The Northern Canola Growers Association is once again sponsoring canola harvest reports through the Red River Farm Network.  Canola Harvest Reports can be accessed at this Red River Farm Network In-Depth site by scrolling down to "Northern Canola Growers Association Harvest Reports."

http://www.rrfn.com/indepth.php

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Scientists conducting field research in North Dakota confirmed that canola produced by modern biotechnology ("genetically modified" or "biotech"), like conventional canola, can establish "volunteer" plants outside of agricultural fields. The results, presented today in a poster at the Ecological Society of America's annual meeting, showed that 86 percent of 406 canola plants tested positive for traits that confer tolerance to either glyphosate or glufonisate herbicide - currently, the only two biotech traits available in canola. The plants were collected from 5,400 kilometers of interstate, state and county roads in North Dakota.

"Because 85 to 90 percent of the U.S. and Canadian canola crop is grown from biotech seeds, we would expect the same percentage to be reflected in volunteer canola," said Barry Coleman, executive director of the Northern Canola Growers Association and canola grower in North Dakota. "As with conventional canola production, it is not unusual or concerning that volunteer biotech canola was found on roadsides due to occasional seeds being misplaced during transport or harvesting."

When biotech canola was originally evaluated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), they recognized that like traditional canola, biotech canola would volunteer and might require management in some areas. The USDA found no evidence that biotech canola would be more apt than traditional canola to outcompete other plant species. The agencies also considered the possibility that canola would breed with other species. The CFIA concluded that such crosses would not be invasive, nor result in increased weediness or invasiveness, and could be managed by current agronomic practices.

New Healthier Oils for Bakery Snacks and Packaged Foods

By Mike Stones, 26-Jul-2010

Made from canola and sunflower seeds, the oils are said to have a ‘unique’ combination of high oleic and low linolenic fatty acids that delivers the benefits without oil performance or food taste.

Improved health, performance and flavor attributes are claimed for the new Omega-9 Oils Ingredient Solutions from Dow AgroSciences designed for use in baked goods, snacks and packaged foods. Dow’s David Dzisiak, commercial leader oils, said: “Omega-9 Oils have a healthier profile with zero trans fat, the lowest level of saturated fats among cooking oils, and are uniquely high in heart-healthy monounsaturated (omega-9) fat.”

A recent study by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) revealed that more US consumers (69 percent) are concerned by the types of fat they consume than are worried about the amount of fat they consume (67 percent).

Nutrition panels

According to a company statement the oils can “improve nutrition panels by reducing the bad fats and increasing the good fat” to help produce products that have the following nutrition label statements:

·         Zero trans fat.

·         Low (or significant reduction in) saturated fat.

·         High heart-healthy monounsaturated (omega-9).

In addition to cleaner labels through simple ingredient lists, produced without hydrogenation, interesterification or additives, the oils maintain functional product qualities including flavor, texture, mouth-feel and shelf life, said Dzisiak.

“Because omega-3 shortening is naturally stable, it can provide equal or longer shelf life to products containing traditional, high saturated fat shortenings,” added Dzisiak. “This is achieved without the use of antioxidants preserving a cleaner product label that consumers want.”

Applications include spray oils, cooking oils and shortening for baked goods, snacks and packaged foods.

Breads and cakes

Food oil use in the US alone exceeds 22bn pounds per year. About 60 percent of food oil is used in packaged foods with the top four key uses being salad dressings and mayo, margarine, biscuit and crackers and breads and cakes.

About 30 percent of food oil is used in food service, primarily for use in frying foods with the remaining ten percent sold as cooking oil.

Meanwhile, the first US company to use Omega-9 Oils Ingredients Solutions is Weaver Popcorn, Noblesville, Indiana. The company’s new Pop Weaver microwavable popcorn has a more than 50 percent reduction in total fat including 60 percent less saturated fat.

“Other popcorn manufacturers were removing trans fats by using industry standard palm oil or coconut oil, both of which dramatically increase saturated or bad fats,” said Dzisiak. “Our Omega-9 Solutions Team helped Pop Weaver develop a smarter solution – one that maintained their signature taste while improving the health profile of the snack.”

The U.S. EPA has released a Notice of Data Availability (NODA) for its recent modeling of the canola oil biodiesel pathway. As of March 26, when the EPA officially announced the final rule for the revised renewable fuel standard (RFS2), the canola pathway had not been analyzed as a biofuel feedstock capable of meeting the required greenhouse gas reduction standards set by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Using the same RFS2 lifecycle analysis modeling approach for other biofuels already approved, the EPA stated that the canola oil biodiesel pathway creates a 50 percent reduction in GHG emissions compared to the diesel fuel baseline.

"These results, if finalized, would justify authorizing the generation of biomass-based diesel RINs for fuel produced by the canola oil biodiesel pathway modeled, assuming that the fuel meets the other definitional criteria for renewable fuel (e.g., produced from renewable biomass, and used to reduce or replace transportation fuel) specified in EISA," EPA said in the NODA memo.

For More Information:  http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/article.jsp?article_id=4303

The 2010 growing season has changed from cool and wet to warm and sunny growing conditions. Heat injury to canola plants may occur on hot sunny days, when air temperatures range from 85 to 95 F and soil temperatures rise to 100 F. Heat injury is most common when the plant is already under drought stress. When canola is in the bloom stage, heat blasting and/or flower abortion are possible. The start of flowering and the duration of bloom can vary from field to field and is related to the seeding date, variety, soil moisture and humidity during the hot periods. The duration of flowering can last up to 3 weeks. High temperatures during flowering shorten the time the flower is receptive to pollen, as well as the duration of pollen release and pollen viability. This can decrease the number of pods which develop, and the number of seeds per pod, resulting in lower yields. Because the flowers and pods develop sequentially on the stem, you may see no pods or limited pod growth in certain regions of the stem. This is a result of reduced pollination during extreme hot conditions. With good soil moisture, the flower abortion in canola will usually be minimized as compared to canola under drought stress. High temperatures at flowering will hasten the plant's development, reducing the time from flowering to maturity.

Once pods are formed, canola is more tolerant to high temperatures. Cool night temperatures may help the plant recover from extreme heat or dry weather. However, during the pod formation stage, a combination of heat and extreme drought will severely affect the pod development including formation of seeds, seed size and oil content. Canola plants will maintain the number of pods they can support through the process of plant photosynthesis under the given growing conditions. If there is stress during the time of the pod development some of the pods may abort. The seed oil content is highest when seeds mature under lower temperatures (50 to 70 F). High temperatures, drought and long days will accelerate maturity.

NDSU Crop & Pest Report

Hans Kandel
Extension Agronomist broadleaf crops
hans.kandel@ndsu.edu

Canola acres will hit a record in North Dakota in 2010.  According to the National Ag Statistics Service, North Dakota farmers planted 1,350,000 acres of canola in 2010, up from last year's 730,000 acres.  This is an 85% increase from last year's crop and also higher than the March Projected Plantings Report for North Dakota.  Record yields for canola in 2009, combined with strong prices were the main reasons for the large increase.

