When ag and oil mix, they can breathe new life into an old crop and help farmers achieve two important goals: a diversified cash crop and sustainability.
Camelina is familiar in Canada and with U.S. farmers in the Northern Plains, where it’s already proven as a cover crop that limits soil erosion and reduces weed pressure. But ongoing efforts by public universities and private agribusinesses could move camelina closer to the moneymaking spotlight.
A recently announced collaboration between Bayer and BP showcases industry efforts to tap into camelina as a potential biofuel source. The alliance between the well-known ag manufacturer and the global energy company is based on developing both the crop and an oilseed market for biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.
For its part, Bayer is committed to expanding its Newgold seed brand, which has already been introduced in the U.S. Northern Plains and in Canada’s southern Saskatchewan and southern Alberta regions. BP sees an alternative-fuel feedstock with low carbon intensity.
The collaboration makes sense from a fundamental standpoint. Between 2024 and 2030, acres crushed to produce biofuels are expected to jump 45%.
“The demand continues to grow,” said Chad Bilby, biofuel crops innovation and commercial lead at Bayer. “And we see ag, and farmers in particular, playing a key role in that demand.”
Biofuel demand is primarily driven by larger equipment such as planes, trains and cargo ships, Bilby noted. Though automobiles increasingly run on rechargeable batteries, electric power isn’t easily replicated in large commercial categories.
“They won’t be running on batteries for a while — maybe ever,” Bilby said.
What farmers need to know
While commercial opportunities remain limited for camelina at the moment, the small grain can still be a good fit as a cover crop for farmers in the Northern U.S., according to Matt Leavitt, perennial grains and winter annuals agronomy specialist with the University of Minnesota.
“It’s a fairly flexible option,” he said. “You don’t need specialized equipment to plant or harvest. Experience with small-grain production is a plus but not a requirement. The real advantage is an early harvest versus soybeans and other cash crops.”
Another huge upside is the chance to use camelina in a crop rotation that could yield three crops every two years, Bilby added.
“Growers want to diversify crop rotations already, so this could be a good opportunity,” he said.
Here are four things farmers should evaluate when considering whether to plant camelina:
1. Chemistry carryover. Leavitt said the crop can be susceptible to some Group 2 and Group 15 herbicides (some of which can remain active in the soil months after application).
2. Site selection. Camelina can handle most soil types but “doesn’t love” heavier, wet soils, Leavitt said.
3. Storage considerations. Those who contract with a company such as Bayer or Cargill may still need a temporary place to store the oilseed.
4. Weed control. Few herbicide options are currently available, noted Christopher Graham, professor and Extension specialist at South Dakota State University. That’s not a major concern, however, in semi-arid conditions where disease pressure is relatively low.
“It does add a much-needed broadleaf option for farmers in the Upper Plains,” he said. “In many cases, the only other option in this category is sunflower.”
Research ramping up
Ongoing public and private breeding efforts are targeting any number of advancements, including earlier maturity, larger seed size, improved yields and more. Bayer’s core efforts are concentrated in Canada and the Northern Plains, but the company is conducting tests as far south as Texas.
Ultimately, broader selling opportunities will mean the difference between camelina being “just another cover crop” and opening new doors to securing more income, Leavitt concluded.
“Diversification is beneficial, but markets are everything,” he said.