AURI studies oilseed trends

The oilseed industry, a sector of agriculture marked by rapid and far-reaching changes, is the subject of an upcoming study by AURI.

AURI will address these questions by compiling oilseed production and processing statistics in Minnesota and the region. Beginning this spring, AURI will survey current oilseed production, evaluate processing capacity, and analyze domestic and world markets for oilseed products. The project aims to support successful farmer-owned oilseed ventures.

The study will focus on emerging trends in soybeans and corn — Minnesota’s most important oil crops — plus canola, sunflowers, flax and crambe, says Max Norris, AURI
oil scientist.

Norris says this information will provide “direction for growers who may want to develop processing in rural Minnesota.” It will also be useful for commodity groups and policy makers, he adds.

“There are lots of reasons to take another look at where we are now and what opportunities might exist,” says Mike Youngerberg, director of field services for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, also participating in the study.

For example, he says, animal agriculture, the primary consumer of oilseed crops, is expanding in the region.

Medical research is identifying the health benefits of oilseed components such as sterols and isoflavones. Advances in technology are generating oilseed products such as rust inhibitor and odor-reducing agents. And genetic improvements are creating oilseed varieties with valuable intrinsic traits.

Youngerberg notes that many farmers are interested in specialty oilseeds. These may give growers the chance to produce higher-value crops for specific uses. They may also offer opportunities for niche-market or specialized processing.

Youngerberg says the oilseeds study will deliver “the best information available to help our people make good decisions.”