The USDA indicated 1.52 million acres of canola were planted in the U.S. this year, up from 814,000 from last year.

Lygus bugs have been caught in blooming canola fields.  At average application costs and canola prices, canola should be treated for Lygus bugs at the end of flowering if more than 15 bugs are caught in 10 sweeps (1.5 bugs/sweep).  Please refer to the following website for more specific information including different thresholds for cost and price variation: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex741

Diamond-backed moth (DBM) larvae have been found in a blooming canola field at the North Central Research Extension center.  Canola is most susceptible to injury from DBM at bloom to early pod development.  Insecticide applications are justified when two or more larvae per plant are found throughout a field.  For more information see: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/e1346.htm

The risk for flea beetle damage has passed because the vast majority of fields in the area are near or beyond the six leaf stage. 

Dan Waldstein

NDSU North Central Research Extension Center

The first sclerotinia risk map of 2010 is out. Risk estimation for June 16 is low. Most canola fields are still in the bolting stage, stage that is not susceptible to Sclerotinia. While environmental conditions have been cool and humid in the past several days in many canola producing areas of the state, apothecia have not emerged yet, and the cumulative values for infection have not reached critical levels. This could change in the next few days if additional rain falls in the area.

Fungicides registered for control of Sclerotinia stem rot in North Dakota are: azoxystrobin (Quadris), boscalid (Endura), metconazole (Quash), prothioconazole (Proline), pyraclostrobin (Headline), and thiophanate methyl (Topsin). Also, the biological control compounds Serenade, Ballad Plus, and Polyversum are registered for use against Sclerotinia in foliar applications. For application rates consult your extension agent.

Click on Forecast Maps on the top of this page or go to

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/sclerotinia/

NDSU Canola Pathologist, Dr. Luis del Rio, will be deploying the Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) Risk Map for Canola for the 2010-season beginning June 16. The risk map uses weather variables to predict the threat of sclerotinia throughout the northern growing region. The risk map is designed to help producers determine if a fungicide application may be warranted for management of the disease.

The sclerotinia life-cycle begins when the overwintering structure, sclerotia, germinates and forms small mushroom-like structures called apothecia. Apothecia release ascospores, which can utilize canola petals as a food source. From those colonized petals, infection then progresses into branches and stems and can result in yield losses and lodging. Because the infection begins on flower petals, canola is only at risk for SSR during flowering. In general, 1-2 inches of rain within a week or two of flowering will provide a favorable environment for sclerotia germination and subsequent spore formation. Moderate temperatures and long dew periods (or rain) during bloom will favor infection and disease development.

The Northern Canola Growers Association funded a study this year of a potential population shift in the flea beetle from the crucifer flea beetle to the striped flea beetle.  Dan Waldstein of the NorthCentral Research Center in Minot initiated the study this spring, monitoring flea beetle populations throughout central and northern North Dakota.  The reason for concern is that it is believed the striped flea beetle is not controlled adequately with currently registered seed treatments.  His recent comments appeared in the NDSU Crop & Pest Report:

We have seen some flea beetle feeding in canola fields in the area but none above the 25% damage threshold that warrants an insecticide application. Striped flea beetles have been caught in our traps in McHenry, Ward, and Towner counties. The crucifer flea beetle has been the exclusive canola flea beetle species caught in traps in McKenzie, Renville, Bottineau, McLean, and Burleigh counties. In the areas where we've caught striped flea beetles, they comprise less than 10% of the total flea beetles caught. At this point, we have not observed the dramatic population shift from crucifer to the more insecticide tolerant striped flea beetles that areas of Canada have experienced.

The Northern Canola Growers Association summer canola research tours will take place at the North Central Research Extension center in Minot and the Langdon Research Extension Center to give canola growers an in-depth tour of canola research projects.

The Minot tour will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon on Monday, June 28th. Various topics will be covered including insect and disease management, straight harvesting of canola and the new canola breeding program at NDSU. A tractor pulling a trailer at the station will once again be burning canola biodiesel as part of the center's continued biodiesel research.  Free lunch will be provided.

The Langdon tour will take place on Thursday, July 8th from 9 a.m. to Noon. Disease research, breeding trials, and other agronomy updates will be provided at this tour. Free lunch will be provided.

Following the tours the NCGA will be hosting golf tournaments at the Minot and Langdon Country Clubs. You must pre-register for the golf tournaments.  Registration form available by clicking on the pdf link below.

From this week's Crop & Pest Report:

Even though some canola fields have not emerged yet, diamondback moths have arrived early from the southern states. Adult moths (Fig. 4) have been detected in pheromone traps in Manitoba, Canada, and trap counts are already quite high in the eastern region (J. Gavloski, Entomologist, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives). IPM Scouts will be getting their pheromone traps out this week in North Dakota to start monitoring.

The early migrants lay eggs on the lower leaves of canola, mustard, and rapeseed. Larvae hatch from the eggs and feed on first leaves. The small, greenish larvae (Fig. 5) make tiny, irregular holes in the leaves and actually mine inside the leaf as a leafminer for the first week (Fig. 6). Foliar feeding injury to seedlings and 2-4 leaf canola plants has caused significant stand losses in the north central region of North Dakota in past years. Larval feeding injury is worse when plants are under drought or heat stress. So, be sure to scout canola fields for diamondback moth larval feeding.

There is no economic threshold that has been developed for diamondback moth in the seedling and early vegetative stages. However, 25% defoliation or stand loss will caused economic losses in canola. Insecticide seed treatments will not control diamondback moth larva and a foliar rescue insecticide application must be made.

Diquat recently received a registration for use on canola as a harvest aid treatment.  The EPA announced the tolerance on May 26th.  This will allow canola growers to utilize this harvest aid when straight harvesting canola.  It is estimated that up to 25% of the canola crop in North Dakota is straight harvested.  A generic form of diquat is also expected to receive a supplemental label soon, giving growers several different product choices.

From this week's NDSU Crop & Pest report:

Flea beetles have been observed feeding on volunteer canola in the Fargo and Devils Lake areas in spite of the cool spring weather. Only 4% of spring canola has emerged, and 75% still needs to be planted (USDA NASS, North Dakota Field Office, released May 10,2010).   It’s too early to start scouting; however, as soon as more canola is planted and temperatures start to warm to 60-70 F, scouting will be in full swing on emerging
canola!

http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/entomology/ndsucpr/index.htm

A new section was added to our website under the "Growers Information" tab under USDA Reports.  A new compilation of data on canola was recently added to the USDA Economic Research Service website.

A quick link to this site is :http://northerncanola.com/usda/index.asp

On Wednesday, March 31, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Projected Plantings Report for the U.S. The survey revealed that U.S. farmers plan to increase their canola acres by 49 percent to 1,228,000 acres.

Acreage in the largest canola producing state, North Dakota, is expected to be 1,060,000 acres, up 45% from 730,000 acres last year. Production in other states is expected to increase to 168,000 acres.

Strong prices for canola due to extremely heavy demand from the food sector and record yields are a primary driver of the increased acreage intentions. 

