Great Lakes Canola Association www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/canola
Great Plains Canola Association www.greatplainscanola.com Minnesota Canola Council
departments features
Postmaster:
The official publication of the U.S. Canola Association and Northern Canola Growers Association
Chew on Nutrition Research
While science has proven the heart health benefits of canola oil, especially when used in place of saturated fat (i.e., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration qualified health claim), the specific reasons for these benefits are now being discovered. Some apply to people with type 2 diabetes both in terms of disease management and risk reduction for heart disease, which is often a major problem in the face of diabetes. On page 12, we give you the latest about current and future research studies looking at the potential effects of canola oil and its fatty acid composition for the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity; improvement of blood vessel function; control of blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes; and influence on oxidation, body composition and blood fat profile. Moreover, alpha-linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat in canola oil, is being investigated to see if it confers health benefits on its own – independent of being converted to a small extent to other types of omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) with well documented benefits – and if so, what they are.
Fueling the Industry
When it comes to canola oil, what’s good for the heart is also good for the engine. Due to the oil’s ability to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, it is important to have the biodiesel market channel open for canola producers. While U.S.-grown canola was approved by the EPA as a feedstock for biodiesel to help meet the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), Canadian canola had to get separate approval. Recently, it did.
Effective immediately, a U.S. biodiesel producer may purchase Canadian canola to meet the advanced biofuel volume obligations for the RFS2. In addition, the EPA’s designation of Canadian canola as a renewable biomass will allow U.S. biofuel makers to collect tax credits for using it. For more information about this and other canola biodiesel issues, see page 18.
Rent “Equity”
A lot is changing in agribusiness on many fronts and one of them is renting instead of buying expensive farm equipment. The traditional notion of “my father and grandfather bought a combine, so I have to buy one, too” is slowly departing as more growers realize the financial, time-freeing and maintenance benefits of renting farm equipment. Read more on page 22.
Canola on Capitol Hill
Good news: the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has earmarked nearly $780,000 in grants to the National Canola Research Program for regional agronomic studies. The money will be accessible assuming it’s included in the final Congressional appropriations bill.
Meanwhile, Congress must reduce federal budget deficits by $1.2 trillion by the end of 2012 per the Budget Control Act signed by President Obama in August. It is likely that farm programs will see significant budget cuts, but the question is how much? See the predictions of U.S. Canola Association Executive Director John Gordley on page 6 along with other updates from our nation’s capitol.
Stew Over this Recipe
As always, we offer a delicious recipe (page 26) made with canola oil so you can fully appreciate what your crop provides! With winter around the corner, this recipe for Hungarian stew with delicious vegetables, stew beef and spices will definitely hit the spot and warm you right up. Happy holidays and best wishes for a wonderful 2012!
Angela Dansby, editor angela@uscanola.com
A new peak in contracts.
When it’s time to market your canola, give us a call. We’re Bunge, Canada’s largest canola processor. We offer convenient on-farm pick up for all IP canola contracts. We’ve got flexible delivery options for you to choose from. Transactions are easy and we make sure you have plenty of marketing choices.
As canola specialists, we know what’s happening in the markets, nationally and internationally. We’re constantly talking with food and food service companies, developing new markets and new oil products.
Speaking of the markets, there’s an ever-increasing demand for Nexera™. That’s why we’ve added crushing capacity specifically for Nexera contracts. Starting in 2012, all Bunge crushing plants in Western Canada will be processing Nexera on a monthly basis.
Let’s talk. Give a Bunge grain marketing specialist a call today.
Canola Research Funding
Free Trade Agreements and Agricultural GPS Policy
Dale Thorenson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced Sept. 30 the distribution of regional grants totaling $779,081 for the FY2011 National Canola Research (NCRP) Program. Lead institutions receiving funding were North Dakota State University – $170,000; Kansas State University – $165,000; Oklahoma State University –$154,000; University of Idaho – $150,000; and Alabama A&M – $140,081. The NCRP funding is authorized by the Supplemental and Alternative Crops program on an annual basis through the appropriation process. While Congress has yet to pass a final FY2012 agriculture appropriations bill, the federal government is operating on a Continuing Resolution through Nov. 18 and efforts are ongoing to pass the annual bills before that date. The Senate provided funding for the NCRP for the coming year in its version of the FY2012 appropriations bill, but it still needs to be reconciled with the House version, which did not fund the NCRP.
Congress Approves Free Trade Agreements
By a bipartisan vote, Congress passed three free trade agreements – Columbia, Panama and Korea – that had been languishing for several years, as well as a renewed authority for Trade Adjustment Assistance on Oct. 12. The House vote margin for Korea was 278151; for Columbia 262-167; and for Panama 300-129. The Senate vote tallies were 83-15 for Korea; 66-33 for Columbia; and 77-22 for Panama. The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) joined numerous other agricultural groups in supporting the agreements (see letters at www.uscanola.com), which are expected to boost agricultural exports by $2.3 billion annually.
Race to the Finish Farm Bill and Budget Control Act
John Gordley
Congress is in a rare hurry to reduce federal budget deficits by at least $1.2 trillion before the end of 2011. Authorizing committees were to make recommendations on spending cuts to their programs by an Oct. 14 deadline and the House and Senate agriculture committees sent a letter to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction on Oct. 17. The Budget Control Act (BCA), enacted on Aug. 2, requires that Congress approve legislation by Dec. 23 or automatic cuts in non-exempt programs, including agriculture, will be triggered starting in 2013. The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, established by the BCA, has until Nov. 23 to approve this deficit reduction plan.
USCA Comments on GPS Interference
The USCA and a coalition of 12 other farm and commodity groups submitted comments (see document at www.uscanola.com) about GPS interference to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Oct.12. The comments focused on two points: 1) testing for proposed solutions to the interference with precision agriculture receivers created by new terrestrial services provided by LightSquared and 2) costs associated with retrofitting or replacing existing GPS receivers.
GPS technology has enabled growers to map the precise application of seeds, fertilizer and crop protection products, resulting in remarkable increases in crop yields and environmental benefits and decreases in input costs.
“Any new GPS filter offered as a solution must be thoroughly evaluated to verify that it prevents harmful interference and to ensure that it does not otherwise degrade the performance of the retrofitted receiver,” the USCA stated. “It would be totally unacceptable to expect the GPS community, including government users, farmers and other taxpayers to bear any cost for replacing equipment that ceases to function properly if solutions are found, enabling LightSquared to move forward. Any costs associated with retrofitting or replacing GPS receivers must be borne by LightSquared.”
Dale Thorenson is assistant director of the U.S. Canola Association in Washington, D.C.
The letter from House and Senate agriculture committee leaders commits to reducing spending on mandatory farm bill programs by $23 billion over the next 10 years (FY2012-21). The committees indicated they would continue to work on how to distribute these cuts among the various farm bill titles, including commodities, conservation and possibly nutrition (the other titles such as energy and rural development have little spending to cut). It has been rumored that the reductions between the titles could include $12-13 billion in farm programs, $7-8 billion in conservation programs and $3-4 billion in nutrition programs.
