brittany Farb brittany@uscanola.com

features

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mark Boyles; Ernst Cebert, Ph.D; John Damicone, Ph.D.; Chad Godsey, Ph.D; John Gordley; Ron Sholer; Dale Thorenson; Rufina Ward, Ph.D.

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PUBLISHERS Barry Coleman coleman@ndpci.com

Blackleg’s Potential in Southern Plains Research Determines Best Management Practices

08

John Gordley john@uscanola.com

Powerhouse Grower: Bob Schrock

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Mary O’Donohue modonohue@gordley.com

Crossing State Lines for Canola

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Melissa Rosenquist melissa.rosenquist@gmail.com

Winter Canola in Double-Cropping System

PUBLISHED BY U.S. Canola Association 600 Pennsylvania, SE, Suite 320 Washington, DC 20003 tel: 202.969.8113 • fax: 202.969.7036 www.uscanola.com REGIONAL AFFILIATES Great Lakes Canola Association www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/canola

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Alabama Addresses Local Issues

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Great Plains Canola Association www.greatplainscanola.com

Research Program Prospers in Great Plains Cultivar Development, Crop Protection and Technology Remain Priorities

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Minnesota Canola Council

Newer Canola Kid on Block Pacific Northwest Continues to Quickly Develop

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Maintaining Momentum in Southern Plains Focus on Disease Control and Social Media U.S. Canola Digest is published four times a year in January/February, March/April, September/October and November/December by the U.S. Canola Association (USCA) and Northern Canola Growers Association (NCGA). Subscription is complementary to all USCA and NCGA members and other qualified members of the U.S. canola industry. Reproduction of contents is forbidden. Copyright 2012.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Northern Canola Growers Association, 2718 Gateway Ave., #301, Bismarck, ND 58503.

16 on the cover Growers are looking forward to increasing winter canola yields and acres this season.

departments

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Editors’ Letter USCA Update GPCA News Quick Bytes Canola Cooks

editors’ letter

High Hopes for Winter Canola WITH SUNSHINE AND sky-high summertime temperatures, it’s funny to think about planting winter canola.

However, the time is near with high hopes for record-breaking yields. And what better way to prepare for the upcoming season than learning from the best experts on winter canola production? A variety of growers and researchers fill this issue with tips for the growing season.

First, let us introduce Bob Schrock.

Deemed a “powerhouse grower” by his peers, this third-generation farmer has been a canola pioneer for several years on his farm that spans the border between Kansas and Oklahoma. He spoke with us about his journey from not wanting to farm to being a leader in winter canola production. Schrock has worked with growers from both Kansas State University and Oklahoma State University for about nine years, completing farm trials and other canola yield studies.

Turn to page 12 to read more about this influential farmer and hear his predictions for the upcoming growing season.

Winter Canola Research

Administered by the U.S. Canola Association (USCA), the National Canola Research Program funds five national regions on a competitive basis for agronomic research related to areas such as breeding, weed control

and crop rotation. Researchers presented their findings at the 2012 USCA board meeting in Washington, D.C. Flip to page 16 for winter canola research results on blackleg, breeding for early maturity, evaluation of harvest aids, management of major insect pests, rotational schemes and more.

Blackleg Studies

Blackleg field research on winter canola has been ongoing since 2009, and the industry has learned a lot about the disease’s potential for yield loss. Researchers from Oklahoma State University and Kansas State University discuss blackleg research findings in the southern Great Plains, including the benefits of fungicide application and how to prevent yield losses. To learn from the researchers, turn to page 8.

Association Updates

The Great Plains Canola Association (GPCA) reports the region is quite excited for this year’s winter canola crop. At a recent Oklahoma State University (OSU) winter field tour, participants visited 14 locations to learn about pest control, variety selection, soil fertility, harvesting methods and marketing options. Kansas State University also conducted seven field tours for growers to learn about similar issues.

Coming up, the GPCA and OSU will host the 8th annual Winter Canola Conference on July 26 in Enid, Okla., with a second conference scheduled for July 31 in Altus, Okla. Read the full update on page 7.

With the current farm bill expiring in just a little more than five months, Congress is finally getting around to marking up the 2012 Farm Bill. Legislative action began April 26 when the Senate Agriculture Committee marked up and reported out the 2012 Farm Bill by a 16-5 vote. In addition, the House Agriculture Committee finished its series of farm bill hearings May 17. Check out the USCA update on page 6 for commentary on the 2012 Farm Bill from USCA Assistant Director Dale Thorenson and opening statements from the Senate Agriculture Committee mark-up by Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-KS) and the House Agriculture Committee hearings by Chair Frank Lucas (R-OK).

Summer Barbeque Twist

Enough with all the “winter” talk. Embrace the dog days of summer and fire up your grill with a unique twist on the classic summer burger. Check out CanolaInfo’s Black Bean Burger with Avocado-Lime Mayonnaise on page 22. With a flavorful combination of potatoes, beans, bell pepper, oats, egg whites and cayenne pepper, this healthy treat is sure to please at the next grill-out. Canola oil’s neutral taste and light texture make these distinct flavors pop, offering a much different burger than that standard beef patty!

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for photo ops this growing season.

Entries for the U.S. Canola Digest Photo Contest are due Nov. 1 and it’s never too early to start snapping photos! Winning submissions will be determined in early December and published in the January/February 2013 edition of U.S. Canola Digest.

AngelaDansby

executive editor angela@uscanola.com

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managing editor brittany@uscanola.com

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usca update

Congress Begins Work on 2012 Farm Bill DALE THORENSON

WITH ONLY ABOUT five months to go before the current farm bill expires, legislative action in Congress finally began April 26 when the Senate Agriculture Committee marked up and reported out its version of the 2012 Farm Bill by a 16-5 vote. The bipartisan legislation was developed jointly by Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Ranking Member Pat Roberts (R-KS). Sen. Roberts offered a comprehensive, overall defense of the bill in his opening statement (see sidebar) that addressed concerns about the legislation, including the move away from payments tied to base acres established in the 1980s.

To view the mark-up, go to http://www.ag.senate.gov/templates/ watch.cfm?id=2b49a918-5056-a032-5217-f66aa5d8b279.

On May 15, 44 senators wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urging them “to schedule floor consideration of the ‘farm

Senate vs. House Farm Bill Views THE SENATE AND HOUSE are not on the same page regarding the Commodity Title. The Senate bill puts in place a revenue program that would protect against shallow losses based upon a crop’s previous five-year Olympic average of revenue. However, it did not include a target price option. The House bill is expected to closely resemble the one developed last fall for the Super Committee’s failed deficit reduction package, which included options allow ing farmers to choose between either a revenue or target price program.

House The only certainty is that the current farm bill expires Sept. 30 and Congress will be hardpressed to reauthorize a replacement bill in such a short time-span.

bill’ as soon as possible.” With the apparent strong support for moving the legislation, the full Senate is expected to take up the bill during the month of June. If it is successful in passing the legislation, all eyes will turn squarely on the House as they try to pass their version of the 2012 Farm Bill that will then have to be reconciled with the Senate bill.

