A New Row Crop For Tennessee ?

A new crop could be on the horizon for Tennessee Farmers....

Tennessee row crop producers are looking to diversify their farming operations, and Canola, a cool-season crop, could serve as an alternative to winter wheat and offer access to new international markets and revenue opportunities.
 
More than 2.5 million acres of canola are grown in the U.S. annually. In Tennessee, it is planted from mid-September through mid-October, allowing the crop to establish its root system before colder temperatures arrive. 

Growth resumes in early spring, with yellow flowers appearing in April before harvest in late May to early June. The collected seed is approximately 40% oil, used in cooking products, animal feed, renewable fuels and more.

For more information on canola production in Tennessee, including how to incorporate the crop into your production system, please contact your local county Extension office. A tour on canola production will also be held at the 34th Milan No-Till Field Day Thursday, July 23rd, @ 10 & 11am at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan.