Several elevators in Missouri have agreed to take canola seed from farmers. Approximately 2,000 acres of canola were planted in the state in the fall of 1990. Missouri's agroclimatic conditions are considered to have excellent potential for canola. The state also has a ready market for meal as a livestock feed. Producers should consider forward contracting as a marketing alternative until more local markets are developed.
Canola offers producers several benefits.
It is excellent for double-cropping and is potentially more profitable than wheat, although more risk is associated with growing canola at this stage of development. Canola also spreads labor needs, provides a cash flow in June or July and requires no extra production equipment. Canola offers Missouri farmers the opportunity to grow a superior-quality oilseed with a high market value. Input costs are slightly higher compared with winter wheat, in part because nitrogen and seed costs can be greater. Research indicates that yields with current varieties would probably average 30 to 40 bushels per acre in actual farm production.