Continued on page 25 u
Three sets of free trade agreements are shipped from the White House to Congress.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Chamber of Commerce
You know how InVigor hybrids contribute to your farm. Now learn how InVigor can help your community. When you book seed through the Early Book program, you earn a reward on every bag – and the opportunity to nominate your favorite community organization for a More For Everyone award. Talk to your retailer to find out more.
To see how Cameron Mickelson and other InVigor growers give back to their communities, go to MoreForEveryone.com
REGIONAL ROUND-UP
North Dakota 2011 Growing Season Fair
Canola Oil Sizzles at Culinary Conference
Barry Coleman and Sheri Coleman, B.S.N., R.N.
Canola yields from the 2011 growing season reported to the Northern Canola Growers Association (NCGA) have averaged about 1,600 to 1,700 pounds per acre, with some reports of up to 2,300 and some as low as 1,200 that were affected by wind and hail. The growing season ended with 72 percent of the crop rated in the “good” to “excellent” categories.
Canola acres in North Dakota are expected to be 844,000, down significantly from 2010 due to wet conditions. Listed below is a chart of canola acres by county in 2011 compared to 2010. Also listed is the amount of prevent plant acres.
Desiccant Working Well for Growers
In 2011, more canola growers used diquat, a desiccant recently labeled for canola. Grower reports indicated the product worked extremely well, allowing for faster dry-down of canola and easier combining. It is estimated that up to 25 to 30 percent of the canola crop in North Dakota is now straight-harvested. The NCGA is funding desiccant trials at the Northcentral Research Station in Minot, N.D. More information will be provided this winter season as trial data is analyzed and compiled.
NCGA Meetings
The NCGA will hold its 5th annual joint research meeting on Nov. 17 in Fargo, N.D., with growers and members of the research community and canola industry to review findings of recent canola research projects in the region and to gather feedback for charting new areas of research.
The NCGA’s 15th Annual Canola Day will be on Feb. 8, 2012, in Langdon, N.D. Keynote speaker Mike Krueger of The Money Farm will highlight major market factors that will influence the oilseeds market next year. In addition, North Dakota State University researchers will share their latest canola production results and the NCGA will hold its annual membership meeting.
Getting Techy
The NCGA continues to grow with technology and has designed a QR code, which will now be placed on all marketing items that the association uses. Once scanned by any Android or smart phone device with a QR application, the code will take the user directly to the NCGA website.
Canola Oil No Secret at CIA
The NCGA sponsored the 2011 Flavor, Quality & American Menus conference in August 2011 at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA)-Greystone campus in St. Helena, Calif. This conference, co-presented by the CIA and the University of
When you partner with a CROPLAN GENETICS® seed local agronomist, you’ll get not only seed, but customized seed solutions. And as the only ones to offer three canola herbicide-tolerant-system choices, we’re well-equipped to take on any challenge in your field. Get the most from your acres. Call us today, or visit CroplanGenetics.com.
croplangenetics.com
California at Davis, is an invitational leadership retreat that brings together professional chefs, food service industry leaders, chain restaurants, hotels, universities and supermarkets to present ever-growing food and health trends. Canola oil had a strong presence at the conference and was highlighted in chef demos, prepared meals and presenter discussions. Classic, high-stability, gourmet-infused and even cold pressed canola oils were used.
Lindy and Sheri Coleman of the NCGA in The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone kitchen during the Flavor, Quality & American Menus conference.
Canola oil was mentioned in association with the new “My Plate” diagram issued by the Harvard School of Public Health. No other oils aside from canola and olive were mentioned. In addition, Bunge had its Foodmobile at the event –a huge hit – and the company announced the acquisition of two new margarine processing plants in Virginia and Kansas. NCGA staff had the chance to showcase canola oil in dishes as they worked elbow-to-elbow with such chefs as Duff Goldman of Ace of Cakes, Iliana de la Vega, Adam Sappington of Country Cat and Ryan Scott of 3SUM Eats. Attendees and chefs were presented with a lovely canola gift package, including an apron, canola oil, cutting board, wine opener and kitchen tools. NCGA will plan on attending again in 2012.
Barry Coleman is executive director and Sheri Coleman is associate director of the Northern Canola Growers Association in Bismarck, N.D.
DESPITE LATE, WET START, CANOLA PAYS OFF NICELY
Record rainfall throughout the spring in North Dakota did not keep Jarred Billadeau from growing a profitable canola crop in 2011. “We were up to two or three weeks late planting our canola, but it emerged beautifully and took advantage of this year’s excessive moisture,” says Billadeau, who grows canola, wheat, corn and field peas near Parshall. “We harvested better than 2,600 pounds per acre, which would be a very good canola yield under any growing conditions.”
Billadeau planted four DEKALB® canola products, and DKL 72-55 – a Performance Ready™ variety – was his highest yielder. He prefers DEKALB products with the Genuity® Roundup Ready® trait, because that weed-control system helps keep his fields cleaner.
“I like to plant DEKALB spring canola because it matures early and has great pod strength, which reduces shattering when we straightcut at harvest,” Billadeau explains. “DEKALB canola also stands well and doesn’t lodge.”
Over the past few years, this North Dakota farmer has changed his mindset about the value of planting canola. “It’s always been a great rotational crop, but now I look at canola as a real cash crop – due to its demand as a healthy oil, canola prices have remained strong and don’t fluctuate as much as prices for corn, soybeans and wheat,” Billadeau says. For more information about DEKALB, farmers can contact their local DEKALB dealer, visit http://www.DEKALB.com and follow its business on http://www.facebook.com/DEKALB
Trait Stewardship Responsibilities Notice to Farmers
For Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets in the U.S.: On February 8, 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published its decision to implement interim measures of deregulation with conditions for the planting of Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets root crops, and of planting under USDA permit for Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets seed crops. Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets can only be sold, transported and planted in compliance with the conditions imposed by USDA and as set forth in mandatory compliance agreements with USDA, which must be in place prior to transport or planting. Growers must comply with the Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement (MTSA) Amendment and the Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets Technology Use Guide (TUG) Addendum on www.Genuity.com.
For Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets in the U.S.: The Monsanto Technology Stewardship Agreement is amended as follows: Grower agrees to transport and plant Genuity® Roundup Ready® Sugarbeets only for the production of a root crop, and not for seed production, and in compliance with the conditions imposed by the USDA under the deregulation with conditions and as set forth in mandatory compliance agreements with USDA, which grower agrees will be in place prior to transport or planting.
Based on the decision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on January 27, 2011, Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa seed is available for sale and distribution by authorized Seed Companies or their dealers for use in the United States only. This seed may not be planted outside of the United States, or for the production of seed, or sprouts.