The Northern Canola Growers Association met with other commodity groups in Fargo recently to discuss the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) that is negotiated every 5 years between the USDA and the crop insurance industry.  Common concerns were discussed that affect many crops in the state and a letter was developed to address these concerns.  Program integrity, audits, farmer paid premiums and crop insurance development were addressed in the letter. 

The USDA issued its October Crop Production Report today and projected canola yields for 2009 at record highs.  Production in North Dakota is expected to reach 1.36 billion pounds, up four percent from last year.  If realized, the yield will be a record high 1,900 pounds per acre, up 30 percent from last year.  The previous record high yield was 1,630 pounds set in 2004.  

Acreage for harvest is projected at 715,000 acres, down 20 percent from last year.

The canola crop in North Dakota is looking fantastic, according to many sources in the industry.  The ideal growing conditions in the state this summer have resulted in a canola crop that has the potential to exceed all prior yield records.  This makes payments under the USDA’s new ACRE program unlikely for 2009.

To determine whether a grower is eligible for an ACRE payment, two triggers must be met; 1) A state trigger and 2) An individual farm trigger.  The 5-year Olympic Average state yield for canola is 1,400 pounds.  The revenue guarantee for canola is approximately $233 per acre (OLA yield x price x .90).  For the state trigger to be met, the statewide average yield will have to be below 1,374 pounds, using the estimated 09-10 price forecast from USDA.  This appears extremely unlikely given the excellent condition of the crop.

The recent Crop & Pest Report from NDSU indicates that while blister beetles have been reported on canola in north central North Dakota (Ward and Renville counties), entomologists say adult feeding is generally not significant enough to warrant an insecticide treatment.  The "High Plains Integrated Pest Management Guide" recommends treatment when there are 10 adult blister beetles per plant feeding on the flowers or pods.  However, there is no economic threshold in North Dakota. 

Foliar insecticides registered in North Dakota will control blister beetles.  Follow safe practices when spraying flowering canola to protect honeybees.

Luis Del Rio, NDSU Extension Pathologist provides the following assessment to canola growers in northern and north east North Dakota:

July 19:

Environmental conditions have been on the dry side (absence of rain and rather low relative humidity) in most canola growing areas of the state during the past four days. These conditions are not favorable for disease development, and that is reflected in the map produced for July 19th. The risk of Sclerotinia is now low for all areas of the state.
Also, enough canola-growing degree days have accumulated since last week so that most canola fields are now ending their flowering period. Such fields do not need spraying. Growers with fields still in early stages of flowering should look for presence of apothecia and should watch the weather conditions this week.

July 16:  Heavy rains that have fallen in parts of Benson, Bottineau, Cavalier, Pennington, and Roseau counties in these past days coupled with the cooler than normal temperatures we are experiencing have elevated the risk of Sclerotinia development in canola in such areas. While the maps represent how conducive the environment is for disease development, other key factors to consider are the presence of apothecia in the fields and the growth stage at which canola plants are right now. If apothecia (Figure 1) have not been observed in fields, it is very likely that after these rains some might pop up. This means fields that are still in early flowering stages should be sprayed if they have had a history of Sclerotinia in the past.

Applying fungicides for control of Sclerotinia in fields that are past the flowering stage usually do not produce a positive economic return, so those fields should be OK, especially if they have a history of low or no Sclerotinia problems. However, please remember that additional considerations, like yield potential and commodity price should also be considered when deciding whether to spray or not.

Today the National Biodiesel Board (NBB) launched a grassroots response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule on the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS-2).  The Northern Canola Growers Association and the NBB are calling on you and all supporters of clean, renewable energy to urge the EPA to implement a workable RFS-2 program.  In December of 2007, Congress passed a law requiring that clean, renewable biodiesel be used to supplement the diesel fuel supply.  Six months after they were required by law to have a program in place, the EPA proposed draft regulations that, if adopted, would make it extraordinarily difficult for the program to succeed as intended by the law.

We need as many biodiesel supporters as possible to submit consistent comments to the EPA by September 25, 2009 – the new, extended deadline for public comments on the EPA’s proposed RFS-2 rule.  The NBB has developed two sample comment documents. One is a shorter version that simply includes the top priority comments. The second is a longer version that includes more detail and arguments to support the comments. The longer version is preferred, but the abbreviated version was created to make it faster and easier to complete the process and to ask that others complete it as well. We ask you to submit your comments right away and reach out to your friends, work colleagues, and professional networks to do the same.

Visit the RFS-2 Action Center link to access all of the information and resources you need.

Planted acres of canola are reported to be down from the March Projected Plantings Report for North Dakota.  According to the National Ag Statistics Service, North Dakota farmers planted 740,000 acres of canola in 2009, down from last year’s 915,000 acres and down 25,000 acres from the March Projected Plantings Report.  Excessively wet spring weather caused acres to go unplanted primarily in the northeast area of the state.

The USDA indicated 847,000 acres of canola were planted in the U.S., down 16% from last year.

Valent Corporation has just received federal registration for a new fungicide, Quash^™,  for use on canola to control sclerotinia.  The product helps fill the basket of tools available to canola growers.  The use rate is 2 to 4 ounces per acre applied at the 20% to 50% bloom stage.  More information on the product will be available in the next NCGA newsletter.

The Northern Canola Growers Association has added a new link for growers under the 'Canola Links' section of our website called "Ag Issues".  The link is sponsored by ADM.

The host, Neil Roberts, has nearly 10 years of agriculture experience through a local television station and his work with a series entitled “On the Farm.”

The primary guest, Kent McKay, is a household name for many farmers in this area of the state.

Farmers often seek out his expertise as an agronomist. He has more than 12 years experience working at the North Central Research Extension Center near Minot.

At a recent annual meeting of the U.S. Canola Association, two North Dakota canola growers were elected as officers.  Kevin Waslaski of Langdon was elected First Vice President and Ryan Pederson of Rolette was elected Second Vice President of the Association.  Waslaski and Pederson are also on the Board of Directors of the Northern Canola Growers Association.

Doug Scoville of Idaho was elected President, replacing Langdon canola grower Steve Kakela, who completed his term as President.  The purpose of the annual meeting was to develop research and policy priorities for the U.S. canola industry.  Members met with congressmen to identify priorities for 2009.

The North Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service has recently published its estimates of canola production by county for the 2008 crop year. Cavalier county led the state in planted acreage at 200,000 acres. Average yields in the state were 1,460 pounds. Total canola production in North Dakota was 1.30 billion pounds.

The Risk Management Agency recently announced the 2009 Projected Harvest Price for RA canola at $16.00 per hundredweight.  Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents to determine the dollar amounts of coverage they can obtain based on this price. The price election for RA on canola is lower than the Multi-Peril (MPCI) price election of $19.86 announced for 2009.  Producers are reminded to sign up by March 15.

The USDA reported in its January 12 Production Report that U.S. canola yields in 2008 averaged 1,461 pounds per acre, a 19% increase from 2007.  This is down 53 pounds from the October forecast.  The yield is the third highest since records began in 1991. Planted area is estimated at 1.01 million acres, 14 percent below last year’s acreage.

