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. Future outlook Prospects for canola appear to be very good.
Market analysts predict up to a tenfold expansion in U.S. consumption.
The 1990 Farm Bill also enhances opportunities for growing canola. Under the new Farm Bill provisions, canola can be planted on triple base or nonpayment acres. As with most new crops, problems do exist. At present, there is no established grower base for canola. Only a limited number of varieties are available, and most are not perfectly adapted to the regions where they are being grown.