Monsanto Company is a member of Excellence Through Stewardship® (ETS). Monsanto products are commercialized in accordance with ETS Product Launch Stewardship Guidance, and in compliance with Monsanto’s Policy for Commercialization of Biotechnology-Derived Plant Products in Commodity Crops. This product has been approved for import into key export markets with functioning regulatory systems. Any crop or material produced from this product can only be exported to, or used, processed or sold in countries where all necessary regulatory approvals have been granted. Do not export Genuity® Roundup Ready® Alfalfa seed or crop, including hay or hay products, to China pending import approval. It is a violation of national and international law to move material containing biotech traits across boundaries into nations where import is not permitted. Growers should talk to their grain handler or product purchaser to confirm their buying position for this product. Excellence Through Stewardship® is a registered trademark of Biotechnology Industry Organization.
B.t. products may not yet be registered in all states. Check with your Monsanto representative for the registration status in your state.
IMPORTANT IRM INFORMATION:
RIB Complete™ corn does not require the planting of a structured refuge except in the Cotton-Growing Area where corn earworm is a significant pest. Genuity® SmartStax® RIB Complete™ Corn is a blended seed corn product. See the IRM/ Grower Guide for additional information. Always read and follow IRM requirements.
Cottonseed containing Monsanto traits may not be exported for the purpose of planting without a license from Monsanto.
Individual results may vary, and performance may vary from location to location and from year to year. This result may not be an indicator of results you may obtain as local growing, soil and weather conditions may vary. Growers should evaluate data from multiple locations and years whenever possible.
Effects of Canola Oil Fatty Acid Composition on Insulin Resistance and Obesity
New Canola Health Benefit Discoveries on Horizon
A Review of Cross-Border Canola Oil
Research
New and exciting research is underway in the U.S. and Canada regarding the health benefits of canola oil. While we already know that 1½ tablespoons of canola oil per day in place of saturated fat may reduce the risk of heart disease, new studies are going beyond the basics and could have great potential. Specifically, they are looking into whether the omega-3 fat in canola oil, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), has benefits on its own — independent of converting to a small extent into beneficial types of omega-3s called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Researchers are also exploring if canola oil can help prevent insulin resistance and obesity, if it can have a positive impact on blood vessel function and therefore, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease – and even if canola oil can help speed up a person’s metabolism and reduce fat ... how about that?!
This study investigated the effects of canola oil and its fatty acid composition on the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity using a rodent model of diet-induced obesity. The study was conducted in two parts from 2009 to 2011, according to Carla Taylor, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Human Sciences at the University of Manitoba. The first part was a prevention study, where obese-prone rats were fed high-fat diets (55 percent calories from fat) to induce obesity and insulin resistance (a pre-diabetes stage). The rats were fed diets containing various oils – conventional canola oil, high-oleic canola oil, conventional canola/flaxseed oil blend, soybean oil, safflower oil or a lard-based diet – over a 12-week period to determine if there were differences in the rate of development of obesity and insulin resistance.
The second part of the study was a treatment study. Over 12 weeks, obesity and insulin resistance were developed in rats using a lard-based diet. The rats either continued with the lard-based diet or switched to diets containing conventional canola oil, high-oleic canola oil, a conventional canola oil/ flaxseed blend, soybean oil or safflower oil as their fat source for an 8-week treatment period.
“In both studies, we assessed metabolic syndrome parameters: body weight/adiposity, obesity, blood glucose [sugar], blood lipids [fats], blood pressure, markers of inflammation and fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis), as well as fatty acid composition of the liver and tissues to evaluate the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA,” Taylor said.
In the prevention study, each of the oils compared with lard had one or more benefits. But the diets containing high-oleic canola oil, conventional canola oil and the canola/flaxseed oil blend had lower weight gain and fasting blood glucose than the other oils. Additionally, the diet containing the canola/flaxseed oil blend – highest in ALA –reduced hepatic steatosis, blood lipids and a marker of inflammation. The groups fed canola oil and the canola/flaxseed oil blend had higher total EPA and DHA in the liver, indicating that ALA in the oils was converted to EPA and DHA to some extent. In the treatment study, the canola oil diet resulted in lower fasting blood lipids, glucose and insulin as well as an improvement in insulin sensitivity. Similar changes were observed with the canola/flaxseed oil diet, except fasting blood glucose did not change. Both the canola oil and canola/flaxseed oil diets resulted in higher total omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA) in skeletal muscle, indicating conversion of dietary ALA to EPA and DHA. Skeletal muscle is the major organ for glucose uptake in the body. The research filled an important knowledge gap regarding the effects of canola oil for the prevention and management of insulin resistance, inflammation and obesity. The results are important for designing human studies to verify which dietary fatty acid compositions can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce risk of obesity. Taylor said the research team has submitted an application to perform a study in humans with metabolic syndrome, a pre-diabetes stage characterized by overweight, elevated blood lipids and blood glucose, and high blood pressure.
Effect of Canola Oil on Blood Vessel Function in Peripheral Arterial Disease
Individuals with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have atherosclerosis – narrowing and stiffness of blood vessels – in the legs, putting them at five times greater risk of heart attack and strokes than people without PAD. In this 201113 study, the effects of canola oil consumption on healthy participants and individuals with PAD are being tested.
The main objective of the chronic assessment is to establish whether canola oil has positive effects on blood vessel function by measuring clinical endpoints, such as arterial stiffness and arterial vasodilation, as well as the ankle-brachial index (ABI), the “gold standard for human trials of this nature,” according to Taylor, who also is conducting this study. ABI is the ratio of blood pressure at the ankle to blood pressure in the arm. If blood flow to the legs is impaired, the ratio will be less than one. PAD is diagnosed when the ABI is less than 0.9.
PAD affects over 10 million people in North America. People with PAD have a significantly greater risk of heart attack and stroke than the normal population because the underlying disease
Direct Effects of ALA on Lipid and Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Mice
There is significant interest in the heart health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids; however, very little is known about the specific factors responsible for these effects. The majority of research to date on omega-3s and cardiovascular disease has focused on those derived from marine oils, namely EPA and DHA. Plant sources of ALA include flaxseed and canola oils. The objective of this study was to investigate the direct effects of ALA using a newly developed “delta-6 desaturase knockout mouse model” on lipid and cardiovascular disease biomarkers. The study began in 2009 and is expected to finish by the end of 2011.
Humans have some capacity to convert ALA to EPA and DHA, but they do so very inefficiently (1-5 percent). According to David Ma, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of Guelph, the “knockout mouse” is a genetic model lacking
affects all blood vessels in the body. Those who have more severe cases of PAD have a limited walking range due to claudication – cramps that occur due to a lack of oxygen to the limbs. As reduced blood flow contributes to cognitive impairment, the study is also investigating whether improvements in blood vessel function are associated with improvements in cognitive function.
