With canola becoming a more popular crop across the Northwest, growers are encouraged to join the recently established Pacific Northwest Canola Association.  Karen Sowers said there are a variety of benefits for local growers.  In addition to the membership in the regional association, growers become members in the U.S. Canola Association.

 

“So by having that dual membership, you’re supporting lobbying efforts and research funds at the regional and national level.”

 

Sowers added the Association is a great opportunity to network, whether it’s fellow farmers, industry individuals, university researchers and much more.  Also the Association will serve as a marketing tool for the canola grown in the Northwest.

 

“The importance of the crop in a wheat based rotation region and just the many benefits it can provide as a rotation crop, and then also the end products, oil, food oil, biodiesel, meal for livestock.”

 

Sowers added that there’s a lot of word of mouth interest in what canola can do for dryland growers across the northwest.  She also anticipates canola acreage will increase compared to 2017.

 

 

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