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USDA NASS: 2026 Canola Plantings Projected Up 15%
On March 31, the USDA National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) released its Prospective Plantings Report, which projects canola at 2.69 million acres, up 15% from 2025. Other highlights include record acres in Idaho and significant increases in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Montana. NASS does not yet include southeastern states in its canola plantings survey. The following is an excerpt from the NASS report on canola.
Canola: Producers intend to plant 2.69 million acres in 2026, up 15 percent from last year's planted area. If realized, the planted area for the Nation will be the second largest on record. Compared with last year, planted area is up or unchanged in all seven of the major canola-producing States. Planted area in North Dakota, the leading canola-producing State, is up 15 percent from last year and will represent the second-highest area on record, if realized. The planted area in Idaho is estimated at 100,000 acres and will be a record high if realized.
Read the full USDA NASS Prospective Plantings Report: https://bit.ly/3PHHjUr
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RFS Volumes Announced
On March 27, President Trump and the EPA announced the RFS volume requirements for 2026-2027. The volumes announced represent the highest levels in program history, equating to 5.4 billion gallons of Biomass-based Diesel (BBD) in 2026 and 5.7 billion gallons in 2027. For context, the 2025 volumes for biomass-based diesel (BBD) were 3.35 billion gallons, while the Proposed Rule called for 5.66 billion gallons in 2026 and 5.88 billion in 2027.
Read the USCA Press Release: https://bit.ly/4bBBFf0
Read the EPA Announcement: https://bit.ly/4lWxIoB
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House Farm Bill Passes Committee
On March 4, the House Ag Committee completed the markup of HR 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, which includes the remaining components of the traditional farm bill that were not addressed in the previously enacted Reconciliation bill.
The measure builds on the significant investments made through the Reconciliation bill enacted in 2025 that strengthened the Farm Bill Title I programs and crop insurance. The bill was passed out of committee by a vote of 34-17, with 7 Democrats joining all Republicans in support. A significant debate occurred during markup on the provisions of the bill, which USCA supports, that would prevent states from creating pesticide labeling requirements that don’t align with EPA standards.
The amendment to remove federal pesticide labeling preemption provisions was defeated by a vote of 22-28. Chairman Thompson argued the provisions are crucial to protecting farmers’ access to crop protection tools. The House bill now awaits consideration by the full House of Representatives and by the Senate. It remains unclear whether a bill can secure the 60 votes needed for passage in the Senate.
Learn more from the Farm Bill House Agriculture Committee: https://bit.ly/4djvugR
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USCA Joins Ag Group Letter Urging Market Relief for Farmers
On March 19, 54 Ag Groups joined in on a letter to President Trump urging the inclusion of market relief in any upcoming supplemental funding request the Administration submits to Congress. The groups urged the President to act quickly on the need for market relief for farmers in any supplemental funding package, given extreme weather events, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and sustained economic pressure.
Read the POTUS Letter: https://bit.ly/4tgTNAG
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Legislation Introduced to Address Fertilizer Costs
Bipartisan groups in the US Senate and House of Representatives, led by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Angie Craig (D-MN), introduced bills to address high fertilizer costs in the wake of the war in Iran, tariff threats on fertilizer imports, and fertilizer market consolidation. The “Fertilizer Transparency Act” would create a mandatory price reporting system to provide market participants of all sizes with comparable levels of market information on fertilizer components, while the “Homegrown Fertilizer Act” would create a grant and loan program to expand domestic fertilizer production and improve fertilizer storage capacity. Previous bills were introduced by Sen. Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Baldwin (D-WI) that would require the USDA to study competition and trends in the fertilizer market and their subsequent impacts on price.
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USDA Projects Lower U.S. Farm Income
In February, USDA released the latest “USDA Farm Income Forecast," which appears to show some concern regarding prospects for 2026 U.S. farm income. USDA’s latest update reduced the estimated 2025 U.S. net farm income by $25 billion from the farm income estimate in September, 2025, and projected an even lower net farm income for 2026. The USDA report also highlighted the continued increase in production expenses in agriculture, and the relatively high level of government payments.
According to the report, the 2025 U.S. net farm income is estimated at $154.6 billion. USDA lowered the projected 2026 U.S.net farm income downward an additional $1.2 billion to an estimated $153.4 billion. The record U.S. net farm income was $186 billion in 2022, with the record farm income being largely due to high crop commodity prices, modest crop expenses, and very strong crop profit margins.
The projected 2025 and 2026 net farm income is helped by the profitability of livestock production and large levels of government farm program payments.
