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
Last year was a busy year for pesticide litigation in the United States. At No. 10, it kicks off RFD-TV Legal Expert Roger McEowen’s list of the “Top 10” Agricultural Law and Tax Developments of 2025.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Cuba remains a small but dependable, cash-only outlet for U.S. grain and food products.
Record pace corn exports are helping stabilize prices despite softer global grain production and ongoing supply competition.
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.

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:

San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.
Twisted Skillet’s Cantina Peanuts are a crispy bar snack made with raw Spanish peanuts, fried up with garlic, chile de árbol, and crunchy tortilla bits, creating a classic, savory Mexican “botana” or appetizer.