This fall, participants with PAD were randomly assigned to one of two groups for eight weeks: conventional canola oil (high in monounsaturated fat and ALA) or a fat mixture representing the Western diet (high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fat). They were provided with food items (e.g. baked goods, side dishes) prepared with the study’s oils; the food items were supplied frozen and the participants incorporated them into their usual diet. Assessments of vascular function (including ABI, pulse wave velocity, claudication test/walking on treadmill, cognitive function), blood lipid profile, biomarkers of vascular function and inflammation, glycemic control, body weight, waist circumference and body composition were tested and measured at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks. The PAD research is scheduled to conclude in 2013.
According to Taylor, the hypothesis for this study is that the displacement of saturated fat with unsaturated fat and the ALA present in canola oil could both be factors that have positive effects on blood vessel function, as past research has indicated.
“Up to now, there has been considerable emphasis on LDL cholesterol, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” Taylor said. “However, the new focus is on evidence-based clinical endpoints, such as blood vessel function, to identify pre-symptomatic disease and to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions.”
a key protein involved in the conversion of ALA to EPA and DHA; therefore, this model is useful in assessing the direct effects of ALA independent of its conversion to EPA and DHA.
“There has been a long-standing debate regarding the health benefits of ALA and whether they are directly attributable to ALA or indirectly through their conversion or both,” Ma said. “This has not been possible to answer until the recent development of the delta-6 desaturase knockout mouse model.”
According to Ma, the primary outcome of interest was measuring fatty streak formation in the heart, which is a biomarker of cardiovascular disease. A secondary measure of interest was the development of fatty liver disease. In the experiments, mice that were given oils containing ALA (canola or flax) were compared to mice given fish oil and lard. Two potential outcomes were
anticipated. If there was no difference between the controls and ALA-fed mice, this would provide evidence that the biological effects of ALA are due to conversion. However, if there was a difference similar to fish oil-fed mice, this would indicate that ALA has direct biological effects independent of its conversion to EPA and DHA. Surprisingly, no animals developed fatty streak formation from any of the diets. Unsurprisingly, fish oil- and ALA-fed mice developed less severe fatty liver disease than lard-fed controls. But fatty liver disease was the least severe in the fish oil-fed mice. Ma said researchers will continue to collect more data to strengthen the findings and if the observations continue to hold true,
Effect of Canola Oil on Glucose Control and Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes
The objective of this study, which features a low-glycemic load diet, is to determine if canola oil improves glycemic control in non-insulindependent (type 2) diabetes and cardiovascular health (plasma lipids, inflammatory biomarkers and oxidation). If successful, this three-month clinical study’s results will support existing data on the effectiveness of low-glycemic load diets in improving glycemic control and reducing cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes. The clinical phase of the study started earlier this year and will conclude by the fall of 2012.
According to Cyril Kendall, Ph.D., research associate in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, the study includes 120 people with type 2 diabetes. Subjects have been randomized to a control diet, which
evidence will support direct effects of ALA on fatty liver disease.
“To the consumer, this would potentially reinforce our positive association with the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids in the form of ALA,” he said. “In addition, there is growing recognition that the development of fatty livers has rapidly increased in association with obesity and metabolic syndrome and therefore, is another emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Thus, findings from our study have implications showing how ALA-containing oils, such as canola, may be beneficial for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease through the prevention of fatty liver disease.”
is higher in carbohydrates and consists of whole grain foods, or a low-glycemic load diet that contains foods with a low glycemic index (beans, pasta, barley, oats) and canola oil (healthy fat), which will displace some carbohydrates in the diet to effectively lower the glycemic load. Blood lipids of each individual are tested at the beginning and then every two weeks until week 12.
“Clinical studies have shown that low-glycemic index diets decrease blood lipid risk factors for heart disease by decreasing bad LDL and increasing good HDL cholesterol and improving blood pressure,” Kendall said. “Epidemiological studies have found low-glycemic index diets to be associated with decreased risk of heart disease. We expect the canola oil to further improve blood lipids and it could improve vascular reactivity (elasticity).”
Effect of Canola and Flax Oils on Vascular Function and Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease Risk
According to Peter Jones, Ph.D., director of the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals at the of University of Manitoba and lead researcher, this study is the largest controlled human trial in Canadian history, with research centers in four locations: University of Manitoba, Pennsylvania State University, University of Toronto and Laval University. The research, which is examining the health benefits of ALA from the consumption of canola and flaxseed oils in the U.S. and Canada, aims to address the significant knowledge gaps in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms and cardioprotective effects of dietary ALA. Various treatment oils are being examined for potential influence on endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidation, body composition and blood fat profile characterization.
According to Jones, 140 individuals are being tested with the objective of evaluating the effects of canola, specialty canola and flaxseed oils on novel markers for heart disease. The study began in 2010 and will continue through 2013.
“In the past, we’ve leaned on cholesterol as an indicator of risk for heart attack/stroke and endothilial function or elasticity of circulation,” said Jones. “In other words, if your arteries are hardened, you may have a greater chance of developing plaque and having a stroke. In addition, we’re now looking at new biomarkers that orient around inflammation. Inflammatory status of an individual is the ‘new cholesterol’ so we are probing whether these diets are going to improve or change the levels of biomarkers tied to inflammatory status.”
Each individual in this study is being given a total of five, one-month dietary interventions with one month of rest in between each. Different groups are given either a flax/canola oil, highstability canola oil, traditional canola oil or omega3-enhanced canola oil blend. Half of the participant’s fat intake per day is replaced with the oil of interest. The individual is given three carefully planned meals per day and asked to not snack or drink alcohol in their free time. The researchers and medical staff take each participant’s blood
Optimizing Dietary Fatty Acids to Lower Metabolic Risk Factors Among Canadians
This ongoing study is part of a larger body of research that aims to modify the intake of different types of fat in post-menopausal women with the goal of reducing inflammatory substances and markers of oxidative stress.
According to Sheila Innis, M.Sc., Ph.D., director of nutrition and metabolism research program at the University of British Columbia, 36 male subjects were given mini meals of 900 calories, balanced in carbohydrates, protein and fat – banana bread made with canola oil and yogurt, to be exact. Each mini meal contained 30 grams of either canola, high-oleic safflower, soybean or flaxseed oil or butter. Venous catheters were inserted into the participants and blood was drawn every hour for six hours. During this time, researchers looked at the individual fatty acids within the oils to determine which oil type is best for minimizing post-meal inflammation. Glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins were all measured and monitored during the six hours to see the body’s inflammatory response. All participants were tested with soybean oil compared to canola oil and then one other oil that varied. All participants did this twice, with a two-week break in between testing days. They were encouraged to minimize alcohol intake and high-fat foods for 48 hours beforehand.
“In the post-absorptive state, when all this fat is floating around, that’s when inflammatory responses begin to react to what you’ve been eating,” Innis said. “We wanted to see if there are definitive differences in physiology that would
and give them tracers and labeled tags in order to determine how readily they convert ALA to EPA and DHA and what the differences are among conversion rates. According to Jones, this information could be used to help develop dietary fat recommendations for individuals based on their own conversion rate.
