b"Industry leaders and farmers gathered in Great Falls, Montana, to discuss the potential of BASFsyellow-seeded canola hybrid. From left: Moderator, Montana farmer Casey Nickol, Montana Renewables Krista Evans, Montana farmer and U.S. Canola Council Vice President Dale Flikkema, and BASF Canola Agronomy Lead Marc Hoobler. PHOTO: AIMEE NIELSONduction from 30 million to 300 million gallons perand potash, but its not a taker of it. It leaves it. And year by 2027.in my vision, it releases whats in the soil so my nextWhat sets To have canola that grows well here and thatcrops can take it back on. yellow-producers can rely onI think its a great fit,seeded canola Evans said. The more we can produce, the moreNot a Miracle CropYet apart from energy independence we create internally withinWhile enthusiasm ran high during the launch, eventraditional Montana and within the nation. BASFs own representatives were quick to temperhybrids?expectations. Species: Brassica juncea, a Rotation and Soil Health Benefits BASF head of seeds and a traits Bryan Perryclose relative of Brassica napus, Seed companies and processors arent the onlysays they are expanding trials into Kansas andbred for resilience in heat and ones seeing opportunity. Farmers say the real- other parts of the central Great Plains, with com- droughtworld impact of introducing a crop like this goesmercial planting targeted first for Montana and beyond yields and market price. surrounding regions by 2027, pending regulatory Maturity window: Flowers We're pretty much getting rid of fallows,approval. and matures 57 days earlier Nickol says. Most guys I sell to are 100% crop, andTheres a lot more genetic material comingthan leading napus hybridstheyre looking for that oilseed to add to rotation.behind it, Hoobler said. Were not just going to Yield performance: Theyve tried flax, mustardit all almost works, buthave one hybrid. Averaged 8 % higher in hot, dry not quite. If [this yellow-seeded canola] fits as wellStill, for farmers used to waiting for Illinois or as napus and mitigates some risk, thats a big win. Iowa to be first in line, the Montana-first rollout hasenvironments across BASF trialsFlikkema echoed the value of a diverse rotation:struck a different tone. Trial network: Tested at 23 When we put in a canola crop into our rota- This is whats fun, Hoobler said. That wesites from 20222024 across tion I noticed my soil was different after thatfinally have something that is really specific to thisMontana, North Dakota and crop, he says. Canolas a huge user of phosphateenvironment thats going to help farmers.SW southern Alberta56/ SEEDWORLD.COMDECEMBER 2025"