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USCA Blog

Here are timely updates about issues impacting the canola sector. Subscribe to Canola Quick Bytes for notifications of new blog posts.

EPA Herbicide Strategy to Reduce Exposure of Endangered Species from Herbicides

By Zoe Wallace and Tom Hance

After 2.5 years of deliberation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued on Aug. 20 its final Herbicide Strategy, which intends to create a consistent, reasonable, transparent and understandable approach to assessing the potential impacts of herbicides on 900 listed species and identifying mitigations. It describes whether, how much and where mitigations may be needed to protect federally listed species from agricultural uses of herbicides. The EPA would apply the strategy when issuing new active ingredient registrations or review decisions under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The Herbicide Strategy includes a three-step decision framework for the EPA to use when considering FIFRA actions, including how to apply mitigations. Read More »

Canola’s Role in Soil Organic Carbon in Canada

By Chris Vervaet

The cropping system that supplies Canadian canola has been transformed over the past several decades to one that is more environmentally sustainable and profitable. This transformation is resulting in increases in soil organic carbon (SOC), primarily from the reduction in summer fallow (intentionally leaving land without vegetation for one year) and reduction in tillage, including the large-scale adoption of no-till practices. This increase in SOC represents a significant removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere so it is quantified in Canada’s official greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. Quantification supports the inclusion of changes in SOC due to regenerative farm practices when estimating the carbon footprint of canola and other crops. Read More »

Draft House Farm Bill Reflects Producer Feedback

By Tom Hance

Very early on May 24th, the House Agriculture Committee passed a farm bill proposal put forth by Chair Glenn Thompson (R-PA). The mark-up started at 11:00 am on May 23rd and did not conclude until after midnight. Most of the discussion and amendments considered were related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In the end, four Democrats joined all committee Republicans to pass the bill out of committee. The Democrats were Yadira Caraveo (CO), Don Davis (NC), Eric Sorenson (IL) and Sanford Bishop (GA). A couple of withdrawn amendments are of interest to #canola growers: Read More »

Precision Agriculture and Canola Production

By Courtney Meduna

Technology is being adapted for agriculture at a super speed, empowering farmers to be more targeted and precise in their operations. In fact, according to AgTech Digest, the precision agriculture market, valued at $9.4 billion in 2022, is expected to grow 12.6 percent by 2030.

Precision agriculture is a blanket term for anything that employs technology to improve crop yields and on-farm decision making. Many aspects of it are used on a broad scale today, such as auto-steer in equipment and GPS guidance. We also have section control across all types of equipment, allowing for better utilization of seed and chemistry, as well as more accurate data collection at harvest. We even now have satellite imagery, variable rate technology and (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) adaptations (drones) to help improve efficiency. Read More »

Carbon Intensity of Canola Production: Why & How it Matters

Tom Hance, Gordley AssociatesBy Tom Hance

The primary market for canola oil is food. However, another important and growing market for the oil is renewable biofuel, typically biodiesel or renewable diesel and potentially sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the future. The biofuel market is growing as a result of policies and incentives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation fuel sector. Read More »

National Canola Research Conference 2023

By Angela Dansby

U.S. and Canadian researchers discussed their findings on diseases, integrated pest management, pollinators, climate-smart agriculture, agronomy, plant breeding and genetics related to spring and/or winter canola at the 2023 National Canola Research Conference (NCRC) Oct. 30-31 in St. Louis. Normally held every four years in conjunction with the American Society of Agronomy meetings, the last NCRC was in 2018 and delayed a year due to COVID-19. Here is a snapshot of reported findings by category.

Read More »

Canola Pod Shattering: To Swath or Not to Swath?

By Anitha Chirumamilla and Bryan Hanson

Growing a great canola crop is one thing but being able to bring every pod and seed into the bin is equally important and challenging every year. Growing canola in the northern region with a shorter growing season comes with the advantage of cooler weather which boosts yields, but it also has the catch of unpredictable weather at the end of the season, making harvesting inconvenient and challenging at times. Pod shattering losses are a great concern to every farmer during this period. Some of the conditions that lead to seed loss due to shattering are discussed below. Read More »

Unearthing Producer Stress and Solutions to Cope

Adapted from the Do More Agriculture Foundation

Agriculture is an industry that demands tremendous effort, resilienc, and adaptability. Farmers face numerous challenges, both external and internal, which can cause significant stress. Examples include:

  1. Financial uncertainty: Fluctuating commodity prices, market volatility and unpredictable weather contribute to significant financial stress. Farmers face immense pressure to maintain profitability while managing high input costs and factors beyond their control.
  2. Climate change: Farmers must grapple with the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, longer growing seasons and shifting precipitation patterns. These changes can disrupt crop yields, alter farming practices and intensify anxiety regarding the future of their livelihoods.
  3. Isolation and loneliness: Farming can be isolating, with long hours working alone in rural areas. The lack of social interaction and support networks can contribute to feelings of loneliness and emotional distress, particularly during challenging times.
  4. Workload and time pressure: Producers often work long hours, balancing multiple responsibilities, especially during  planting/seeding and harvesting. The relentless workload and time constraints can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, adding to overall stress.

Read More »

Developing Canola as an Alternative Crop in the Southern Great Plains

By Girisha Ganjegunte, Ph.D.

A multi-disciplinary (agronomy, soil science, plant physiology, engineering, and economics), multi-institutional and multi-location study is underway to evaluate the potential to adapt and increase acreage of canola in southern New Mexico and far west Texas using alternative irrigation water sources. This goal directly aligns with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Supplemental and Alternative Crops competitive grants program, namely expanded adaptation and increased acreage of U.S. of canola. Texas A&M University received funding through this program to: 1) Identify salt-tolerant cultivars of canola; 2) evaluate performance (physiological response and yield) of salt-tolerant canola cultivar(s) irrigated with marginal quality water irrigation; 3) determine changes to soil properties, including salinity, to develop appropriate and best management practices; and (4) evaluate the economic feasibility of producing winter canola with marginal water. Read More »

Winter Canola Improvements Spur Future Growth in the Great Plains

Mike Stamm, canola breederBy Mike Stamm

Improving high-yielding and regionally adapted winter canola varieties, advancing canola cropping systems, and delivering new technologies and production practices to growers are priorities of the project “Development and Management of Canola in the Great Plains Region” supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). This project is led by researchers and extension specialists from Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska and New Mexico. Read More »