Canola
Canola is an alternative winter broadleaf crop grown in the wheat-based cropping systems of Kansas. Canola is most commonly grown in rotation with wheat in south central Kansas where wheat is often grown continuously. However, canola can be found throughout the state in rotation with soybean, corn, and sorghum. As a crop that uses water during cooler periods of the growing season, canola has a fit in southwest Kansas under deficit irrigation. Canola is a tap-rooted crop that can extract soil moisture and nutrients from deeper depths while leaving a fertile seedbed for double cropping following harvest.
Canola produces both edible oil and meal. Significant demand for canola oil makes it the second most widely consumed cooking oil in the United States behind soybean. Canola oil bears a qualified health claim stating consumption can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Production
Varieties
- Griffin (PDF)
- Riley (PDF)
- Torrington (New!)
National Winter Canola Variety Trial
For more information on winter canola variety trials, please review our web page for KS Crop Performance Tests | Canola and Cotton