Read the USDA Farm Income Forecast here: https://bit.ly/4teqK0B
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USCA Members Advocate for Canola Priorities on Capitol Hill
U.S. Canola Association (USCA) members traveled to Capitol Hill March 11 as part of the Spring Board Meeting to meet with congressional offices and staff on issues important to canola growers and the broader agricultural industry.
Discussions focused on the importance of continued investment in agricultural research, innovation and policies that support domestic production and long-term market opportunities for U.S. canola.
USCA members appreciated the opportunity to connect directly with lawmakers and their staff, sharing perspectives from across canola-growing regions and reinforcing the role of canola in U.S. agriculture.
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AHA Updates Dietary Guidance, Emphasizing Heart-Healthy Eating Patterns Over Individual Foods
The American Heart Association’s (AHA) updated 2026 scientific statement reinforces that overall dietary patterns, rather than individual foods or nutrients, are key to improving cardiovascular health.
The guidance highlights nine core principles, including eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains; choosing plant-based proteins and unsaturated fats such as those found in canola and other plant oils; and limiting added sugars, sodium and ultraprocessed foods.
The report also stresses the importance of adopting heart-healthy habits early in life and maintaining them across the lifespan, noting that better diet quality is strongly linked to reduced risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Read AHA's 2026 Dietary Guidance to Improve Cardiovascular Health: https://bit.ly/3PMLoXm
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What Science Says About Seed Oils
Despite online debate, experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center say research supports the inclusion of seed oils in a balanced diet.
Seed oils like canola, soybean and sunflower provide essential fatty acids and are lower in saturated fat than animal fats, making them a heart-healthier option.
Current evidence shows no link between typical seed oil consumption and increased inflammation. Health concerns tied to ultra-processed foods relate to the overall diet, not the oils themselves.
Experts recommend focusing on a balanced, plant-forward diet and using seed oils in place of saturated fats.
Read the article from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://bit.ly/4rXYf6r
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Seed Oils Debate Continues, Science Remains Key
Seed oils are at the center of a growing nutrition debate, driven by policymakers and online influencers questioning their health effects. However, nutrition experts and decades of research continue to support their role in a healthy diet.
Seed oils provide essential fatty acids and are lower in saturated fat than animal fats, making them a heart-healthier option. Current evidence shows no link between typical consumption and increased inflammation.
Much of the concern stems from their association with ultra-processed foods, though experts note the issue lies with the overall nutritional quality of those foods, not the oils themselves.
While debate continues, large studies show seed oils are safe and may support heart and metabolic health when used in place of saturated fats.
Read the article from the Food Safety News: https://bit.ly/4m0aw8V
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Snack Brand Shifts to Avocado Oil Amid Heightened Attention on Seed Oils
Tortilla chip brand Xochitl is transitioning its product line from seed oils to 100% avocado oil, reflecting heightened attention on seed oils and growing consumer interest in alternative options.
The company says the change is driven by demand for “better-for-you” products, with updated packaging highlighting the use of avocado oil.
The shift comes as food companies respond to evolving perceptions of seed oils and ingredients across the broader food marketplace.
Read the article from Commercial Baking: https://bit.ly/4ceYIMP
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New Research Advances Shatter-Tolerant Canola
Researchers at the University of Calgary have identified new ways to improve shatter tolerance in canola, a development that could significantly reduce seed loss and improve harvest efficiency.
Pod shattering can cause losses ranging from 3% to as much as 50% under harsh conditions, representing up to $1.3 billion in lost productivity.
The team discovered a protein that strengthens canola pods by optimizing lignin levels, helping prevent premature opening while still allowing harvest. The approach could enable more growers to straight-combine canola, reducing passes across the field and lowering costs.
The technology can be developed through both genetic modification and non-GM methods and may have applications in other crops, including soybeans and field peas.
Read the article from The Western Producer: https://bit.ly/4bR7VcP
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USCA Spring Board Meeting Highlights Market Outlook, Policy and Research
The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) held its Spring Board Meeting March 10–12 in Washington, D.C., bringing together grower leaders and industry partners for updates on markets, policy and research impacting the canola sector.
The meeting opened with a canola market outlook from Jon Driedger of LeftField Commodity Research, followed by a review of USCA financials and organizational priorities. Federal policy updates were also a key focus, including a discussion on nutrition policy with USDA Senior Advisor Jenn Tiller and legislative updates from USCA staff.
Additional sessions included grower crop outlooks, state reports and industry updates, along with presentations on canola’s role in low-carbon fuels and ongoing research. Speakers highlighted GREET model updates, canola carbon intensity and efforts to improve data and modeling to support the industry.