For the 2008 canola crop, USDA estimated U.S. production at 1.45 billion pounds, up 14 million pounds from 2007.  In North Dakota, the largest canola producing state in the U.S. with over 90% of production, total production was 1.31 billion pounds, down less than 1 percent from last year.  Planted acres in North Dakota totaled 910,000 acres.

ADM Velva, ND is now offering a free Delayed Pricing Contract until June 30, 2009. This free DP contract will automatically be priced on June 30 2009, if not priced before then.

For further information please view the PDF below.

The USDA Risk Management Agency today posted Crop Established Price Elections for 2009 APH Policies.

The Established Price announced for canola is $19.86 per cwt.

Other crops were also listed in today's web link that can be found here:

The USDA issued a correction to its 2008 October Crop Production Report released earlier this month. Forecasted North Dakota canola production is estimated at 1.37 billion pounds, up 3 percent from 2007. The yield is forecast at 1,520 pounds, up 280 pounds from last year. Area for harvest is estimated at 900,000 acres, down 15 percent from 2007.

The NCGA believes the harvested acreage data is underestimated since data from FSA records indicates canola planted acreage in North Dakota in 2008 is 934,000 acres.

As of September 28, 96 percent of the canola in North Dakota was harvested according to the ND Agricultural Statistics Service. This compares to 99 percent last year and a five-year average of 96 percent.

Canola Crop Conditions

Canola crop condition ratings at the end of August showed that 51 percent of the canola is Good/Excellent, 37 percent is Fair and 12 percent is Poor/Very Poor. These condition ratings are below last year, however yield reports have indicated canola yields are considerably higher than last year. It appears that more favorable crop weather occurred during critical development stages in 2008.

ND Canola Acreage in 2008

Crop acreage reports compiled by the ND Farm Service Agency office in 2008 indicate final planted acreage of canola is 916,000 acres. These reports are in-line with USDA March Projected Plantings Report numbers and June 30 Acreage Report numbers for 2008. Cavalier, Towner, Ward, Bottineau, Renville and McLean counties had the highest acreage of canola. Hettinger County, with 34,733 acres, had the highest percentage increase of any county.

All trap counts for bertha armyworm and diamondback moth have been low so far this year. Like so many other insect pests that overwinter in North Dakota, emergence of bertha armyworm has been delayed due to cool spring temperatures. The migration risk forecast for adult diamondback moths is also low. Maps on trapping results will be posted on the NDSU Extension IPM survey website.

A publication entitled "Blackleg of Canola" is now available. This new publication, authored by Dr. Luis del Rio of North Dakota State University, incorporates some of the original information from Dr. Lamey, author of an earlier version of the publication and includes new information about PG groups, disease prevalence and management, and numerous new photos of symptoms. This publication is available at:http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/crops/pp1367.pdf,and is currently in print. Printed copies will be available at Northern Canola Growers Association field tours this summer.

The publication can also be found under the "Growers Information" tab on the website of the Northern Canola Growers Association.

This year the NCGA is once again teaming up with the North Central Research Extension center in Minot and the Langdon Research Extension Center to give canola growers an in-depth tour of canola research projects.

The Minot tour will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon on Monday, June 30th. Various topics will be covered including insect and disease management as well as review of new rotation and large plot canola research and Roundup Ready Performance Trials. A tractor pulling a trailer at the station will be burning canola biodiesel this year as part of the center's continued biodiesel research. Monsanto will be giving away a free golf cart and other prizes during the event. Free lunch will be provided.

The Langdon tour will take place on Thursday, July 10th from 9 a.m. to Noon. Disease research, Roundup Ready Performance Trials, and other agronomy updates will be provided at this tour. Monsanto will also be giving away a free golf cart and other prizes during the event. Free lunch will be provided.

Following the tours the NCGA will be hosting golf tournaments at the Minot and Langdon Country Clubs. You must pre-register for the golf tournaments. Registration form available by clicking on the .pdf link below.

The NDSU Crop & Pest Report for May 29th reported that flea beetle populations are low to moderate, but that due to slow growing conditions this spring, growers should be on the lookout for damage on canola from the seedling to 6-leaf stage:

Fall populations of flea beetles in 2007 are generally indicative of the spring population levels in 2008. If high populations are seen at harvest 2007, there will be high populations in spring 2008. This past fall a total of 156 canola fields were surveyed in the swath (mature) stage for flea beetles in 24 counties in ND. This number represents approximately one field surveyed per 6,000 acres of canola. The survey was initiated on July 30 and continued through August 15, 2007. Flea beetles were surveyed using 20 sweeps per field with a 15-inch sweep net in freshly swathed canola fields. Flea beetles were found in 99% of the fields surveyed. Peak population densities occurred in the north central and northeastern regions of North Dakota. The average number of flea beetles per 4 sweeps was 24, with ranges between 0 and 94 (see map). These numbers are similar to the flea beetle populations that were found in swathed canola last year and represent low to moderate levels of flea beetles.

With the cold weather that hit the region Monday night, growers are asking what the impacts may be to their canola crop.  Following is information from the NDSU Canola Production Guide:

The temperature at which freezing injury occurs varies with the plant’s stage of growth, moisture content and the length of time the temperature remains below freezing. Damage occurs when ice crystals form within the plant or the plant actually freezes, causing cell walls to rupture. A severe drop in temperature, which lasts only a very short time, may not damage canola plants, while a light frost of several degrees below freezing that lasts all night may cause severe damage. The amount of frost injury will depend on soil moisture conditions, the rate at which thawing occurs, the growth stage of the plants and the amount of cold temperature hardening that the plant is exposed to prior to freezing temperatures.

 
Canola seedlings usually will recover from a light spring frost that does not damage the growing point of the plant. If a heavy frost does blacken the leaves, don’t take any action for at least four to seven days. The extent of injury can be determined in a week or less following the frost. If any green color is at the growing point in the center of the frozen leaf rosette, the plant will recover and yields will be higher than if the field is torn up, reworked and reseeded. Early seeded canola, after several days of near-freezing temperatures, will undergo a gradual hardening process that will allow the plants to withstand freezing temperatures without serious damage. A number of chemical changes occur, resulting in a higher concentration of soluble substances in the cell sap. Research in Canada has shown that early seeded canola that had undergone hardening could withstand 18 to 20 F temperatures, while temperatures of 25 to 26 F killed later sown canola that did not undergo hardening. In North Dakota, canola seedlings have withstood temperatures as low as 22 to 23 F with only limited frost damage or stand reduction.

 
In evaluating frosted seedling fields, producers must consider the percentage of plants killed, the percentage recovered and the time of year. The surviving plants also should be somewhat evenly distributed in a field when allowing the stand to remain for production and yield. Even if two-thirds of the seedlings in a reasonable stand are frost killed, the field usually will produce more when left than if reseeded. The surviving plants will take advantage of the reduced competition for light, moisture and nutrients, and grow larger, producing more branches, pods and seeds per pod, thereby compensating for the lost plants. The surviving plants will require five to eight days longer to mature; but a reseeded crop will require an even longer period.  