To that end, the House Agriculture Committee finished its series of hearings regarding the 2012 Farm Bill May 17. Chair Frank Lucas (R-OK) - House Agriculture offered his views (see page Committee Chair 20) on crafting the bill during a two-day hearFrank Lucas (R-OK) ing (hear or read testimonies at http://agriculture. house.gov/hearings/default.aspx?CID=28) on the Commodity and Crop Insurance Titles. Lucas stated that the farm bill “must work for all regions and all commodities” and predicted that the development of the legislation would be bipartisan in nature. The Committee expects to mark-up their legislation during June as well.

Once the Agriculture Committee finishes its work, the path forward will become less clear. The House has been considering legislation under “open rules” during the 112th Congress, which means there are no restrictions on the number and nature of amendments that can be offered. There have been indications that the Agriculture Committee was going to request consideration of the farm bill under a “closed rule.” However, upon hearing about the potential request, several members of Congress wrote Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), stating they “adamantly oppose any scenario that would truncate a full and open legislative process on farm bill reauthorization in the House of Representatives.” Also, conservative groups, including Americans for Tax Reform, Freedom Works and the Heartland Institute, wrote Congress to call for a minimum of $33 billion of cuts to farm programs. These letters confirm concerns that the lower chamber’s seemingly perpetual desire to slash spending could result in an all-out attack on the farm bill should the legislation make it to the floor.

[The farm bill] “must work for all regions and all commodities.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20 ❱

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regional news

Canola Industry Continues to Grow in Great Plains RON SHOLAR

ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH the story of the fledgling but growing winter canola industry in the Great Plains has to be impressed with the progress that has been made in a relatively short time. Increasing canola plantings from close to zero acres less than a decade ago to more than 200,000 in 2011-12 is a remarkable achievement. This is particularly positive after last year’s recordsetting drought and decreased yields. At this time, the crop has tremendous potential all across the region. Nothing will generate a positive outlook for next season like a good crop this year.

It’s not easy to start a new industry from scratch. Success has been possible only because of the contributions and commitment from all segments of the industry to make it happen. There is finally recognition that this crop has staying power and can become a regular rotation crop in the Great Plains. For some, it already has. Originally recommended to clean up wheat ground, the economics of canola versus those for wheat make it a competitive crop to grow.

The return on investment for winter canola calls for more to take a look.

Upcoming Events THE GREAT PLAINS CANOLA ASSOCIATION AND OSU will host the 8 th annual Winter Canola Conference July 26 in Enid, Okla.

A second conference will be held July 31 in Altus, Okla. Both meetings will cover lessons learned from field research and grower experiences with the 2011-12 crop. These conferences will be valuable to both new and experienced growers who are looking for the latest information on canola.

RON SCHOLAR IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GREAT PLAINS CANOLA ASSOCIATION IN STILLWATER, OKLA.

Fields Tours Inspire Growers IT WAS EASY to be excited about this year’s crop potential as growers looked at canola research and demonstration plots during the recent Oklahoma State University (OSU) winter canola field tours. They were conducted at the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission-sponsored field demonstrations and OSU variety test sites across the canola growing region. Participants visited 14 locations to learn about pest control, variety selection, soil fertility, harvesting methods and marketing options.

Participants were also interested in the grower fields surrounding the test plots. After the disastrous weather conditions of the 2010-11 growing season and the very limited crop that was harvested, it was gratifying for growers to see what this crop can do under more favorable conditions. After weathering a dry fall, some well-timed spring rains have resulted in excellent potential for the crop.

Kansas State University also conducted seven field tours in late April and early May for growers to learn about variety selection, production methods, and harvesting and marketing options. Both public and private breeders are generating an array of winter canola varieties that have excellent yield potential and other desirable characteristics such as herbicide tolerance. More are on the way.

Photograph Yellow, Win Green

Enter the fourth annual U.S. Canola Digest photo contest for the opportunity to win cash prizes and have YOUR photo published in the magazine! Check out www.uscanola.com for submission details – and make it snappy!

The deadline for submission is Nov. 1, 2012.

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Blackleg’s Potential in Southern Plains Research Determines Best Management Practices JOHN DAMICONE, PH.D.; MIKE STAMM, M.S.; CHAD GODSEY, PH.D.; AND MARK BOYLES, M.S.

FIELD RESEARCH ON BLACKLEG has been ongoing since the disease was first discovered in Oklahoma in 2009. Blackleg can reduce yields by up to 50 percent, where susceptible varieties are grown and disease pressure is severe. Yield loss results from stem cankers (Figure 1) produced by the fungus near the soil line. Cankers reduce grain fill and may completely girdle stems prior to harvest.

Early research on blackleg in Oklahoma focused on characterizing the strain of the fungus first found in the state. Once it was realized that the aggressive strain was present, field research was initiated to determine the damage potential of the disease and to evaluate control strategies. The research was initiated with the 2010-11 crop and the trials have been repeated for the 2011-12 crop. The research has been funded by the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food Agriculture.

The trials evaluated genetic resistance, fungicide effectiveness and timing, and yield loss assessment. Rainfall during the crop season was half of the 30-year average. Dry conditions made stand establishment in the fall

a challenge. In addition, the drought conditions reduced blackleg pressure and produced yield variability, making treatment comparisons difficult. In addition, below zero freezing conditions in February induced winter decline syndrome, producing varying degrees of browning and hollowing of the internal areas of the plant crown near the soil line (Figure 2).

Severely affected plants lodged, while partially affected plants survived to harvest. Despite the adverse conditions, blackleg developed and disease ratings were collected. However, it was difficult to distinguish between blackleg and winter decline syndrome.

Yield Response of Canola Varieties to Blackleg

Commercial canola varieties representing a range of reactions to blackleg were selected based on results from screening trials in Georgia. The varieties HyClass 107W (susceptible), DKW 46-15 (moderately susceptible) and HyClass 154W (moderately resistant) were planted. They were inoculated with the blackleg fungus growing on oat kernels and stubble from an infested canola field at seedling (2 to 2 leaves), early rosette (6 to 8 leaves)

Figure 1. Stem canker symptom of blackleg disease.

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and late rosette (12 to 15 leaves) growth stages in the fall and at bolting the first flower bud in the spring. Non-inoculated plots served as the untreated check. Disease incidence, the percentage of plants with blackleg, disease severity and the degree of stem decay by blackleg (0-5; 0 = no disease, 5 = dead plant) were determined on stubble immediately after harvest on June 4.

Blackleg developed in the trial, but disease severity was low. Varieties responded similarly to blackleg inoculation, indicating they had similar levels of disease resistance (Figure 3).

HC 154W was previously classified as the most resistant of the three varieties, but it had the highest disease incidence. DKW46-15 was previously classified as intermediate, but had the lowest disease incidence in this trial. Varieties did not differ for disease severity. Varieties responded in a similar pattern to blackleg inoculation timing. Most plants developed disease, even in the non-inoculated check. However, both disease incidence and severity were greatest at the early (seedling) inoculation timing compared to the other inoculation times (Figure 4). Drought stress reduced yield in one of the replications, which contributed to yield

Figure 2. Swelling and internal discoloration of crown caused by winter decline syndrome.