The meeting concluded with updates on research, including the Winter Canola National Variety Trials, and discussions on strategies to strengthen genetic diversity and long-term crop resilience.
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USCA Elects Board Members and Officers at 2026 Spring Meeting
The U.S. Canola Association (USCA) held board elections during its 2026 Spring Board Meeting in Washington, D.C., with several members reelected and new directors selected to fill vacancies.
Reelected to the USCA Board of Directors were Michael Brekhus (North Dakota, North Central Region), Tim Mickelson (North Dakota, At Large) and Anna Scharf (Oregon, Pacific Northwest Region).
Newly elected board members include Garret Groves (North Dakota, North Central Region), Clint Anderson (Idaho, At Large) and Tyson Sanderfur (Kentucky, At Large), who will help represent growers and industry perspectives from across U.S. canola-producing regions.
The board also elected officers who will begin their terms April 1. Dale Flikkema (Montana) will serve as President, Jeff Mortenson (Minnesota) as First Vice President and Michael Brekhus (North Dakota) as Second Vice President.
USCA thanks these growers for their leadership and commitment to advancing the U.S. canola industry. The association’s board plays a key role in guiding priorities related to policy, research and market development on behalf of canola growers nationwide.
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BeSure! Stewardship Tips for the 2026 Planting Season
As planting season gets underway, the BeSure! program reminds growers that following label directions and best management practices is essential to protecting pollinators, wildlife and water quality. Key recommendations include proper handling and disposal of treated seed, minimizing dust during planting, managing flowering weeds, reducing spray drift, and communicating with nearby beekeepers before applications.
Learn more from Growing Matters: https://bit.ly/47qpDm9
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Canola Offers New Opportunities in Crop Rotation
As market pressures, water limitations and evolving demand reshape agriculture, more farmers are exploring alternative crops like canola and forages to improve profitability and resilience. A recent article highlights how canola, supported by new local processing infrastructure, can reduce transportation costs, conserve water and provide new revenue streams, including potential biofuel and sustainability market opportunities.
Experts emphasize that successful adoption depends on key considerations such as access to local markets, available equipment, trusted agronomic guidance and regional demand. With relatively minimal equipment changes and growing interest in diversification, canola is emerging as an attractive option for producers looking to adapt and strengthen their operations in an uncertain agricultural landscape.
Read the article from FarmProgress: https://bit.ly/41ACleD
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Canola Oil Drives Innovation in Next-Generation Winter Tires
Nokian Tyres, based in Finland, has introduced a new winter tire that incorporates canola oil and pine resin into its rubber formula, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials. The Hakkapeliitta 01 studded tire features adaptive, retractable studs that respond to temperature changes, improving performance across varying winter conditions.
The company reports enhanced safety and sustainability benefits, including reduced road wear, improved grip on ice and wet surfaces, and lower noise levels. Designed for passenger vehicles, the new tire is expected to be available in the second half of 2026, highlighting continued innovation and new industrial uses for canola.
Read the article from Oil & Fats International: https://bit.ly/4c3LEJc
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PNWCA Gather for Annual Meeting in Idaho
The Pacific Northwest Canola Association (PNWCA) hosted its annual meeting Feb. 28 in Moscow, Idaho, drawing 75 attendees for a full day of industry updates and networking.
The program featured regional variety recommendations and pipeline previews from 10 seed companies and the University of Idaho, along with updates on canola insurance changes from USDA’s Risk Management Agency and a market outlook from Bunge. Attendees also heard a recap of PNWCA’s 2025 activities and a preview of priorities for 2026.
PNWCA Director Chris Riggers of Nezperce, Idaho, stepped down after six years of service on the board. Dan Lakey of Soda Springs, Idaho, was elected to fill the position.
The event concluded with a networking session that included research posters and vendor exhibits.
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Washington Oilseed Commission, WSU Convene for Annual Research Review
The Washington Oilseed Commission (WOC) and Washington State University’s Oilseed Cropping Systems Project convened in Pullman, Washington, on Feb. 29 for their annual meetings and research review.
The sessions highlighted checkoff-funded research, including completed projects, continuation requests and new proposals for the 2026–27 cycle. A full compendium of research materials is available on the WOC website: https://www.waoilseeds.org/research.html
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USCA works to support and advance U.S. canola production, marketing, processing, and use through government and industry relations. Since its establishment in 1989, the association has helped domestic canola acreage grow from virtually zero to about 2 million. To learn more about USCA, go to: www.UScanola.com
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