A decision by a Nebraska-based agribusiness to recommission an oilseed crush facility near Goodland, Kan., has opened an opportunity for farmers in Kansas and Oklahoma, says Mike Stamm, a Kansas State University agronomist. 

Stamm, a canola breeder, notes that The Scoular Co. — which lists more than 100 offices in North America and Asia and sales of more than $9 billion — announced in mid-March that it would retrofit the plant to crush both soybeans and canola. The facility is expected to begin operations in fall 2024. 

“We wanted to support them by getting growers together to learn more,” Stamm says. “For alternative oilseeds like canola to be successfully grown in Kansas, it is crucial to have a readily available end market within the region, which Scoular will provide.”

Stamm says K-State Research and the Great Plains Canola Association will host several canola informational meetings for new and experienced growers. The meetings are scheduled for May 11 in Enid, Okla., and May 18 in Montezuma and Harper, Kan.

He says the meetings will include an update from Scoular on its marketing and pricing strategies and the company’s vision for the rapidly changing renewable fuels market. Brief updates on canola research and Extension activities will be given, as well as an update from the Great Plains Canola Association.

The meetings are free to attend, but reservations are required because a meal will be provided. Here are the locations and contacts for each meeting:

Source: Kansas State Research and Extension News Service