Figure 3. Effect of variety on blackleg development at OSU’s Agronomy Research Station in Lake Carl Blackwell, 2010-11.

Diseased Plants (%)

Disease Rating (0-5)

80 variability. There was a trend for reduced yield at the seedling inoculation stage but the effect of inoculation timing on yield was not statistically significant (Figure 5). Yields of DKW4615 were higher than the other entries. In assessing the relationship between plot yields and plot disease ratings for the 60 plots, yields were negatively correlated with blackleg incidence and severity. There was an 11-pounds/acre reduction in yield for every increase in percent infection and a 313-pounds/acre reduction in yield for every increase in disease severity from 0 to 5.

b 75

Control of Blackleg with Fungicides

Plots of DKW 46-15, a popular canola variety, were planted and inoculated with the blackleg fungus at the seedling stage on Oct. 18, 2011. Fungicides representing the major

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0 HC107W DKW46-15 HC154 (S) (MS) (MR)

Screening Canola Varieties and Breeding Lines for Blackleg Resistance

Canola varieties and breeding lines, obtained from the breeding program at Kansas State University (KSU) and from commercial seed companies, were planted in replicated plots.

DEK ALB and Croplan Genetics varieties served as regional standards for Roundup Ready® types and the KSU varieties ‘Sumner’ and ‘Wichita’ were the regional standards for conventional types. Plots were inoculated by broadcasting oat kernels colonized by the blackleg fungus and canola stubble from an infested field at the seedling stage on Oct. 18, 2011.

Plots were evaluated for lodging caused by winter decline syndrome in April and for blackleg and internal symptoms of winter decline syndrome on stubble after harvest on June 10.

A total of 173 entries were screened in this trial. Data from released varieties and selected breeding lines are shown in Table 1. Except for HyClass 115 and DKW 41-10, which were among the most resistant entries to blackleg, the regional standard cultivars generally had low levels of winter decline syndrome and intermediate levels of blackleg. TCI 805 and MH06E10 were the most susceptible to blackleg while the breeding lines KS 4541 and KS 4430 were the most resistant. Other susceptible varieties included Dimension, Hornet, Hybristar, HyClass 110W and AAMU 607. There were several KSU breeding lines that had good resistance to both blackleg and winter syndrome.

Drought reduced yields in some areas of the trial and contributed to yield variability.

3

HC107W DKW46-15 HC154 (S) (MS) (MR)

Figure 4. Effect of inoculation timing on blackleg development at OSU’s Agronomy Research Station, Lake Carl Blackwell, 2010-11.

Diseased Plants (%)

Disease Rating (0-5)

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g g te te eck eedlin Roset Roset Boltin Ch S y e l Lat Ear

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g g te te eck eedlin Roset Roset Boltin Ch S y e l Lat Ear

Figure 5. Effects of variety and inoculation timing on blackleg development at the OSU Agronomy Research Station in Lake Carl Blackwell, 2010-11.

Variety

Inoculation Timing

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g g te te eck eedlin Roset Roset Boltin Ch S e ly Lat Ear

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Table 1. Reaction of selected canola varieties to blackleg and winter decline syndrome, OSU Agronomy Research Station in Lake Carl Blackwell, 2010-11.

Blackleg (10 Jun) Entry

Baldur Dimension Dynastie Flash Hornet Safran Sitro Visby Hybristar Hybrisurf Hybrilux Kadore Chrome HyClass 110W HyClass 115W HyClass 125W HyClass 154W DKW 41-10 DKW 44-10 DKW 46-15 DKW 47-15 Virginia VSX-3 Athena Amanda Durola Kiowa Riley Sumner Wichita KS 4083 KS 4428 KS 4022 KS NT08 KSU R19 KSU R21 KS 4430 KS 4541 Rossini TCI 805 AAMU 607 MH06E10 LSD0.055

Winter Decline Syndrome (%)

Incidence (%)1

Severity (0-5)2

April 283

sJune 104

Yield (pounds/ acre)

73 91 75 83 94 73 88 85 91 76 81 45 92 92 59 82 80 61 82 76 82 90 77 96 85 75 71 78 84 89 78 70 69 55 58 54 37 34 76 97 95 100 21

1.9 3.0 2.1 2.6 3.0 2.1 2.9 2.1 2.7 2.2 2.7 1.1 2.7 2.9 1.6 2.5 2.6 1.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.9 2.5 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.1 2.0 2.1 2.8 2.3 1.9 1.7 1.3 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.8 2.3 3.5 3.3 3.7 0.9

8 12 16 18 14 12 43 20 57 33 43 37 3 17 2 3 8 0 12 2 8 1 1 13 13 20 7 4 26 11 5 5 1 2 0 2 1 0 3 32 40 28 32

15 27 41 24 50 47 20 30 54 39 23 17 38 39 7 33 23 10 22 20 20 61 45 57 36 37 31 15 29 35 24 23 16 16 26 11 14 12 50 27 61 50 32

879 1308 797 838 981 981 511 1,287 429 306 429 1,287 1,328 1,042 1,001 1,042 1,124 797 1,042 1,185 899 552 981 450 797 470 1,001 1,369 858 1,308 1,101 1,124 1,022 1,369 1,390 1,124 1,410 1,390 1,124 838 531 572 617

Percentage of plants with blackleg after harvest.

Stem girdling after harvest: 0 = no disease, 5 = stem completely girdled by blackleg.

Percentage of plot lodged from winter decline syndrome.

4 Plants with internal crown browning and hollowing from winter decline syndrome after harvest.

5 Least significant difference.

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mode of action groups were applied at the early rosette stage and again two weeks later.

All fungicides were experimental except for Quadris®, a fungicide registered for use on canola. Disease incidence and severity were determined on stubble immediately after harvest on June 8. Blackleg pressure was low in this trial and drought stress increased yield variability. Quadris and Proline, an experimental fungicide, reduced levels of blackleg compared to the untreated check. None of the other fungicides reduced disease levels compared to the check. Yield was variable and did not differ among treatments.

The effectiveness of the registered fungicide, Quadris, was evaluated at various application times and number of applications. Quadris was applied once, twice and three times at all possible combinations of application timings at the seedling, early rosette and late rosette stages of crop development. Treated plots were compared to non-treated check plots. Disease incidence and disease severity were determined on stubble immediately after harvest on June 8. Disease pressure was low in this trial and there were no differences in blackleg levels or yield among treatments.

Blackleg’s Yield-Reducing Potential

Based on this first year of field research, blackleg appears to have the potential to reduce yields of winter canola in the southern Great Plains. The benefits of fungicide application were not apparent under low disease pressure. However, there was considerable variability in the reaction of varieties and breeding lines to both blackleg and winter decline syndrome. Selecting resistant varieties appears to be the best strategy for disease management. A few varieties had good resistance and several breeding lines showed excellent promise for managing both problems. In the 2011-12 crop, the leaf spot phase of blackleg has been widespread while winter decline syndrome has been minimal. Results from this year’s trials should lead to better understanding of the impacts and management of blackleg in the Southern Plains.

JOHN DAMICONE, PH.D., IS AN EXTENSION PLANT PATHOLOGIST AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY IN STILLWATER, OKLA. CHAD GODSEY, PH.D., IS AN OILSEED SPECIALIST AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY IN STILLWATER, OKLA. MIKE STAMM, M.S., IS A CANOLA BREEDER AT KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN MANHATTAN, KAN. MARK BOYLES, M.S., IS A CANOLA EXTENSION SPECIALIST AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY IN STILLWATER, OKLA.

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Powerhouse Grower: Bob Schrock Disease Has Potential to Reduce Yields BRITTANY FARB

IF YOU ASKED BOB SCHROCK when he was

a child what he wanted to be as an adult, anything but farming would have been his answer.

However, he is now a third-generation farmer and pioneer in the canola industry. He quickly established himself as a major player in the field with

How do you define a “powerhouse grower?”

SCHROCK: Someone who [has been a grower] for a while, has several acres and has tried to continually improve yields and the quality of the product.

FARB:

SCHROCK: I’m a third generation farmer.

FARB:

How did you get involved with growing canola?

I drove a tractor for my dad and did all the chores required of a farm boy, but it wasn’t something I was actively planning on doing.

It just kind of fell into place at a certain time in my life.

It was about nine years ago … there was a project out of Oklahoma State with Monsanto and some other people that [were working with] a rotation crop in the Central Plains and Southern Great Plains. I had heard about it for maybe a year, but it didn’t really do much for me. But after I went to a canola field day and saw the demonstration with the rotation, the yields, the price for the product and the future of the product with the oil and the meal, it seemed like it had a fit. It just seemed to click.

FARB:

SCHROCK: I was a wheat grower and stocker

the help of the Great Plains Canola Association.

Schrock currently farms on the Kansas/Oklahoma border, residing in right outside Kiowa, Kan., but utilizing Oklahoma cell phone service, with about eight miles of his farm in Oklahoma and four miles in Kansas. U.S. Canola Digest interviewed him via telephone about his journey from knowing nothing about winter canola to dominating the field.

“

I was a wheat grower and cattle stocker operator for about 16 or 17 years before I got into canola. We had been growing wheat for way too long, the labor was getting out of control and I kind of needed to change gears.”

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Can you talk about your experience as a grower before canola?

cattle operator for about 16 or 17 years before I got into canola. We had been growing wheat for way too long, the labor was getting out of control and I kind of needed to change gears.

FARB:

SCHROCK: Canola is a whole different ani-

What challenges do you face as a canola grower that you didn’t face as a wheat grower?

mal. It’s a lot more of a finicky and sensitive crop than wheat in this region. The challenges have been dealing with the insects and getting the timing down on insecticides to control things that can give us trouble here. [Canola] is a lot more of an intensive crop so that’s what I spend a lot of my time doing with this job description. I got off the combine and off the tractor — at least more than I used to. I spend a lot of my time scouting and have had to hire

Photo courtesy of Lori Schrock.

Winter canola grower Bob Schrock on his farm, which spans about eight miles in Oklahoma and four miles in Kansas.

a lot more operators to run the machinery, which has helped me grow higher yields and be a better farmer with other things I grow besides canola like wheat and corn. It’s helped me evolve as a farmer and that’s a necessity to make this crop profitable in this area.

FARB:

SCHROCK: It is a little different. The friend-

How would you describe the camaraderie among canola growers compared to other growers?

ships I have made with guys from Oklahoma to southern Kansas have been good bonds.

The network of what’s happening as things ripen and things move has been a big benefit to growers.

FARB:

SCHROCK: I do a lot of farm trials with

What is your involvement with Kansas State and Oklahoma State?

growers from both Kansas State and Oklahoma State. We’ve been involved with this for about nine years now. We do a bit of scouting for blackleg and micronutrients.

We’ve figured out some hurdles that we can overcome for the next generation of growers. We’re also trying to figure out production practices so we can get consistent yields and higher yields to handle more acres in the time-sensitive window that we have here for planting and harvesting because of weather conditions.

FARB:

SCHROCK: When I first started out, I studied a big, thick Canadian book about canola that is considered to be [the industry’s] Holy Grail of growing. As far as the differences, things that work up [North] don’t always work the same down here because of the humidity and the heat differences. When we’re harvesting, we’re going into the summer. When they harvest, they are going out of the summer so there are differences in how you handle the crop with timing. We do a lot of stuff at night after the sun goes down here for humidity.

There is such a tight planting window here, we

Can you explain more about the differences between winter and spring canola, other than the fact they grow during different times of the year?

“

There is a lot of dry soil because we are coming off of a serious, record-breaking drought. We caught some rain in late fall and winter and if we can [catch more rain], we can have a good crop.

If more growers experience that and have a profitable canola crop, acres can go up along with infrastruc­ture … Another thing I’m excited about is the price premium of canola to wheat in our area – it’s about double.”

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U.S. CANOL A DIGEST

13

“

We cook with 100 percent canola oil and canola butter. Once you strike up the conversation with friends and family from all over the country and show you have deep attachment to this stuff, it spreads.” plant aggressively, even if that means planting 24 hours a day until we get it done.

We also don’t seem to have the environment for blackleg like they do up north, but we did already experience [it] a few years ago. As we get more acres here and get into a tighter rotation, we are coming back to the canola crop on the same dirt in two, three, four and five years.

Mother Nature will throw curve balls at us, we know that.

FARB:

What advantages and disadvantages do you face being located in the south?

FARB:

14

so far is when canola is flowering, it can be very hot [with] low humidity. It’s just a harsh environment in western to southwest Kansas into northern Oklahoma. We also don’t get quite the oil quantity. I think we’ve been running around 40 percent oil on the samples we have been growing over the last several years.

There seems to be about 2 or 3 percent more oil in North Dakota and the upper Canadian region because they’re a bit cooler and have a more friendly pod-filling environment than we do here. It’s an ongoing experience to get better quality and we will keep at it.

FARB:

SCHROCK: There were a lot of acres put in

U.S. CANOL A DIGEST

FARB:

SCHROCK: Jeff Scott* and I go way back.

We started growing [canola] at the same time and we bounce things off each other all the time. That’s been a big help. We got in this thing together and have made a lot of mistakes, but we do a lot of on-farm trials then share our experiences and what we are going to try next. We have a lot of failures but we are always trying to put something away that gets us another two, three, four or five bushels and do it on a return on investment level that we are happy with. We have lot of pride with [canola] so we want to do the best we can with it.

Who would you consider your greatest mentor?

FARB: What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

SCHROCK: You have to keep track of your

income for state taxes so it’s a bit more paperwork, but that’s about all it amounts to. It’s no big deal.

this year. There is a lot of dry soil because we are coming off of a serious, record-breaking drought. We caught some rain in late fall and winter and if we can [catch more rain], we can have a good crop. If more growers experience that and have a profitable canola crop, acres can go up along with infrastructure.

Crushers and trucking companies [will benefit because] they can get all of the equipment out to the farms and receive a good price.

Another thing I’m excited about is the price premium of canola to wheat in our area — it’s about double.

