U.S. Canola Production

More than 2 million acres of canola are grown annually in the United States, primarily in the Northern Plains, Pacific Northwest and Southern Great Plains. In 2023, a record of nearly 4.2 billion pounds of canola were produced on 2.3 million acres in 30 states, led by North Dakota (nearly 1.92 million acres) and followed by Washington (163,000), Montana (160,000), Idaho (100,000) and Minnesota (79,000). North Dakota produced a record 3.4 billion pounds on 1.9 million acres.

U.S. Canola-Growing Regions by County

Spring and Winter Canola

There are two types of canola: spring and winter, named as such for when they are planted. Spring canola is planted in early spring (March) and harvested around September. This type accounts for the majority of U.S. canola production. Winter canola planted in the fall (September) over winters and is harvested in June. Typically, winter canola will yield 20 to 30 percent more than spring canola. It is grown in warmer areas like the Southern Great Plains. In the Pacific Northwest, both spring and winter types of canola are grown. In the Northern Plains, spring canola is typically grown while in the Southern Plains, the winter type dominates.