Winter canola, a cool-season broadleaf crop used in cooking oils and renewable fuels, is planted in Kansas each September and harvested in June. Kansas State University canola breeder Mike Stamm recently shared the results of this year’s harvest on K-State’s Agriculture Today radio program, reporting that most producers are satisfied with their yields. 

“It was a good year for more acres of winter canola returning to our region,” he said. “Similar to the 2024 winter wheat crop, we had some variability across the state, with two canola plots 45 minutes away from each other averaging 50 and 20 bushels per acre, respectively.”

Stamm attributed the volatility in yields to the irregular weather patterns that affected Kansas crop production in 2024. With early spring being dry for many Kansans, the outlook for this year’s crop initially appeared bleak. However, multiple rain events in May provided much-needed relief for some producers. 

In addition to the early spring drought, canola growers also encountered unusually cold temperatures that adversely affected crop development, including a cold spell at the end of March.

Even with all the unfavorable conditions, Stamm said winter canola yields were on par with fairer weathered years.