J U N E • J U LY 2 0 1 2

SCHROCK: Go to the schools put on by

the Great Plains Canola Association in conjunction with the crushers around here or Monsanto and other seed companies. Get a phone number of someone being successful with it in close proximity to your farm to mentor you. See what’s working. See what [canola growers] are doing now and see what they have changed in their current operation.

Most of them are willing to share their experiences and help out their neighbors. Don’t make the same mistakes – there are a lot of mistakes that can happen and I can vouch for that with this crop.

SCHROCK: Our main disadvantage that I see

Do you face extra challenges growing across the state border?

What do you expect for the upcoming winter canola growing season?

FARB: What advice do you have for novice canola growers?

FARB: Are you a consumer of canola oil?

SCHROCK: The success we have had has made the whole quality of life for my family better than it was. We don’t work the hours per year that we used to and that gives us more time to enjoy life. That’s quite a bit of a reward.

I hope to look back someday and see this winter canola thing that started from just a few thousand acres and a few test plots turn out to be a million plus or 2 million acre plus crop and say ”Hey, I was a part of that in the beginning.”

SCHROCK: Yes, [my family] is probably one

of the largest consumers of Land O’Lakes canola butter in the country. My daughter, wife and I put it on just about anything it can go on. We cook with 100 percent canola oil and canola butter. Once you strike up the conversation with friends and family from all over the country and show you have deep attachment to this stuff, it spreads.

BRITTANY FARB IS MANAGING EDITOR OF U.S. CANOLA DIGEST. * Jeff Scott is president of the Great Plains Canola Association based in Pond Creek, Okla.

Grow With Us Support the Canola Industry by Becoming a USCA Member The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) is the only national organization representing all industry segments— including producers, processors, food manufacturers, exporters, seed and crop protection companies— with the shared goal of increasing U.S. canola acreage. By becoming a USCA member, you’ll help influence agricultural policy and have access to the most up-to-date canola news.

Join today by visiting the membership section of the USCA web site at www.uscanola.com and take this “golden” opportunity to support a promising U.S. crop.

For regular updates on what’s hap­ pening in the world of canola, sign up for a free subscription to Canola Quick Bytes, an e-newsletter covering such topics as agronomy, legislation, nutrition and biodiesel. Subscribe at www.uscanola.com.

winter canola research

Winter Canola in Double-Cropping System Alabama Addresses Local Issues

WITH A COMMITMENT to the promotion of canola as a winter crop in the southeastern U.S., researchers at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) are continuing to conduct field research that will help address technical issues concerning local and regional farmers.

AAMU’s research activities include breeding for early maturity, evaluation of harvest aids, management of major insect pests and rotational schemes for winter canola in a double-cropping system. To improve adoption of winter canola by growers in Alabama and the region as a whole, winter canola cultivars must be harvested by midMay to allow for timely planting of a second (summer) crop. Current commercial varieties are not ready for harvest until early-to mid-June.

Early- maturing lines of canola are a potential solution to this problem.

AAMU has developed several early-maturing lines of canola, which are being further tested for productivity to determine their commercial competitiveness against existing conventional varieties.

Additional studies involve the evaluation of agrochemicals for the desic­ cation of plants at various times before harvest. The use of a proper desic­ cant with early-maturing lines will allow growers to harvest profitable winter canola in early May. Successful outcome of this work will increase adoption of the crop by local farmers and, therefore, canola acreage.

AAMU is also involved in monitoring insect pest levels on canola in commercial fields and observing beneficial species on canola. These data will help formulate strategies to control pest species with minimal negative impact on natural enemies and pollinators. Cabbage seedpod weevil and tarnished plant bug are the most dominant pest species in the experimental field plots.

Earlier studies have allowed researchers to determine optimal planting dates (Sept. 15-Oct. 10) in the region. Fertilizer requirement for profitable yield is met at 150 units of nitrogen and 30 units of sulfur. Since the crop is new in the region, insect infestation levels in commercial fields have

Photo courtesy of Alabama A&M University.

ERNST CEBERT, PH.D., AND RUFINA WARD, PH.D.

not presented economic problems to local farmers to date. However, continued monitoring is necessary to keep up with pest population changes.

Preliminary evaluation of early-maturing lines indicates that they are comparable in yield to commercially available conventional varieties.

In 2008, the first commercial production of winter canola in the area was on 400 acres farmed by a local producer working with AAMU. During the 2011 spring harvest, 3,200 acres were harvested in northern Alabama and more is expected to be planted after this year’s harvest. Winter canola is a viable and profitable alternative to winter wheat. However, the primary concern of farmers remains the availability of market outlets. The growth of the crops will depend on the expansion of this market.

ERNST CEBERT, PH.D., IS ASSOCIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES AND RUFINA WARD, PH.D., IS ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES AT ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY IN NORMAL, ALA.

Canola Production C1

〉〉 Can we add value to growing canola?

Seeds From Growers

Biobased Co-products C4.1 Biofuel Production C4

Biobased Co-productd C1.1

Canola Crushing Facility C2 Oilseed Cake Feed Industry C2.1

Food  Feed  Fuel

WVO Feedstock Processing C4

Food Grade Canola Oil

Waste Vegetable Oil

Food Processing Industry C3

E. Cerbert & L. Hanck, 2008.

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winter canola research

Research Program Prospers in Great Plains Cultivar Development, Crop Protection and Technology Remain Priorities MIKE STAMM, M.S.

Today, the program’s highest priorities are cultivar development, crop production research and technology transfer to producers.

cultivars, including Griffin, had higher mean yields with no tillage than conventional tillage.

One of the program’s subcontractors, Colorado State University (CSU), is using its funding to conduct an on-farm testing program for Photos courtesy of the Great Plains Canola Research Program.

THE GREAT PLAINS Canola Research Program (GPCRP), coordinated by Kansas State University (KSU), has been supported by the National Canola Research Program since 1994. About $2.1 million has been invested in the region.

One of the goals of the breeding program is to increase oil content and quality. Researchers are selecting parent lines for crossing blocks with stable oil content and developing cultivars that average 40 percent or greater oil across a wide range of environments.

The program is using new sources of blackleg resistance and advancing resistant cultivars identified through a disease-screening nurser y in collaboration with Oklahoma State University.

GPCRP researchers are improving canola production systems in the region by addressing agronomic management issues, including crop establishment, cultivar development under no tillage, planting date, simulated grazing of forage, irrigation, forage, crop rotation, harvest management and on-farm testing.

In t he t h ree-yea r study at KSU, eight commercial cultivars were seeded in conventional tillage and no tillage with four planting dates. The study showed that crown height decreases with planting date and it is generally higher in no tillage compared to tillage. Some cultivars had lower crown heights across planting dates than others. One of the varieties was Griffin, which was released by KSU in 2011. Other cultivars, especially some of the hybrids, had higher crown heights because of their vigorous fall growth. Four cultivars had higher winter survival in no tillage compared to tillage across planting dates. Three

 One of the goals of the Great Plains Canola Research Program is to increase oil content and quality in the region.

E vidence of winter t decline syndrome.

winter canola. On-farm testing for wheat has been very successful as universities and producers tend to put more faith in the results when the research takes place on their farms. CSU hopes to increase awareness, visibility and acres of winter canola. Six varieties were planted by eight producers in 2011 and 2012 and the program will be continued in 2012 and 2013.