Researchers are also testing each individual’s body composition after each one-month dietary intervention phase in order to find any possible effects of the different oils on energy regulation and body metabolism. Previous research suggests that omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, can turn up a body’s metabolic rate, Jones noted. Recently finished animal studies support this hypothesis, where high monounsaturated fat levels stimulated fat oxidation, burning more calories and reducing body fat. Performing these measurements also allows researchers to look at total fat as well as where it is positioned on the body – fat around the middle and above the waistline is a lot more dangerous than elsewhere on the body as it is tied closely to heart disease.
explain why these oils are performing differently.”
In the context of a high-carbohydrate (typical Western) diet, Innis said canola oil gave a better post-meal response due to its high amount of monounsaturated fat, but results have been very individually specific.
“Response to diet is the story of individuals,” she said. “On a high polyunsaturated fat diet, some people really struggle. But some people are fine. When you’re trying to gauge adverse affects or benefits of certain oils and averaging results, it’s hard to see that. A small proportion of people respond really positively and negatively to certain oils.”
Innis also noted it was difficult finding women to participate in this study due to its requirement that participants consume more fat because they were “fat-phobic.”
“We have a lot of work to do in conveying the message that high-carbohydrate intake instead of vegetable oils is not good,” she said. “There is a lack of understanding on fats versus carbs and women are replacing good fats with high amounts of carbs. The message that ‘fat is bad’ is overriding the ‘good versus bad fats’ messaging.”
While results are still pending and expected to be published within the next year, Canola Council of Canada Oil Nutrition Manager Lisa Campbell said this is a brand new area where canola oil could show yet another health benefit.
Clare Pierson is associate editor of U.S. Canola Digest.
OTHER CANOLA IS YELLOW...
BrettYoung’s highest yielding hybrid, 6070 RR, out-yielded the trial average by 116%. Providing impressive yields, 6070 RR is a leader in its class.
For proven consistent performance with yields above the commercial checks and better standability and harvestability, turn to 6040 RR.
In the end, it all comes down to performance, and BrettYoung brings a new standard of excellence to the field.
In Like a Lamb;
EPA Clears Canadian Canola for U.S. Biodiesel Production Out Like a Lion
J. Alan Weber, M.S.
The 2011 biodiesel production year began unnervingly slow relative to industry expectations. Putting two years of reduced production behind them, U.S. biodiesel producers looked forward to a fully implemented Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) and meeting the federally mandated requirement of 800 million gallons.
Production and sales lagged in the first quarter of the year, with an average monthly production of about 50 million gallons – not enough to meet RFS2 requirements. Since that time, industry production and sales have increased significantly, growing more than 10 percent each month since April, reaching an industry record of more than 100 million gallons of production in August 2011. If production in the last four months of the year averages 92 million gallons per month, U.S. production for 2011 will exceed 940 million gallons.
Soybean oil remains the predominant U.S. feedstock for biodiesel, representing more than half of current production. Inedible fats and greases as well as vegetable oils, such as canola oil, represent the other half of production. Canola oil-based biodiesel, although not originally approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) when the RFS2 was finalized, now qualifies as an advanced biofuel. Interest in canola oil as a feedstock continues to increase as the price premium between canola and soybean oil is reduced.
No “Map and Track” for Canadian Canola
The EPA’s approval of canola as a feedstock for biodiesel production did not help biodiesel producers utilizing Canadian canola. One of the RFS2 provisions limits the use of raw materials unless it meets the definition of “renewable biomass.” In order to generate a biomass-based diesel Renewable Identification Number (RIN), which is how you comply with the RFS2, a biodiesel producer must have information about the feedstock’s origin and be able to document the crop was grown on
agricultural land that was in production before Dec. 19, 2007. They must also be able to demonstrate the land has been actively managed. Meeting this RFS2 definition effectively requires biodiesel producers to preserve the identity of the crop grown throughout the supply chain for any feedstock they procure.
For U.S. crops, however, the EPA finalized an aggregate compliance approach for crops and crop residues. Published in the March 2010 RFS2 final rule, this approach relieved biodiesel producers from individual mapping and tracking for U.S. grown crops 120,000,000
U.S. Biodiesel Production
(January - August 2011)
and crop residue. Late last year, EPA finalized a process for foreign countries to petition to have a similar aggregate compliance approach. Subsequent to this ruling, the Canadian government petitioned the EPA to approve an aggregate compliance approach for Canadian crops and crop residue.
The EPA published the Canadian petition in March 2011 and sought public comment. Industry comments were considered and in October, the EPA announced approval of the aggregate compliance approach for Canadian crops. It stated:
“After a thorough assessment of the petition and supporting information submitted by the Government of Canada, and consideration of all public comments received, EPA has determined, based on credible, reliable and verifiable data provided by the Government of Canada, that an aggregate compliance approach will provide reasonable assurance that planted crops and crop residue from Canada meet the definition of renewable biomass and will continue to meet the definition of renewable biomass. Therefore, effective immediately, any producer or RIN- generating importer of renewable fuel made from planted crops or crop residue from existing Canadian agricultural land will be covered by the aggregate compliance approach and will not be subject to the recordkeeping requirements for planted crops and crop residue at §80.1454(g)(2) unless EPA publishes a finding that the 2007 baseline amount of agricultural land in Canada (123 million acres) has been exceeded or that the withdrawal of EPA approval of the aggregate compliance approach is warranted pursuant to §80.1457(e).”
In other words, effective immediately, a biodiesel producer may purchase Canadian canola for biodiesel production and generate RINs to meet the biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuel volume obligations for the RFS2. The Canadian aggregate compliance approach will remain in effect unless the amount of agricultural land in Canada exceeds the 123 million-acre baseline that was set in the final rule.
What to Expect for 2012
The RFS2 program remains an important driver for the biodiesel industry. Under the RFS2, the EPA is tasked with establishing the renewable fuel volume obligations each November for the following year. Congress mandated the levels of biomass-based diesel fuel through 2012, but does not specify applicable volumes for years after 2012. This decision is left with the EPA Administrator in consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Secretary of Agriculture.
The National Biodiesel Board (NBB), with an eye toward sustainable industry growth, established a working group in July 2010 to recommend industry positions regarding the RFS2 biomass-based diesel requirement levels for 2013 and beyond. The U.S. canola industry was represented by Ryan Pederson and the working group was tasked with assessing the business environment and analyzing feedstock resources and other relevant factors including industry production capacity, overall feedstock supply and global market conditions. Upon completion of detailed modeling and review of the economic results, the working group
provided its recommendations to the NBB membership in February 2011. Among the recommendations were:
1. Advise the EPA to establish a nonbinding, five-year target for expected biomass-based diesel requirements and update it annually on a rolling five-year basis.