Canola Gourmet

Time for an Oil Change!

A new cookbook is hitting the scene and is soon to be released from Capital Books. Sheri Coleman from the Northern Canola Growers Association has teamed up with Sheilah Kaufman to create a culinary masterpiece to tempt your taste buds. Canola Gourmet can now be seen at Amazon.com and will be coming to bookshelves in June. This is an exciting time for the canola culinary world, North Dakota and the Northern Canola Growers Association! Visit Amazon.com to purchase your copy!

On Monday, March 31st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Projected Plantings Report for the U.S. The survey revealed that U.S. farmers plan to decrease canola acres by 15 percent to 1,010,000 acres.

Acreage in the largest canola producing state, North Dakota, is expected to drop to 920,000 acres, down from 1,080,000 acres last year. Production in other states is expected to decrease to 90,000 acres.

The Risk Management Agency recently announced the 2008 Projected Harvest Price for RA canola at $29.30 per hundredweight. This is an increase of $14.10 from last year. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents to determine the dollar amounts of coverage they can obtain based on this price. The price election for RA on canola is higher than the Multi-Peril (MPCI) price election of $24.23 recently announced for 2008. Producers are reminded to sign up by March 15.

The USDA Risk Management Agency today issued an additional Actual Production History (APH) price election of $24.23 per cwt. for spring planted canola. This is an increase of $10.93 from the $13.30 election announced last year.

The Northern Canola Growers Association has completed its 2007 Canola Quality Survey.  This is the eighth annual survey completed by the NCGA.  Green counts were down this year and the amount of damaged kernels was also down, resulting in 98 percent of the samples grading Number 1. 

The average oil content for the 2007 canola crop was 40.2 percent, down from an average of 41 percent from last year.  The lower oil content is a direct result of higher temperatures in the 2007 growing season.  Overall, the trend line level for oil content continues to point upwards.

The Northern Canola Growers Association is conducting this survey of the 2007 canola crop to identify the most prominent factors affecting canola yields. By identifying the key factors, we can use this information to target research efforts that will improve canola yields.

It's a Book!

"YUM! TASTY RECIPES FROM CULINARY GREATS"

The cookbook that keeps on giving

 
(Bismarck, ND) YUM! Full of Canola recipes contain Tasty Recipes from Culinary Greats (Cumberland House; October 25, 2007; $28.95) is ready to be eaten. A "giving" book from the onset, being underwritten by Microplane with their profits on the sale of the book going to the National Kidney Foundation.

 
Sheri Coleman, Associate Director of the Northern Canola Growers Association states, "This is an incredible cookbook with many recipes containing Canola oil from superior chefs across the country - spectacular and yummy!"

 
Culinary Greats Give!

A collection of mouth-watering recipes from culinary greats renown for their prowess in and around the kitchen. Some of the stellar contributors are Sara Moulton, Nick Malgieri, Jose Andres, Charlie Trotter, Roy Yamaguchi, Rick Tramonto, Susan Feniger, Mary Sue Milliken, Elizabeth Falkner and Susanna Foo.

 
If those names are not impressive enough, the book also features recipes from Steven Raichlen, Rick Bayless, Nathalie Dupree, Dan Barber, Tom Douglas, Jodie Adams, Ana Sortun, Suvir Saran, Michel Richard, Jamie Gwen, Gael Green, Susan Hermann-Loomis, Jacques Torres, Joanne Weir, Norman Van Aken, Scott Peacock, Joyce Goldstein and many others.

 
Whether they excel as chefs, restaurateurs, writers, and/or culinary educators, they have all worked their way to the top of their respective culinary fields. Each culinary great answers assorted questions with humor and passion on the pages of YUM! Giving readers insight to what makes them tick.

 
About the Authors:

Dara Bunjon, president of Dara Does It - Creative Solutions for the Food Industry, (www.dara-does-it.com) works within and with many aspects in the in the food industry from public relations, food styling, freelance writing, product development, and much more. Also know in Baltimore as Dining Dish, she writes a food blog (www.diningdish.blogspot.com) as well as a foodie newsletter by the same name.

 
Jeffrey Spear, is president of Studio Spear (www.studiospear.com) a leading national marketing consultancy based in Baltimore Maryland. The company focuses its strategic and creative efforts on kitchen based "lifestyle" products and caters to both consumer and trade audiences.

 
YUM! Tasty Recipes from Culinary Greats
$28.95 Hardcover U.S./$34.95 Canada
ISBN: 978-1-58182-616-6
On Sale: October 25, 2007

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Substitution of canola oil for common dietary fats in the U.S. would increase compliance with recommended intakes of saturated, monounsaturated and plant omega-3 fats, noted a modeling study published in the October 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association (JADA). The study examined the effect of substituting canola oil for selected vegetable oils and canola oil-based margarine for other margarines and butter in the diet of nearly 9,000 adult Americans.

 
"The results of this study show that fatty acid intake can be influenced substantially through a simple recommendation to change the type of vegetable oil used at the table and in cooking," wrote co-authors Guy H. Johnson, Ph.D., president, Johnson Nutrition Solutions LLC; Debra Keast, Ph.D., principal, DR Keast Food and Nutrition Database Research Consulting; and Penny Kris- Etherton, Ph.D., R.D., distinguished professor of nutrition, The Pennsylvania State University. "The lack of consumer barriers to such a change with respect to cost, taste, convenience and availability makes canola oil attractive from a practical perspective."

“This investment reinforces our longstanding commitment to agriculture in Saskatchewan,” said Ken Sauser, plant superintendent at Cargill in Clavet.  “Saskatchewan has over half of Western Canada’s canola acres, making Clavet an ideal location for the new facility.”

Groundbreaking for the new facility will take place in the coming months with construction completed and production started by November 2008.  The new operation will employ about 25 people.  Combined with the recent opening of a crop research facility, Cargill’s total employment at Clavet will reach 150 full-time equivalent employees.

We are entering a period of rapid global growth in oilseeds and Canadian canola will play a key role in that growth” noted Ken Stone, Cargill’s Canadian Oilseed Manager.  “As our North American and world customer base continues to grow for generic and specialty canola oils, the canola producers of Western Canada become an even more critical partner to us in serving our valued customers.”

Cargill has a number of long-term agreements to supply major food customers with canola oil, including specialty varieties valued for being low in saturated fat and having zero trans fat.  The added crush capacity is supported by strong demand for hi oleic canola oil in addition to growing demand for generic canola oils.

Stats Canada reported its acreage estimates for the current crop year.  Canola production is estimated to be within trade estimates at 9.24 million metric tons, an increase of 2.7 percent from 2006.  Canola acreage is estimated at 14.2 million acres, breaking the previous record of 14.1 million acres in 1994.  Manitoba and Saskatchewan production will be up, while production in Alberta will be down.  The production figures are not expected to impact the canola market.

 
The canola number is down from production expected earlier this year as unfavorable weather conditions took a toll on all Canadian crops.

350 Store Delis Convert to Nutra-Clear NT™ from Bunge Oils

Indianapolis, IN and Salt Lake City, UT - August 02, 2007

Associated Food Stores, operator of groceries throughout eight Mountain West and Western states, announced today that it has converted all 350 of its grocery delis to Nutra-Clear NT™ cooking oil from Bunge Oils. This new zero trans fat canola oil has the lowest saturated fat levels among the new trans fat alternatives, a high level of heart-healthy (omega-9) monounsaturated fat, and actually allows these delis to reduce the bad fats in fried items.

"We are excited that Nutra-Clear NT™ gives us the opportunity to help get trans fat out of local diets, while also reducing saturated fat," said Barry Holinski, Director of Bakery/Service Deli, Associated Food Stores. "Because many of the zero trans fat oils on the market actually raise saturated fat levels, it was important for us to find an oil that does not exchange one unhealthy fat for another." Items prepared in the zero trans fat oil include fried chicken, burritos, corn dogs, and potato logs.

"Our customers have come to love the taste of the foods that the delis at Associated Food Stores serve, so it was very important that we maintain those, while also working to make our foods healthier," said Barry Holinski, Director of Bakery/Service Deli, Associated Food Stores. "And though making this change was really the best thing to do for our customers, it has also been good for our business. We’re actually saving money by taking advantage of the extended fry-life this oil offers."

Nutra-Clear NT™, a "next generation" Omega-9 Canola Oil, is made from naturally bred NEXERA™ canola seeds developed by Dow AgroSciences. These Omega-9 Oils are the "next generation" in cooking oils due to their package of superior taste, health and performance. Capacity to provide more than one billion pounds of Omega-9 Canola Oil enables the immediate conversion by foodservice and food processing companies to a zero trans fat alternative.

"And now is a great time for Associated Food Stores to convert," said David Dzisiak, commercial leader, Oils for Dow AgroSciences. "Due to the crop production cycle, it takes time to grow and produce the oil, so the time for operators to place their orders for future conversions is now, ensuring that we get the right amount of crop produced."

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. [June 6, 2007] - CKE Restaurants, Inc. announced today that its Carl's Jr.^® and Hardee's^® restaurant chains are converting to Omega-9 Canola Oil from Dow AgroSciences. This continues the important trend of food companies converting to zero trans fat canola oil. This "next generation" canola oil has the lowest saturated fat levels among the new trans fat alternatives and a high level of heart-healthy (omega-9) monounsaturated fat, allowing the CKE restaurants to eliminate trans fat and reduce saturated fat in their fried menu items.

  "We are very pleased to announce our conversion to zero trans fat, 100 percent canola cooking oil in our restaurants by January of next year," said Andrew F. Puzder, president and chief executive officer of CKE Restaurants, Inc.  "We have evaluated many zero trans fat cooking oil alternatives and 100 percent canola cooking oil was the ideal oil option to satisfy both our health and taste criteria."

The conversion will be completed by January 2008 in all franchised and company-operated Carl's, Jr. and Hardee's restaurants.

At a time when culinary gurus are hitting an all time high taking gourmet into home kitchens, the Northern Canola Growers has joined forces with Super Chef, Suvir Saran to sizzle foodies with the wonders of canola.  "In the kitchen, I found the answers to all my curiosities," says New Delhi-born chef Suvir Saran. While growing up, Saran was lured by the fascinating rituals of the kitchen-both the culinary and spiritual center where he cultivated his passion for the traditional flavors of Indian cooking. "I love canola oil," states Saran, "it's so good for you and easy to work with."

Steve Kakela of Langdon was elected President of the US Canola Association at its recent annual meeting in Washington, DC.  Kakela will serve a two-year term for the Association.  Kakela is a long-time canola grower from the Langdon area and has been active in the Northern Canola Growers Association and the U.S. Canola Association for the last decade. 

Doug Scoville of Idaho was also elected first Vice-President and Kevin Waslaski of Langdon, North Dakota was elected second Vice-President at the annual meeting.

NCGA Board members Kevin Waslaski, Ryan Pederson, Tom Borgen, Bernie Bachman and Greg Mitchell also attended the annual meeting along with Barry Coleman, NCGA Executive Director. 

The Northern Canola Growers Association has received word that Bayer CropScience has received a registration for Proline™ Fungicide for use on canola to control sclerotinia. Proline™ Fungicide has a new active ingredient, prothioconazole, that will control sclerotinia in canola. Replicated trials at Langdon, North Dakota have shown excellent control of sclerotinia with Proline.

Use rates for Proline range from 4.3 to 5.7 fl oz/acre.

For any questions concerning the use of Proline, growers should visit www.cerealexperts.com or talk to their local Bayer CropScience representative.

On Friday, March 30th, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Projected Plantings Report for the U.S. The survey revealed that U.S. farmers plan to increase their canola acres by 12 percent to 1,168,000 acres.

Acreage in the largest canola producing state, North Dakota, is expected to be 1,050,000 acres, also up 12% from 940,000 acres last year. Production in other states is expected to increase to 118,000 acres.

Higher prices for canola due to extremely heavy demand from the food sector as a result of a Qualified Health Claim for canola and canola’s role as a transfat replacement combined with biodiesel demand are a primary driver of the increased acreage intentions.  However, industry observers have indicated to NCGA that planted acreage of canola in North Dakota will be approximately 1,200,000, a 27% increase.  

The North Dakota Agricultural Statistics Service has recently published its estimates of canola production by county for the 2006 crop year. Cavalier county led the state in planted acreage at 193,000 acres. Average yields in the state were 1,370 pounds. Total canola production in North Dakota was 1.28 billion pounds.

For a direct look at the data, go to the following link: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/North_Dakota/Publications/County_Estimates/index.asp

The Risk Management Agency recently announced the 2007 Projected Harvest Price for RA canola at $15.20 per hundredweight. This is an increase of $4.30 from last year. Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents to determine the dollar amounts of coverage they can obtain based on this price. The price election for RA on canola is higher than the Multi-Peril (MPCI) price election of $13.30 for 2007. Producers are reminded to sign up by March 15.

GRAND FORKS, ND Northstar Bioenergy has announced plans to build a fully-integrated oil seed crush and refining facility in the northern Red River Valley. Processing is scheduled to begin in August of 2008, with a projected annual yield of 40 million gallons of canola-based vegetable oil for the food market, 2 million gallons of biodiesel fuel and over 190,000 tons of canola meal for the livestock industry. The announcement was made today during the International Crop Expo in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

“We built flexibility into the project’s production and marketing options,” stated Todd Johnson, Vice President of Northstar Bioenergy and a Hallock businessman. “With the national emphasis on both reduced trans fats and bio fuels, we wanted to be able to capture the best opportunities in both the food and energy markets in the future, while creating economic impact for Hallock and our region.”

The plant is projected to process 680 million pounds of canola annually yielding an estimated $70 to $80 million in annual gross sales for the region’s canola growers. Canola is a crop that thrives in the shorter growing season of northern North Dakota and Minnesota.

“The economic benefit goes beyond the impact on our area’s canola growers,” Johnson said, “We’re anticipating 44 new jobs with a projected annual payroll of $2.3 million, plus annual revenue of $115 million, once the plant is in operation. Plus the construction activities are expected to add another $135 million to our regional economy.”

Over 300 people attended the 10th Annual Canola Day of the Northern Canola Growers Association held recently in Langdon, North Dakota. Featured speakers for Canola Day were ND Agriculture Commissioner Roger Johnson and Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network.

Johnson presented information on the upcoming farm bill debate and the opportunities for North Dakota agriculture and what this means to future farm legislation. Wick provided insight on the food market trends occurring in the U.S. and the impacts these food trends are having on agriculture, especially oilseeds. Barry Coleman presented information on the Farm Bill priorities of the oilseed coalition during the morning session.

The Northern Canola Growers Association also held board of director elections during its annual meeting. Bernie Bachman of Langdon and Ryan Pederson of Rolette were re-elected by the membership as producer directors on the NCGA board. Chad Effertz of Velva was elected to an industry position on the board. The NCGA presented an award to outgoing director Richard Lutz of Regent.

The Risk Management Agency issued an additional Actual Production History (APH) price election of $13.30 per cwt. for spring planted canola on February 9, 2007, a $2.75 increase from the $10.55 election announced by the Agency in early December. While canola is insured under a single policy, the crop consists of both fall and spring seeded varieties. The sales closing date for fall seeded canola is in June, while spring seeded is March 15^th. Since over 90% of the crop is spring seeded, RMA Administrator Eldon Gould directed the Agency to differentiate the insurance coverage for the crop, allowing the bulk of the crop to be insured at a competitive value to other spring seeded crops in the Northern Plains. 

Join the NCGA Wednesday, February 14th at the Langdon Activity Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 8:30 a.m. View Exhibits/Sign Up for Door Prizes 9:15 - Welcome ~Kevin Waslaski, NCGA President 9:30 – 2007 Farm Bill Update ~Dale Thorenson, U.S. Canola Association 10:15 ~ Avail Update, Shawn Kasprick, Simplot Grower Solutions 10:30 - View Exhibits 11:00 - NCGA Annual Business Meeting/Election of Directors - Door Prizes 12:00 - Free Pasta Buffet Lunch/View Exhibits 1:00 – Keynote Speaker - Farm Program Update ~Roger Johnson, Commissioner of Agriculture 2:00 –Food Trends in Agriculture ~ Don Wick, Red River Farm Network 1:00 –Canola Spa Breakout Session~ Sheri Coleman, NCGA Marketing Director. Over $1,000 in Door Prizes to be Given Away! Please join us for a social at the Langdon Eagles at 7 p.m. on Tuesday night before the show.

Canola oilseed crush maintained its strong pace through December, managing the 16th consecutive month in which canola crush was higher than year earlier levels, according to the latest data from Statistics Canada.

During the month, oilseed processors crushed 332,352 metric tons (MT) of canola. Oil production totalled 145,538 MT while meal production amounted to 197,414 MT.

This was a record monthly canola crush, surpassing the previous record of 325,303 MT crushed in October 1998. The year-to-date canola crush was also a record at almost 1.55 million MT.

Canola crushing in the U.S. is also running at record levels as demand for canola oil as a transfat replacement, for biodiesel demand and increased sales due to an FDA Health Claim for canola have all combined to generate record demand for canola.

The USDA reported in its January 12 Production Report that average U.S. canola yields dipped only 4 percent in 2006, far less than other crops. For the year, average canola yields were 1,366 pounds per acre. In North Dakota, average canola yields were 1,370 pounds per acre.

For the 2006 canola crop, USDA estimated U.S. production at 1.394 billion pounds, up 172 million pounds from the prior forecast. A strong crush demand for canola is expected to raise 2006/07 imports by 30 percent, to nearly 1.5 billion pounds. Canola seed prices are benefiting from the overall strength of the vegetable oil market. Current prices are already near historic highs exceeding $13 per hundredweight and could climb even further.

In North Dakota, the largest canola producing state in the U.S. with over 90% of production, total production was 1.28 billion pounds. Harvested acres totaled 935,000 acres.

Biola® fuels are made from canola oil, making it a superior product for biodiesel users, as well as for the environment. Biola® fuels will exceed the ASTM specification of D 6751 and can be used in any diesel engine that can utilize biodiesel.

The Northern Canola Growers Association recently trademarked Biola® fuels and launched the official logo for this product at its Canola Biodiesel Forum in Minot, North Dakota.

Irvine, Calif., November 16, 2006  Taco Bell Corp. (Taco Bell) announced today that it will convert all of its more than 4,200 single brand US restaurants to a new zero grams trans fat canola oil for frying from a partially hydrogenated soybean oil. Development efforts began more than two years ago with extensive consumer taste tests to preserve Taco Bell’s signature flavors, and the transition to zero grams trans fat canola oil is already complete in more than 100 restaurants. All Taco Bell^® restaurants are expected to be transitioned to zero grams trans fat frying oil by April 2007 nationwide.

 “We conducted a tremendous amount of consumer research to make this the right choice for our customers,” said Emil J. Brolick, Chief Concept Officer and President of Taco Bell Corp. “We know our customers love the unique tastes and delicious flavors of Taco Bell, and soon they will be able to enjoy many of our menu items prepared in zero trans canola oil without any compromise in taste.”

NCGA Says Health Claim Good News for Canola

Bismarck, ND - The Northern Canola Growers Association welcomed the news today that the FDA will allow a Qualified Health Claim (QHC) for canola oil, based on its ability to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) due to its unsaturated fat content. The claim, which canola oil bottlers and makers of eligible products* may use on labels, states:

Limited and not conclusive scientific evidence suggests that eating about 1½ tablespoons (19 grams) of canola oil daily may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease due to the unsaturated fat content in canola oil. To achieve this possible benefit, canola oil is to replace a similar amount of saturated fat and not increase the total number of calories you eat in a day. One serving of this product contains [x] grams of canola oil.

The Northern Canola Growers Association was a partner in this health claim that was officially filed by the U.S. Canola Association.

"We saw an opportunity for canola to bear a health claim based on favorable health studies that showed the beneficial effects of canola's profile," stated Kevin Waslaski, Langdon, President of the Northern Canola Growers Association. "Our board members felt it was a wise decision that could have a large impact on canola oil use while at the same time improving public health."

This finding was determined by a modeling study that examined the effect of substituting canola oil for selected vegetable oils and canola oil-based margarine for other margarines and butter in the diet of adult Americans. Food recall data from the 1999-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to calculate the effect of substituting canola oil for corn, cottonseed, safflower, soybean and vegetable oils described as “not further specified” and of canola oil-based margarine for other margarines and butter in the diet at 25%, 50% and 100% replacement levels.

The study was based on NHANES data from nearly 9,000 adults over 20 years of age. Results showed that saturated fat intake would decrease by 4.7% and 9.4% with 50% and 100% substitution, respectively.

Complete substitution would increase monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and a-linolenic acid (ALA, an omega-3) intakes by 27.6% and 73.0%, respectively, and would decrease polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and linoleic acid (LA, an omega-6) intakes by 32.4% and 44.9%, respectively. Intakes of energy, total fat and cholesterol would not change.

The bottom line: substitution of canola oil and canola oil-based margarine for most other vegetable oils and spreads would increase compliance with dietary recommendations (i.e., Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 and Institute of Medicine) for saturated fat, MUFAs and ALA, but not LA, among U.S. adults.

A mixture of vegetable oils containing ALA and LA can be used to achieve compliance with the adequate intake for these essential fatty acids.

“The results of this study show that fatty acid intake can be influenced substantially through a simple recommendation to change the type of vegetable oil used at the table and in cooking,” Johnson concluded.

“The lack of consumer barriers to such a change with respect to cost, taste, convenience and availability makes canola oil attractive from a practical perspective.”

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada – James Richardson International Limited (JRI) today announced it will build its new state-of-the-art canola crushing plant in the vicinity of Yorkton, Saskatchewan. As previously announced, the plant will be capable of processing 840,000 metric tons of canola per year and its construction cost is estimated to be in the range of $100 million. Yorkton is situated in the heart of Western Canada’s prime canola growing region. With access to the main lines of major rail carriers, a good highway system and the availability of required infrastructure, the area possesses many favorable attributes that make it an ideal location for JRI’s canola crushing plant.

Government representatives of Manitoba and North Dakota were very helpful, informative and engaged in various meetings with JRI. They articulated very clearly and enthusiastically the advantages of their respective jurisdictions. However, JRI’s decision was made based on operational considerations and in that respect, the Yorkton area more closely met the established criteria.

“We are very pleased with our decision to build in the Yorkton area,” said Hartley T. Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of JRI’s parent company James Richardson & Sons, Limited. “As the Richardson family approaches its 150th year of business in Canada, this bold new project will stand as a milestone in the evolution of our agri-food business. This is a positive development for our company and Western Canadian agriculture generally.” JRI President Curt Vossen adds, “We look forward to working with the municipal authorities and area residents as we move ahead with the construction and operation of the plant. The immediate and longstanding benefits to the communities involved are exceptional.”

The North Dakota Ag Statistics office reported September 4th that the canola harvest in the state is progressing rapidly, with 89 percent of the crop harvested. This compares to the five-year average of 59 percent. Harvest progress this year is also well ahead of last year's 69 percent.

Growers in the northeast part of the state have the most acres left to harvest. Yields in that area of the state have been reported at 1,500 - 2,600 pounds, higher than last year's crop.

Typical yields across the state were expected to be in the range of 1,200 pounds per acre, but with higher yields obtained in the northeast, that number may rise. Final yield estimates will be released by the USDA Ag Statistics Service in January.

Canola planted acreage in North Dakota this year was also reported at 933,000 acres, up 33,000 acres from the June estimate. This acreage is down almost 9 percent from 2005.

The $75 million project backed by the North Dakota Farmers Union will consist of five buildings on 110 acres southeast of Minot. The plant will also include rail equipment and an operations center.

The factory will make about 30 million gallons of biodiesel fuel per year from canola, and should be operating by late next summer, employing about 50 people.

State officials praised the plant at its groundbreaking.

Dave Kolpack, The Forum -

North Dakota State University and biotechnology company Monsanto have agreed to work together on ways to improve oilseed crops for biodiesel fuel and other products.

School officials say the partnership makes sense because the state leads the nation in the production of canola, a preferred ingredient in biodiesel.

"This is a great big deal for us," said Ken Grafton, dean of agriculture at NDSU. "In talking to my colleagues across the country, we don't see this level of partnership with private industry."

Higher canola prices spurred by new demand from biodiesel and transfat labelling have resulted in increased planted acres of canola over the March Projected Plantings Report for North Dakota. According to the National Ag Statistics Service, North Dakota farmers planted 900,000 acres of canola in 2006, down from last year’s 1.04 million acres, but up 8.5% from the March Projected Plantings Report.

The USDA indicated 1.018 million acres of canola were planted in the U.S., down 12% from last year, but up 10% from the March Projected Plantings Report.

New Holland became the first major equipment manufacturer to announce it fully approves the use of up to B20 blends in all engines manufactured by New Holland.

This is the highest inclusion rate announced by a major equipment manufacturer and shows the increasing popularity and acceptance of biodiesel.

Further information can be obtained from the New Holland website at: http://www.newhollandmediakit.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=newsreleases.DisplayNewsReleases&NewsID=166

Source: Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Bismarck, ND.

        A feasibility study is underway as the first step in developing a locally owned, high capacity biodiesel plant utilizing canola feedstock.

 Northern Prairie EnviroFuels, LLC. (NPEF) retained the energy professionals of Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson (KL&J) to conduct the feasibility study. The proposed site for the facility is in Cavalier County.

If built, fuel produced from the plant will meet the more stringent European standards for biodiesel. NPEF also anticipates having a crushing facility for processing the oil to meet biodiesel production quotas and potentially produce excess oil to be sold to other biodiesel plants or for human consumption.

New biodiesel information has been added to the NCGA website under the "Growers Information" link on the left. Just click on "Ext. Bulletins" under this link to see a new Biodiesel Bulletin from NDSU.

You can also link to it here: http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/ageng/machine/ae1305.pdf

 More biodiesel information can be found under Canola Links.  Click on biodiesel basics for the Biodiesel Education Network.

The FDA has posted a link to the petition for a qualified health claim for canola oil which was officially submitted by the U.S. Canola Association. The petition, funded in part by the Northern Canola Growers Association, seeks a qualified health claim (QHC) for canola oil and reduced risk of heart disease. The agency filed the petition for formal review on February 28 and the petition was recently posted to FDA’s web site for public comment for 60 days until May 2.

Details of the claim application can be found at http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/06q0091/06q-0091-qhc0001-toc.htm.

The agency has 270 days to reply to the petition. It is estimated that a response from FDA will come no sooner than a year from now. The petition was written by Guy Johnson, PhD, of Johnson Nutrition Solutions and reviewed by an eight-member working group, including representatives of the Northern Canola Growers Association and Canola Council of Canada, as well as nutrition scientists.

Sheri Coleman, Director of Marketing and Health promotion for the Northern Canola Growers Association attended the 8th Annual Foodservice Educators Network International (FENI) conference February 23-26 in Orlando, Florida at the Orlando Culinary Academy.

As part of the Canola Oil Promotion Committee between the Northern Canola Growers Association and Canadian provincial groups, canola sponsored the FENI event at the Silver level. With the Silver Sponsorship level a luncheon was served with all products being prepared in or including canola oil. Guy Johnson from Johnson Nutrition solutions was the featured speaker of the event speaking on the nutritional research and benefits of canola oil. A canola culinary cookoff competition was held between advanced culinary students and educational materials and canola culinary curriculum were distributed to attendees.