Momentum for acreage growth in the southern Great Plains is very high. A goal of 300,000 planted acres is set for this fall. Many producers are anxiously awaiting harvest of this year’s crop. The research conducted and the information disseminated from this collaborative, multidisciplinary project is directly impacting the acreage growth.

MIKE STAMM, M.S., IS A CANOLA BREEDER AT KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY IN MANHATTAN, KAN.

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winter canola research

Newer Canola Kid on Block Pacific Northwest Continues to Quickly Develop BRITTANY FARB

ALTHOUGH THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST is not typically known as a major canola-growing region, the past year has been busy for the crop. Jack Brown, Ph.D., professor of plant breeding and genetics at the University of Idaho, updated the U.S. Canola Association in March 2012 about the region’s commitment to the canola industry.

“Spring and winter canola is now making as much or even more money as other rotational crops in the region,” he said.

Canola seed production is at an all-time high and continues to appear promising.

Construction started on Pa c i f ic C oa s t Canola in July 2011 in Photo courtesy Pacific Coast Canola.

Warden, Wash. This canola crush facility is designed to crush more than 350,000 metric tonnes of canola seed annually and produce 300 million pounds of canola oil each year.

“There are a lot of potato chip processing plants where we are so there’s a strong customer base right in that area and there’s also a potential to dramatically expand the acreage of western canola,” said Steve Starr, vice president of seed procurement at Pacific Coast Canola.

“Assuming that we achieve our goals in increasing acreage, we will have a logistical advantage for vegetable oil and meal for certain markets.”

Odessa Gold Biodiesel is producing 8 million gallons of biodiesel per year, amounting to about 55,000 to 60,000 acres at 150 gallons per acre.

The region is also looking forward to the 10th on the 10th Canola Field Day on July 10 at the University of Idaho.

Brown noted that he continues to identify superior cultivars of

winter and spring canola suitable for production in Idaho as well other regions in the Pacific Northwest. Along with Jim Davis, Ph.D., of the University of Idaho and Don Wysocki, Ph.D., and Nick Sirovatka, Ph.D., of Oregon State University, Brown has completed a winter canola variety trial with 24 cultivars. Advanced breeding lines were grown under conventional and direct seed planting methods at eight locations between 2010 and 2011. In addition, a spring canola variety trial with 32 cultivars or advanced breeding lines was planted at eight locations in 2011. For an explanation of the results thus far, see the charts below.

Brown gave several additional progress reports on the following ongoing studies in the region: • I nvestigating Different Canola Cultivars in Response to Environments in Montana • Increasing the Value of Winter Canola Crops by Developing Ensiling Systems (CanolageTM) to Produce Cattle Feed • Optimizing Planting Date and Timing of Limited Fall Irrigation to Improve Yields of Fall-Planted Canola in the Semi-Arid Klamath Basin • Developing Biennial, Early Planted, Winter Canola in the Pacific Northwest • Spring Canola as a Rotational Crop for Northwestern Montana • Optimizing Planting Date and Timing of Limited Fall Irrigation to Improve Yields of Fall-Planted Canola in the Semi-Arid Klamath Basin Brown also noted that the Pacific Northwest Canola Research Program sponsored a research review consisting of 13 presentations about funded projects and seven new proposals. The 2012 fiscal year appropriation for this program was just over $130,000.

BRITTANY FARB IS MANAGING EDITOR OF U.S. CANOLA DIGEST.

Select Spring Canola Cultivars

Select Winter Canola Cultivars

(pounds / acre)

Cultivar

Company

2011

Cultivar

Mean

2011

2010

-

1,991

Athena

3,630

4,367

2,893

Bayer CropSci

2,313

Amanda

3,900

4,215

3,584

Cargill

2,113

DKW 46-15 RR

3,194

3,493

2,896

DKL 55-55 RR

Monsanto

2,184

Visby

3,293

4,456

2,131

2012 CL

Mycogen

1,903

Baldur

3,583

3,936

3,230

Croplan Genetics

2,005

Sitro

3,722

4,006

3,438

Hyola 401 InVigor 5440 LL 07-H-874

HyCLASS 955 RR

18

(pounds / acre)

U.S. CANOL A DIGEST

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Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers

Maintaining Momentum in Southern Plains Focus on Disease Control and Social Media CHAD GODSEY, PH.D.

WINTER CANOLA ACREAGE has exploded in Oklahoma since 2008 by 138 percent. This rapid increase is a direct result of the OKANOLA project, which introduced winter canola as a profitable alternative crop in the continuous winter wheat systems of western Oklahoma. To maintain the expansion of winter canola acres in the Southern Plains, Oklahoma State University (OSU) has identified five short- and long-term potential obstacles, collectively known as Maintaining the Momentum. These obstacles include insect management, disease management, no-till canola management, rotational systems and extension activities.

In regards to insect management, OSU will document the relationship between the intensity of diamondback moth larvae per plant and winter canola yield, establishing economic thresholds. In addition, researchers think it is critical to develop a comprehensive and efficient scouting plan for monitoring of all key and occasional insect pests of winter canola in the Southern Plains.

For Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets in the U.S.: On February 8, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its decision to implement interim measures of deregulation with conditions for the planting of Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets root crops, and of planting under USDA permit for Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets seed crops.

Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets can only be sold, transported and planted in compliance with the conditions imposed by USDA and as set forth in mandatory compliance agreements with USDA, which must be in place prior to transport or planting. Growers must comply with the Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement (MTSA) Amendment and the Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets Technology Use Guide (TUG) Addendum on www.Genuity.com.

For Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets in the U.S.: The Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement is amended as follows: Grower agrees to transport and plant Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets only for the production of a root crop, and not for seed production, and in compliance with the conditions imposed by the USDA under the deregulation with conditions and as set forth in mandatory compliance agreements with USDA, which grower agrees will be in place prior to transport or planting.

Based on the decision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 27, 2011, Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa seed is available for sale and distribution by authorized Seed Companies or their dealers for use in the United States only.

This seed may not be planted outside of the United States, or for the production of seed, or sprouts.

Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems.

Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. Do not export Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa seed or crop, including hay or hay products, to China pending import approval. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Biotechnology Industry Organization.

B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state.

Photos courtesy of Oklahoma State University.

Currently, disease pressure is low in the region, but it is likely to increase as canola acres continue to expand. Blackleg is a major disease that researchers want to prevent from becoming an obstacle in the Southern Plains. Screening newer varieties and creating a comprehensive management plan for blackleg is important for the long-term success of winter canola in the region.

With the expansion of acreage, problems with canola production in no-till fields, weed control and volunteer canola control in the newer production areas such as Texas arise. One way that the region may overcome some of the problems with keeping stands over the winter in no-till systems is through the use of row crop planters. However, past research has indicated a yield decrease with 30-inch rows in high-yielding environments. Researchers need to evaluate if differences exist in cultivars with their ability to compensate for wider row spacing.