2. Recommend that the EPA set a binding requirement for 2013 at 1.3 billion gallons, with a target increase of 300 million gallons each year for the subsequent four years.
The working group stated: “The U.S. biodiesel [industry] already has nearly 2 billion gallons of EPA RFS2-registered production capacity with more in the pipeline awaiting approval. Production capacity will not be a limiting factor for the industry now or in the foreseeable future. The economic modeling demonstrates that the biodiesel industry can expand at a measured annual increase of 300 million gallons without putting excess stress on feedstock markets or any other part of the biodiesel supply chain. Further, the modeling shows this can be accomplished without impacting food prices above their 2010 levels.”
The group concluded that the proposed 300-million-gallon annual increase will significantly expand the biodiesel industry without causing unintended negative consequences or stretching the industry beyond comfortable capabilities.
On July 1, 2011, the EPA proposed to maintain the 2012 biomass-based diesel requirement at 1 billion gallons and establish the 2013 requirement at 1.28 billion gallons. A final ruling is expected in November 2011.
Next year will be another important year for the biodiesel industry. Several question marks remain on the federal policy front. With the focus on the national debt and Super Committee activities, will tax extenders be addressed in a timely manner by Congress? Will the 2012 Farm Bill impact biodiesel producers? Among such questions are bright spots such as expanding acreage of winter canola in the Great Plains and a very resilient biodiesel industry. That said, members of the canola industry must remain proactive.
J. Alan Weber, M.S., is a founding partner of MARC-IV consulting company in Columbia, Mo., and the National Biodiesel Board representative to the U.S. Canola Association.
EXCEPTIONAL WEED CONTROL. HIGH YIELD POTENTIAL.
GO WITH DEKALB
DEKALB® brand Genuity® Roundup Ready® Spring Canola combines the superior broadleaf weed and grass control of the Genuity Roundup Ready system with the advanced genetics of DEKALB. You take control in tough weather conditions while enjoying excellent crop safety and flexibility when it comes to herbicide applications. Find out what maximum yield potential looks like in your fields.
Talk to your local DEKALB Dealer.
EQUIPMENT
Reaping Benefit of Leasing
More Canola Growers Look to Rent Farm Equipment
The current and prolonged dismal state of the U.S. housing market has a lot of people drawn to renting; statistics show demand for housing rentals and apartments are up and home ownership is down across the country. The advantages of renting – freed up capital and no loan applications to name a few – also apply to the farm equipment industry.
According to Charlie Bancroft, president of AgLease, a national farm equipment rental company, leasing was originated in this country specifically for farmers. When Cyrus McCormick invented the horseoperated reaping machine in the 19th century, he supplied it to farmers with a lease financing system, which was unheard of in that day. Farmers were instantly attracted to such leasing terms with no down payment, lease-to-own and seasonal payments – terms that are still attractive today.
Seeing More Green
The benefits to leasing are numerous, but first are the obvious financial benefits. As with most rental models, leasing does not require nearly as much up-front capital as outright purchasing and it allows more flexibility for the lessee. Plus, lease payments can often be fully deducted from tax returns, reducing tax liability.
“Leasing equipment relieves the grower of a major aspect on their balance sheet and frees up capital,” said Mark Gabrick, director of marketing at MachineryLink, a company that specializes in combine leasing. “These days, people are looking at ways to become more flexible and renting/leasing fits that pattern. It is more flexible to treat a combine as an operating expense and pay for it when you need it. Then you can free up capital to spend on other things – irrigation equipment or something else that will build equity in your operation.”
Marty O’Neal, a central Illinois soybean and corn grower who has been farming since 1980, estimates that he has lease-toown agreements on 75 to 80 percent of his
farm equipment. Each year at harvest time – the first week of September through the first week of November in his case – he leases a combine from MachineryLink.
“A big benefit is the cost savings,” O’Neal said. “We don’t have a lot of money tied up for 10 months out of the year and we don’t have a combine sitting here unused.”
“We play a role in helping growers control costs,” Gabrick noted. “We are able to let them expense the cost of their harvest combine as an operating expense, rather than owning it and having year-round costs associated with equipment. With us, the grower only pays for it during the harvest. With traditional ownership, he would need to pay for, house and maintain a combine 12 months out of the year.”
Companies like AgLease pride themselves on leasing all types of farm equipment. Bancroft said the company will consider a lease on any type of agriculture-related equipment, yet they do not actually provide the equipment. AgLease and a farmer negotiate a price point for a specific item and then the company works with various equipment dealers and private party sellers in order to secure the equipment.
MachineryLink, on the other hand, specifically focuses on combines, the most expensive and least utilized piece of farming equipment. Currently, 2012 combine models for purchase fall in the range of $365,000 to $440,000, according to Gabrick, and will typically depreciate by at least 10 percent the minute a purchaser takes it home. A typical MachineryLink lease is three years long and the terms can vary from $13,000 to $ 41,000 per year for a Class VII machine.
Flexibility and Modern Upgrades
O’Neal said that before he reached out to MachineryLink and explored leasing, his farm owned a combine and typically would buy used models every couple of years. Now as a leasing customer, he receives a newer machine equipped with more modern technology each harvest period.
“That’s helpful because we don’t have to spend any time in August in the shop working on a combine,” he noted. “If there are repairs, [MachineryLink] takes care of them – then I can go off and do something else.”
Clare Pierson
Canola growers may consider renting a combine instead of purchasing one, potentially saving them time and money.
Photo
Bancroft agrees that AgLease’s customers are offered a lot of flexibility.
“At the end of the lease, a farmer may purchase the equipment, turn it in or continue the lease,” he said. “We find that most farmers ultimately purchase the equipment, but there are some that prefer to turn the equipment in and upgrade to newer models.”
Steady Success
Although Bancroft said leasing is consistent through different economic swings, he said it may be a more viable option to farmers during tough times.
“In the recent economic downturn, some farmers experienced difficulty in obtaining traditional bank loans due to tighter credit guidelines,” Bancroft said. “Leases are a viable option to those looking to add equipment without tying up the line of credit at the bank.”
Gabrick, however, says he thinks the economy doesn’t have a huge impact either way on business.
“When the credit markets chilled in 2008, we did not really see that much more interest in our company,” he said. “It’s been a steady progression. We see ourselves as a service organization and we focus on the harvest – and there’s always going to be a harvest somewhere.”
Gabrick said the traditional ideas of ownership often get passed down generationally between farmers, which can be an obstacle in conveying the benefits of leasing.
“There is the idea that my grandfather owned one, then my dad owned one, so I have to own one too,” said Gabrick. “Also, confidence is a big factor. Farmers want to know how we are going to deliver their equipment on time and if it will work properly. As a grower, if my crop is ready to harvest, I don’t want to be sitting there waiting and twiddling my thumbs. We build in guarantees and financial obligations on our part to deliver machines on time. Our equipment goes through a rigorous certification process between every user.”
New canola farmers may be particularly interested in leasing equipment. Gabrick said he is seeing more emphasis and attention placed on canola, particularly in the Great Plains region.
