Warmer Spring Pushes High Plains Canola Crop Toward an Earlier Harvest

Jeff Frazier of Scoular discusses the early High Plains canola harvest, acreage growth in Kansas and Oklahoma, and theoutlook for planting and production.

Field with yellow canola_Photo by Cherries via AdobeStock_122036360.jpg

A field of yellow canola.

Photo by Cherries via Adobe Stock

WICHITA, Kansas (RFD NEWS)Canola harvest on the High Plains could kick off earlier than usual this spring, with warmer-than-average weather pushing the crop toward maturity and placing harvest roughly one to two weeks ahead of schedule.

Scoular Market Development Manager Jeff Frazier joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on crop conditions and what is driving the shift toward an earlier harvest window.

In his interview with RFD News, Frazier discussed the factors behind the crop’s accelerated development, including recent weather patterns across the region. He also addressed how the canola crop is holding up compared to expectations despite extreme weather swings and ongoing dry conditions.

Frazier noted the significant growth in canola acres across Kansas and Oklahoma in recent years, explaining the factors that have contributed to that expansion and whether he expects the trend to continue. He also discussed how Scoular’s Goodland crush facility is influencing producer decisions and supporting further acreage expansion.

Additionally, Frazier shared his outlook for fall canola planting and outlined how interested producers can learn more about growing canola and access available resources.

Related Stories
The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Hurd joined this week’s Champions of Rural America to review the proposed Farm Bill moving through the House and discuss its potential impact on rural communities and farmers across the country.
Big oils-and-fats volumes can support crush demand, but fuel markets can quickly tighten supplies.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

F-10 Wound Spray can now be used for livestock and other animals as officials monitor the ongoing New World Screwworm outbreak in Mexico.
China’s stricter inspection rules prompt Cargill to pause soybean exports from Brazil, briefly lifting U.S. soybean prices as traders anticipate potential shifts in global trade, as export demand remains supportive across all major U.S. commodities.
Suderman joins Tony St. James in the RFD Studios to discuss how geopolitical tensions are triggering global transport disruptions, new inflation pressures, and other challenges for agriculture to navigate.
Severe drought in South Texas is forcing ranchers to consider cattle sell-offs as feed and water supplies dwindle, threatening herd health and livestock operations.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.