Perhaps the most important pieces of “Maintaining the Momentum” are the region’s extension activities. In addition to field days and meetings around Oklahoma, OSU has taken a multi-faceted approach for timely dissemination of information with several social media tools including an electronic newsletter, five Twitter accounts reaching an estimated 800 followers and three YouTube channels with more than 2,500 views.

The Southern Plains region hopes that by being pro-active in addressing obstacles to canola production with continued support from the U.S. Canola Association, it can continue to increase winter canola production.

CHAD GODSEY, PH.D., IS AN OILSEED SPECIALIST AND ASSISTANCE PROFESSOR AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY IN STILLWATER, OKLA.

IMPORTANT IRM INFORMATION: RIB Complete™ corn does not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete™ and Genuity® VT Double PRO® RIB Complete™ corn are blended seed corn products. See the IRM/Grower Guide for additional information. Always read and follow IRM requirements.

Cottonseed containing Monsanto traits may not be exported for the purpose of planting without a license from Monsanto.

Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Roundup Ready® crops contain genes that confer tolerance to glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides. Roundup® brand agricultural herbicides will kill crops that are not tolerant to glyphosate. Acceleron and Design®, Acceleron®, Asgrow®, Biotech Yield Assurance®, BYASM, Bollgard II®, Genuity and Design®, Genuity Icons, Genuity®, Respect the Refuge and Cotton Design®, RIB Complete and Design™, RIB Complete™, Roundup Ready 2 Technology and Design®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready®,Roundup®, SmartStax and Design®, SmartStax®, VT Double PRO®, VT Triple PRO®, YieldGard VT Triple® and YieldGard VT® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC. Ignite® and LibertyLink® and the Water Droplet Design® are registered trademarks of Bayer. Herculex® is a registered trademark of Dow AgroSciences LLC. Respect the Refuge® and Respect the Refuge and Corn Design® are registered trademarks of National Corn Growers Association.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2011 Monsanto Company.

usca update ❰ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

Ranking Member Pat Robert’s Opening Statement, April 26 Senate Agriculture Committee Mark-up of 2012 Farm Bill (from Senate Ag Committee page).

I am proud to say that we have put together a bipartisan bill that strengthens and preserves the safety net for our farmers and ranchers and rural America, while providing $23 billion in deficit reduction under this mark as drafted. Let me repeat that: the Senate Agriculture Committee has drafted a bill that voluntarily provides $23 billion in deficit reduction.

We’ve eliminated: • Four commodity programs and rolled them into one, while saving approximately $15 billion from farm safety-net programs.

• 23 Conservation programs are streamlined into 13 while saving nearly $6.4 billion.

• $4 billion is saved in the nutrition title.

• 15 program authorizations are eliminated in the Rural Development title, eliminating over $1 billion of authorized spending over 10 years.

• Two programs are combined and another two eliminated in specialty crops.

• O ver $1.2 billion in mandatory money is transferred to discretionary authorizations in the Energy title.

• Five programs are eliminated in the Forestry title, reducing authorizations by at least $20 million.

• A nd, over 60 authorizations are eliminated from the Research title, reducing authorizations by at least $770 million over 5 years.

Madame Chairwoman; that is $23 billion in mandatory savings – at least $1.8 billion in reduced discretionary authorizations, and at least 96 programs or authorizations eliminated.

This is a reform bill. No other committee, in the House or Senate, has voluntarily undertaken programmatic and funding reforms at this level in this budget climate.

Madame Chairwoman, this is not only a reform bill. It is also one that strengthens and preserves our farm risk management, conservation, research and rural community programs.

We have strengthened and preserved the crop insurance program – the number one priority of virtually every producer that testified before our Committee. We’ve streamlined our commodity programs while reducing complexity for the producer. We’ve updated the acreage upon which support is based to reflect more recent cropping patterns.

Madame Chairwoman, that’s a point I want to discuss a little more.

In recent days, it has seemed there has been a little confusion here in the Capitol region. It seems that some think we should write farm safety-net programs and allocate their funding by commodity group or organization.

If all you did was listen to these groups, you’d think we were robbing Peter to pay Paul. I understand that the elimination of direct payments is a big deal to many commodities.

I originally authored the program. One of the biggest beneficiaries of

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the program has been wheat – especially in Kansas. But the taxpayers have been clear in this budget climate. Why should Congress defend a program based on planting acreages established over 25 years ago?

Yes. The elimination of direct payments means the end of many wheat payments in Kansas. But, that does not mean Kansas producers will no longer have a farm safety-net. Quite the contrary, they’ll have a strong risk management system, it’ll just be for different crops.

Why? Because when base acres were established over 25 years ago, Kansas planted 2.8 million acres of corn, 4.2 million acres of sorghum, 1.6 million acres of soybeans, and 12.1 million acres of wheat.

In the most recent three year period Kansas farmers planted 4.6 million acres of corn, 2.6 million acres of sorghum, 4 million acres of soybeans, and 8.8 million acres of wheat. That is 4.9 million fewer acres of wheat and sorghum and 4.2 million more acres of corn and soybeans.

Madame Chairwoman, those acreage shifts have occurred because farmers made those decisions – not Washington. Our producers have planted for the domestic and international markets.

Money is shifting among commodities because farmers are farming differently – throughout the states on this Committee. It is not shifting because we are intentionally picking winners and losers .

Chair Frank Lucas’ Opening Statement, May 16 Hearing on 2012 Farm Bill before the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management (transcribed from hearing video). … Along with crop insurance, Title I programs establish the very fabric of the farm safety net. They ensure that dramatic swings in commodity prices and volatile weather don’t put farmers and ranchers out of business. Further, they ensure that we, as consumers, always have a stable food and fiber supply.

That safety net has to exist for all regions, and all crops, and has to be written with bad times in mind. These programs should not guarantee that the good times are the best, but rather that the bad times are manageable …

Our farmers and ranchers have to deal with the uncertainties of weather and the insecurities of markets and many times dramatically unfair foreign competition. So it is critical that we get the policy right. With all the challenges that our producers face, farm policy can’t be one of them.

And to that end, I have said many times, and I think it is a reflection of what my colleagues have just noted, the farm bill that we craft has to recognize the diversity of agriculture in America. It has to work for all regions and all commodities. And that’s why it is vitally important that the commodity title provide producers with options so they can choose the program that works best for them, whether it is protecting revenue, or price.

Additionally, the Agriculture Committee has heard very clearly from producers the importance of crop insurance. And, I am committed to providing a strong crop insurance program for them.

DALE THORENSON IS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE U.S. CANOLA ASSOCIATION IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

quick bytes

capitol hill The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted two patents to Burcon NutraScience Corporation for the production of canola protein isolates Supertein™ and Nutratein™. Supertein contains higher levels of the sulfur amino acids cysteine and methionine and will be used for food items such as beverages, desserts and protein bars. Nutratein contains the storage proteins napin and cruciferin and will be used in animal feed and aquaculture applications.

On April 26, the U.S. Labor Department announced the complete withdrawal of the proposed rule on child labor in agriculture, including a possible narrowing of the parental exemption for children working on family farms.