“Oklahoma State University and its canola research programs have really contributed to this,” he said. “We’re seeing more canola customers in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.”
Clare Pierson is associate editor of U.S. Canola Digest
Outlook: Optimistic Winter Canola Acreage Up Despite Drought
Josh Bushong
The southern Great Plains region has experienced yet another significant increase in planted winter canola acreage. Even though the area is enduring an ongoing drought since last season, many wheat producers are still willing to give canola a try. Most of the increase in acreage may be due to the increase in first-time growers, but some past canola producers have either maintained or increased their acreage as well. Through numerous fall production meetings across this region, canola education has been well received and often increased optimism about seeding a crop – either wheat or canola – in an ongoing drought.
At these fall production meetings, many farmers said they needed assistance in drill and planter calibrations for canola. Since most of them haven’t had much experience seeding such a small-seeded and more expensive crop (compared to winter wheat), they often welcome assistance in ensuring proper seeding rates. Many drills have never been adjusted to plant anything but winter wheat. Basic canola production information such as drill calibration was presented at the meetings.
Looking ahead to this fall and winter, a major concern is weed and insect control. Since the southern Great Plains is still enduring drought conditions, it is likely to have higher insect infestations and once there is a significant rainfall after planting, weed infestations will follow. Unfortunately, many winter wheat practices have created some bad habits for new canola growers in this region. One of particular concern is waiting to apply fertility, insecticides and herbicides until spring “greenup” once growers have evaluated their crop post-winter. Obviously, this isn’t a good management practice for winter wheat or winter canola since this can have an influence on healthy crop development during the fall. Oklahoma State University data shows that controlling winter annual grassy weeds about 4 to 6 weeks after planting canola results in the highest yield. That’s because canola isn’t very competitive as a seedling. In the study, an average yield loss of 1.33 bushels per week after the optimum spray date was observed for the following nine weeks.
Through funding from the Oklahoma Oilseed Commission, 13 winter canola demonstration plots have been planted across Oklahoma. These plots will increase interest in areas of Oklahoma where canola acres are expanding and serve as a location for spring field tours. Oklahoma State University has numerous canola trials established this fall. They include soil fertility, insect and disease control, herbicide drift and variety/hybrid trials. The Great Plains Canola Association is very excited about this season and hopes to continue to see canola become more prominent in the southern Great Plains.
Josh Bushong is a winter canola extension specialist in Stillwater, Okla.
Changes in the Boardroom
MCC Adds Ex-Officio Member and Talks Water Quality
Jon Dockter
In order to benefit from the expertise and perspectives of representatives within the canola industry when making board decisions, the Minnesota Canola Council (MCC) appoints industry representatives to non-voting, ex-officio board seats. Until recently, the MCC was limited to the appointment of up to five ex-officio board members. Understanding the advantages of being able to appoint additional ex-officio board members when needed, the MCC requested a change in its promotion order to allow for such activity, which was then approved by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
The MCC used its new authority to appoint Neil Juhnke, president of Northstar Agri Industries – a canola processing and refining facility currently under construction near Hallock, Minn. – to serve in an ex-officio capacity on its board. Juhnke graduated from North Dakota State University and spent 15 years in the sugar beet industry in all aspects of management. His experience includes production management, plant maintenance and capital project management.
Juhnke joins ex-officio board members James Loewen, Bunge; Larry Mueller, Mycogen Seeds/Dow AgroSciences; Dave Olson, Bayer CropScience; Jay Bjerke, Winfield Solutions; and Mitch Stevens, Salol Elevator/CHS. Ex-officio board members serve three-year terms.
Water Quality Dialogue
MCC President Beth Nelson participated in a dialogue group convened by Environmental Initiative (formerly known as MEI) that works to develop a shared understanding of agriculture’s role in addressing water quality issues in Minnesota. The group was convened at the request of state agencies and environmental organizations. The Minnesota Ag Water Resources Coalition has also contributed funding to the effort.
The first phase of the dialogue meetings convened agriculture representatives only, who completed their fact-finding and list of principles in August 2011. The next phase will bring these representatives together with state agency officials and environmental leaders to further discuss common goals. Representing agriculture in the next round of eight scheduled meetings will be representatives from the Minnesota Pork Producers, Minnesota Milk Producers, Minnesota Corn Growers, Minnesota Soybean Growers, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Agricultural Water Resources Coalition and Organic Valley.
Mycogen to Hold Meetings about Nexera Contracts
Mycogen Seeds is sponsoring several meetings in northern Minnesota to inform growers of opportunities to grow higholeic canola under Nexera production contracts. Representatives from both Bunge and ADM will be on hand to talk about the details of these premium contracts, which include free “Act of God” protection. Other contract highlights include 100 percent production coverage with multiple pricing options; the opportunity to lock in the price on the contract quantity up to June 30, 2012; deferred payment and custom farm split availability; and a returning grower bonus.
Checkoff Rate
At its July 2011 board meeting, the MCC board moved to maintain the state canola checkoff rate at its current level of 6¢/cwt for the 2011 crop. This rate is reviewed on an annual basis.
MCC Annual Winter Meeting
In conjunction with the MCC annual winter meeting, the next MCC board meeting will be on Dec. 13, 2011, at Gene’s Bar & Grill in Roseau, Minn. To suggest topics for the board to address, please contact Beth Nelson at mncanola@comcast.net.
Jon Dockter is associate director of the Minnesota Canola Council in St. Paul, Minn.
t Continued from page 6
The committee leaders also indicated that they intend to propose significant changes in farm programs to achieve the $23 billion in reduced spending. They could also reauthorize most of the other titles as part of the BCA process, effectively writing the 2012 Farm Bill in 2011. The appeal of this approach is to get everything (or almost everything) done before what is certain to be a contentious election year, when it will be difficult to get a filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority in the Senate and a Tea Partysensitive House to approve any legislation. Moreover, the legislation authorized by the BCA would require only a simple majority vote in both sides of Congress, making Senate approval more feasible.
Faced with this situation, farm organizations ramped up development of farm program proposals after the BCA process was put in place. While the American Farm Bureau has asked that the current farm safety net structure be maintained, the American Soybean Association (ASA) and National Corn Growers Association have recommended shifting funds from direct payments, counter-cyclical payments, Average Crop Revenue Election Program and the nowexpired Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program to a revenue-based, shallow-loss program. The ASA’s plan would reimburse a percentage of actual farm-level revenue losses resulting from lower prices or reduced yields compared to historical revenue benchmarks for each program crop. Coverage would include all planted and one-half of prevented-planted acres as opposed to only historical base acres.
