Canola prices are down a bit now but the Southwest has the advantage of being the first canola crop to come off in the United States, according to Southwest Farm Press.

Winter canola offers Texas and Oklahoma farmers a viable alternative to wheat as a rotation crop or as a moisture-efficient option. Canola prices are higher than wheat.

Canola also offers farmers an opportunity to diversify and improve weed management strategies for wheat.

Josh Bushong, Oklahoma State University Extension specialist, says, “The (canola) crop was progressing well early in the winter, some places needing another rain or two at the time. We have a good crop out there.”