Instead, the Departments of Labor and Agriculture plan to partner with farm organizations, Future Farmers of America and 4-H groups to develop an educational program to help reduce farm accidents involving youth.

agronomy After a dry fall and record-setting hot March, yield prospects in the Southern Plains are terrific for canola farmers whose crops bloomed two to three weeks ahead of schedule. “We’ll be seeing some really exciting things this year if Mother Nature

helps us out,” said Jeff Scott, president of the Great Plains Canola Association, to the Ag Journal. This year’s tall, dense and pod-heavy crop has agronomists debating just how high canola yields can go. The return of cooler and wetter weather in April brought more blooms to the crops, potentially increasing yields even more. Scott spent $350 an acre on his canola this year, about $50 an acre more than he would usually spend, but it is paying off. With canola prices up this year, Scott plans to make $500 an acre gross profit.

nutrition Canola oil is now associated with a breakthrough in cancer research.

Published in the April 2012 issue of Cancer Prevention Research, a Rutgers University study states two forms of vitamin E in products like canola oil may have cancerfighting properties. “Our message is that the vitamin E form of gamma-tocopherols, the most abundant form of vitamin E in the American diet, and delta-tocopherols, also found in vegetable oils, are beneficial in preventing cancers,” said Chung S. Yang, director of the Center for Cancer Prevention Research at Rutgers.

Nutritionists at Oklahoma State University recommend using healthy oils such as canola oil for cooking to cut solid fat from the diet. They also recommend using lean cuts of meat with little fat, choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy products and eating a variety of protein sources such as nuts, beans and eggs.

oil for fuel Dairy farmer Ben Magness took the unusual step of planting 25 acres of canola in Maryland, which is rarely found in the region. In fact, he believes he is the only farmer actively growing canola in the state. He wasn’t even sure if canola would grow locally when he tested it out on one acre before investing in an oil-extraction system. Curious passersby stopped to ask questions about and take pictures of the yellow flowers so Magness erected a sign in his field identifying the plants as “oilseed canola.”

He crushes his own canola for meal, which he sells for feed and uses to nourish his own cows, and oil. His ultimate goal is to produce food-grade oil to sell at restaurants and farmer’s markets.

latest from canada Canada’s canola crushers are processing the oilseed at a record pace. The Canadian Oilseed Processors Association reports Canadian canola processors have crushed almost 4.6 million tonnes of seed this year – ahead of last year’s record of 6.3 million tonnes. The increase in demand is in response to rising popularity of canola oil in the U.S. commercial food market. It also follows the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval of the use of Canadian canola in U.S. biodiesel.

According to Oil World, Canadian

canola plantings may increase from 6.6 percent to 12 percent this year as farmers respond to higher prices. These plantings may exceed the European Union’s combined sowing of winter and spring rapeseed for the first time.

Bloomberg reports production could reach between 15 million and 15.4 million metric tons from about 14.4 million tons last year and 13.1 million tons in 2010.

Planting will increase from 7.6 hectares last year to up to 8.5 million hectares.

about usca The U.S. Canola Association Annual Membership & Board of Director Meetings were held March 19-21 in Washington, D.C. Newly elected board members are producers Pat Murphy (N.D.) and Andrew Moore (Ga.) and industry representatives Al Dombek of CHS, Neil Juhnke of Northstar Agri-Industries, Grant Ozipko of Syngenta, John Slater of Cargill and Mark Torno of Winfield Solutions. The gathering included the annual “Canola on Capitol Hill” reception on March 20, where about 450 Congressional staff involved with agriculture enjoyed a “Canola Country BBQ Chew,” featuring dishes from U.S. canola-growing regions. USCA members also met individually with Congressional staff to push for farm bill and research priorities.

W W W . U S C A N O L A . CO M

U.S. CANOL A DIGEST

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canola cooks

Black Bean Burgers with Avocado-Lime Mayonnaise MAYONAISSE ½ ripe medium avocado, peeled and pitted 2 Tbsp canola mayonnaise 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice 1 Tbsp water ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

BURGERS

Redefining the Summer Burger

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained ½ of 15-oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained ½ cup finely chopped green bell pepper ¹⁄ ³ cup quick-cooking oats 2 large egg whites 1 Tbsp canola oil ¹⁄8-¼ tsp cayenne pepper canola oil cooking spray 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split and toasted ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion 4 tomato slices 4 lettuce leaves 4 lime wedges (optional)

BRITTANY FARB

AS A DISPLACED MISSOURI GIRL, I have some pretty distinct characteristics. I cheer for the Cardinals, drink Budweiser whenever possible and understand the concept of foods such as gooey butter cake and toasted ravioli. Growing up, a dinner without meat was simply not considered a real meal to my Midwestern family. Ribs, chicken and ground beef were the usual suspects and despite moving to and from various cities around the country in my young adult life, I stayed true to my meat lover cravings.

Until this summer… In an attempt to incorporate more vegetables into my diet, I started to experiment with several plant-based diets. I attended a vegetarian Passover Seder, researched several alternative diets and thoroughly investigated the health benefits of various vegetables and fruits (after all, I am a journalist!).

So what’s a meat and potatoes girl to do with a bunch of plants? With summertime here, I knew it would be difficult incorporating those fruits and veggies into my diet with so many meat-based barbeque treats available. But I quickly found a few alternatives.

My favorite find was CanolaInfo’s Black Bean Burger with Avocado-Lime Mayonnaise, a vegetarian twist on the classic burger. Although it contains no meat, each serving provides a whopping 19 grams of protein and thanks to canola oil, only 1.8 grams of saturated fat. The recipe calls for a flavorful combination of potatoes, beans, bell pepper, oats, egg whites and cayenne pepper and with canola oil’s neutral taste and light texture, these distinct flavors pop.

It’s definitely different than that standard beef patty and ketchup!

I do maintain burger tradition with a bun, but for a low-carb variation, omit the bread and serve the patty on a lettuce leaf and slices of tomato and onion. Spoon the mayonnaise mixture on top of the patty and add a few lime wedges for presentation. With or without the bun, this creative and healthy recipe will appeal to meat eaters and non-meat eaters alike.

For additional summer meal ideas, visit the “grilling” recipe collection at www.canolainfo.org.

BRITTANY FARB IS MANAGING EDITOR OF U.S. CANOLA DIGEST.

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U.S. CANOL A DIGEST

J U N E • J U LY 2 0 1 2

1. Place canola mayonnaise ingredients in blender, secure lid and purée until smooth.

2. Place beans in gallon-size resealable bag. Using meat mallet, pound beans to coarse texture, resembling lumpy mashed potatoes. Place beans in medium bowl and add bell pepper, oats, egg whites, canola oil and cayenne pepper. Mix well and shape into four patties.

3.

Coat large, nonstick skillet with canola oil cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Patties and cook 4 minutes on each side or until they begin to lightly brown. Patties will be fragile, so be sure to turn them gently.

4. To assemble, spoon 1 Tbsp canola mayonnaise mixture on each bun half.

Top each bottom bun with burger, onion, tomato slice and lettuce leaf.

Place bun tops over each. Serve with lime wedges.

Yield: 4 servings.

Serving size: 1 burger.

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Main Photo: Direct Harvesting of Desiccated Winter Canola with a JD Flex Header.

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