A decision by Scoular to recommission an oilseed crush facility near Goodland, Kansas, has opened an opportunity for producers in the region, said a Kansas State University agronomist.
Canola breeder Mike Stamm said Scoular – which lists more than 100 offices in North America and Asia and sales of more than $9 billion – announced in mid-March that it would retrofit the facility to crush both soybeans and canola.
The facility is expected to begin operations in fall 2024.
“We wanted to support them by getting growers together to learn more,” Stamm said. “For alternative oilseeds like canola to be successfully grown in Kansas, it is crucial to have a readily available end market within the region, which Scoular will provide.”
New opportunity for farmers in Kansas and Oklahoma
Stamm said K-State Research and the Great Plains Canola Association will host several canola informational meetings for new and experienced growers. The meetings are scheduled for May 11 in Enid, Oklahoma, and May 18 in Montezuma, Kansas, and Harper, Kansas.
Stamm said the meetings will include an update from Scoular on their marketing and pricing strategies and the company’s vision for the rapidly changing renewable fuels market. Brief updates on canola research and extension activities will be given, as well as an update from the Great Plains Canola Association.
“We wanted to support them by getting growers together to learn more,” Stamm said. “For alternative oilseeds like canola to be successfully grown in Kansas, it is crucial to have a readily available end market within the region, which Scoular will provide.”
Scoular purchased plant in 2021
Scoular purchased the former sunflower crush plant outside of Goodland that it purchased in 2021.
The facility will process 11 million bushels of oilseeds a year, toggling between canola and soybeans as availability dictates. As low-carbon crops such as camelina develop in the future, Scoular will be able to process those new seeds, said Scoular.
"Scoular is bringing the canola market back to Kansas and Oklahoma,” said Ed Prosser, senior vice president of emerging businesses. “This investment will provide producers with the opportunity to participate in the booming renewable fuels market.”
