The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its Trade Methodology Report for the 2019 Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payment calculations. Unfortunately, crops that did not have tariffs imposed upon them, such as canola, sunflowers and barley, did not receive credit for a loss in the calculations. As a result, acres for these crops were entered in at zero. However, the effort to include canola in the MFP should still be considered a success, as canola acres will receive the calculated county payment rate.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will not require product warning labels that glyphosate may cause cancer. This decision is a criticism of California’s Proposition 65, which is based on the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s “probable” association of glyphosate with cancer and likely had a huge impact on the Roundup lawsuit against Monsanto. “We will not allow California’s flawed program to dictate federal policy,” says EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in an effort to provide “accurate, scientific based information about risks that pesticides may pose.”

Flea beetle damage can vary greatly year to year by timing and severity. The USCA blog post this month by Brian Hrudka looks at flea beetle management on the Northern Plains. He offers several tips, namely delaying planting but also calibrating equipment to optimal seeding depth and seeding at a lower rate. Most farmers tend to plant as soon as possible after their April 15 crop insurance planting date, but Hrudka notes it is best to wait until the soil bed is warm to allow rapid canola growth so that it can outgrow any flea beetle damage.

The global canola oil market is poised for spectacular growth by 2022. According to Fact.MR, it will grow 3.2% from 2017 to 2022. The specialty stores channel is expected to have even more growth (4.4%) during this period.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Prospective Plantings report shows a 28 percent acreage increase for canola in Minnesota in 2019. This is on trend with the national level, which also increased.

Yahoo.com highlights the 10 healthiest cooking oils to use. Canola oil is noted to be best for frying due to its high smoke point (heat tolerance). In addition, canola oil is praised for being low in saturated fat and neutral in taste, so it’s good for roasting and baking as well.

As the trade war between China and Canada drags on, China has been quietly purchasing canola crops, according to the Canadian Grain Commission. Although at lower volumes (-22%), canola seed is still flowing into Chinese ports. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is in contact with Chinese authorities to try to resume normal trade.

Cargill received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to grow biotech omega-3 canola. The company says this crop will address a gap in supply for fish oil and reduce stress on aquaculture. Cargill has been testing this crop in Montana since 2015.

Mark your calendars! The Northern Canola Growers Association (NCGA) will hold its 13^th Annual Canola Research Conference on Thursday, Nov. 7 in Fargo, N.D., in the Alumni Center of North Dakota State University. Canola researchers from the region will present their 2019 findings. About 50 growers and industry personnel are expected to attend and the NCGA invites everyone to share thoughts on N.D. canola research.

Minnesota Canola Production Centre Project Manager Donn Vellekson and Site Agronomist Dave Grafstrom reported on the progress of current trials, including variety and systems comparison, pod shattering and canola management strategies to improve return on investment.. Data and information will be collected on these trials at harvest and a final report will be available at the Minnesota Canola Council’s conference in December.

The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) gave its website a facelift, updated its content and made it mobile phone-friendly. Check out UScanola.com for a modern look and current information about all things canola from its roots to end products.

The USCA fall board of directors’ meeting will be Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 12-14 in Spokane, Wash., at The Historic Davenport Hotel. The meeting will begin with a reception in the late afternoon on Tuesday. The board meeting will be all day Wednesday and the next day will be a tour of Viterra’s processing plant in Warden followed by a farm reception. On Friday, Nov. 15, the USCA and Pacific Northwest Canola Association will conduct a session on regional canola production at a tri-state meeting independent of the USCA board meeting. Registration for the latter is online and hotel rooms should be booked under the USCA group rate by Oct. 18.

Want to promote your products or services to canola producers and industry members? Visit the USCA advertising section online to find specs, deadlines and rates to advertise in this monthly e-newsletter or on UScanola.com.

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