If they are able to agree to deficit reduction targets, the agriculture committees will work to find consensus on a set of farm program proposals that balance the very diverse interests of commodities produced across the country. This effort may very likely require “customizing” the revenue assurance for individual crops based on their significantly different growing conditions and varying production costs. At the same time, it will be important that program differences not distort production decisions. The U.S. Canola Association has been and will continue to be an active participant in this process to ensure that U.S. canola producers receive equitable treatment and are not disadvantaged under the next farm bill – whether enacted in 2011 or 2012. Stay tuned!
John Gordley is executive director of the U.S. Canola Association in Washington, D.C.
CAPITOL HILL
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced Sept. 30 the distribution of regional grants totaling $779,081 for the FY2011 National Canola Research Program. Lead institutions receiving funding were North Dakota State University, $170,000; Kansas State University, $165,000; Oklahoma State University, $154,000; University of Idaho, $150,000; and Alabama A&M, $140,081.
AGRONOMY
Canola trials at Fresno State University west of the San Joaquin Valley proved successful, reported the Central Valley Business Times Canola and mustard crops, which have some natural tolerance to selenium, were planted in the highselenium area and yielded more than 300 tons of seed. The harvested seed was pressed for oil and diesel fuel blending and successful trials were conducted at Fresno State Dairy, where canola meal provided cattle with adequate amounts of selenium.
NUTRITION
In the Sept. 12 issue of TIME magazine, Dr. Mehmet Oz reviewed the latest scientific recommendations regarding diet and heart health, specifically noting canola oil as a heart-healthy option because of its high monounsaturated and omega-3 fat content.
Canola oil recently topped Eatingwell. com’s list of healthiest cooking oils. It was praised for its neutral flavor, high smoke point and long shelf life – making it a great choice for baking, sautéing and salad dressings – as well as its high omega-3 fat content.
ENV IRONMENT
In a project called “Fuel the Force,” 800 gallons of canola biodiesel will be shipped to Camp Lejeune, a large Marine Corps base in North Carolina, reported the Southeast Farm Press Canola was grown on five plots with the help of North Carolina State University’s extension service . The project will help the military meet federal mandates for reducing energy consumption and could also help growers expand a new market for the canola crop in this region.
INDUSTRY NEWS
The Huffington Post reported that demand for canola is on the rise in the U.S., which could be met by domestic production. “By growing more winter canola, industry officials believe canola acres in the U.S. could more than triple,” the article said. The U.S. used more than 3 billion pounds of canola oil in 2010, with 2.5 billion worth imported from Canada.
U.S. CANOLA
In an interview with the Voice of Agriculture, U.S. Canola Association Communications Director Angela Dansby said while consumer demand for canola oil is greatly increasing , the U.S. still only produces about 25 percent of its demand. The good news is, she said, there is “tremendous potential” for canola in the U.S. due to its hearthealthy advantages and agronomic characteristics – and more regions around the country are growing the crop and receiving education on it.
‘Tis the Season for Warm, Hearty Soups and Stews
Winter nights call for rich, filling and hot comfort food. Tasty vegetables, lean meats, whole grains: these components of a healthy, balanced diet can be delivered in a hearty broth. Canola oil can contribute to that comforting richness in many ways.
Try Hungarian Stew
Made with Canola Oil
Most soups are built around a stock or broth, which is simply the water in which meat or other ingredients have been simmered. When those ingredients include bones, the soup takes on a richer flavor. Because fats rise to the top of a chilled stock, they can be skimmed off for a virtually fat-free soup base.
The second component of nearly every soup is a mirepois. This is a mixture of onion, celery and carrot, diced and sautéed. In some soups, bell peppers, tomato or parsnips may be used instead of carrots, depending on the flavor profiles that best complement the other ingredients. Using canola oil instead
of traditional butter for sautéing the vegetables replaces saturated with unsaturated fat as well as adds beneficial omega-3 fat. Canola oil works very well to extract and carry the flavors of the aromatic vegetables of the mirepois.
Cream soups are generally thickened with a roux and here again, canola oil can enhance both flavor and nutrition. A roux is simply flour or corn starch cooked in fat. The fat reacts with the starch in the flour, allowing it to bind with water, thus thickening the soup or gravy. Cooking also changes the flavor of the flour, imparting a nuttiness as the roux continues to cook and darken. Canola oil is especially suited to making dark roux, because it will cook longer and at higher temperatures than butter without scorching, decreasing the risk of a burned taste.
Canola oil can enhance the flavor of other soup ingredients as well. Roast solid, starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, turnips, squash or rutabagas, before adding them. Peel and cut the vegetables into evenlysized chunks. Give them a very light coating of canola oil, spread them onto a shallow tray or cookie sheet and bake at 350 °F for 45 minutes to an hour until they are soft inside and slightly crisp and browned outside.
Bread is one of the best accompaniments to soup and canola makes great dipping oil for it. Mix herbs and spices – or a spice mix – into the oil before making soup and the flavors will be fully infused when the soup is ready. Eat well!
Sheri Coleman, B.S.N., R.N., is associate director of the Northern Canola Growers Association in Bismarck, N.D.
Sheri’s Hungarian Stew
This recipe is a modification of Hungarian guljas soup, taught to me by world renowned Chef Fritz Sonnenschmidt. He taught me that even without formal training, if you love to cook, you are a chef!
¹⁄ ³ cup canola oil
1 large sweet white onion, chopped
1 Tbsp sweet paprika
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp hot paprika, optional
2 lbs stew beef
2 green peppers, diced into small cubes
1 can (16 oz) diced tomatoes
6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
2 cups chicken broth, as desired freshly ground black pepper
salt
“Guljas” spice
1 clove garlic
2 tsp caraway seed
2 tsp lemon zest
1. Preheat oven to 325 °F.
2. In large soup stockpot that is oven-proof, add canola oil and heat to medium-high. Add onion, paprika and stew beef and braise for 20 minutes, until you no longer see any pink on meat. Add green pepper, tomatoes and potatoes.
3. Cover with lid and place in oven. Bake for 2 ½ to 3 hours, stirring once or twice. If you notice soup becoming dry, add chicken broth to desired thickness.
4. In spice mortar, add clove garlic, caraway seed and lemon zest. Grind together until mixture is finely ground. Remove soup from oven and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with “Guljas” spice.
Yield: 6-8 servings.
Serving size: 1 ½ cups.
Tip: If you don’t have smoked paprika, use standard sweet paprika. This dish is delicious served over creamy polenta.
Sheri Coleman, B.S.N., R.N.
At Pioneer, we’re picky about the genetics and traits that go into our seed bags. After all, you should expect more from the industry leader.
We’ve delivered the first canola hybrid with resistance to sclerotinia: Pioneer® brand 45S51 (RR). And we’ve broken new ground for high yields and standability with Pioneer brand 45H29 (RR) — the first canola hybrid with built-in resistance to clubroot.
But we are not stopping there. Pioneer soon will be introducing two additional clubroot-resistant hybrids and one new sclerotinia-resistant hybrid.
For shining performance in your canola fields, see your local Pioneer sales professional to help select the right hybrid for the right acre. www.pioneer.com/canola
