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Canola Production Topic of Local Meeting
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 12:12 PM EDT
On Thursday, September 4, 2008, an informational meeting regarding the production of canola will be held at the Charlotte County Administration Office. A representative of Red Birch Energy will be on hand to discuss various aspects of the crop, including planting, harvesting, and marketing of this unique crop. Canola is a member of the mustard family and has gained popularity in recent years as a cooking oil due to the low levels of saturated fat. Canola also holds promise as a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.
Mr. Sam Brake, representative for Red Birch Energy which is based in Martinsville, Virginia, is anxious to speak to local agricultural growers about the potential of canola in this region. Red Birch Energy produces biodiesel as its site in Martinsville. According to Brake, canola can be grown and harvested with conventional grain crop equipment, though adjustments need to be made for its small seed size. Though typically grown in cooler climates to the North, new varieties of the seed have enhanced production in the southeastern region. Marketing opportunities are expanding: the oil gleaned after crushing the seed can be used as cooking oil or as a feedstock for biodiesel; canola meal (a co product of the crushing process) is a high quality livestock feed supplement. Mr. Brake will provide information regarding the future needs of Red Birch Energy and how local growers may become involved.
One producer in Halifax County, Mr. Korey Snead, plans to plant canola in the fall to examine production costs and marketing opportunities. As Snead notes, canola is certainly not the answer to all that ails agriculture, but it could be one source of supplemental income, provided marketing avenues exist. Interested agricultural producers are encouraged to call the Charlotte County Administration Office (434-542-5117) with any questions and to register for the meeting. The meeting will begin at 7:00pm and should conclude by 8:30pm.
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