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Canola plants found as new way to produce biofuel
Canola known to be practical crop for many uses, from cooking to producing biodiesel
John Bonham
Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: News
Willamette Valley farmers have begun to harvest canola plants in an effort to produce biofuel.
The plants seeds, which are roughly 50 percent oil, are crushed by a specialized harvesting machine and then processed.
Although areas of Eastern Oregon have actively been producing canola plants for the last few years, the Willamette Valley only recently started growing significant quantities of the seeded plant.
According to Daryl Ehrensing, an OSU crop and soils specialist, "the first crusher in the Willamette Valley just started about three months ago."
Canola's potential to produce biofuel has attracted a number of farmers because of the present economic climate. As the cost of living soars and gas prices remain unstable, canola oil can be harvested locally and used in diesel engines.
To many farmers, the ability to rely on a self-produced fuel source provides some economic stability during difficult times.
Although canola has some value in the current market, it will probably not be a practical crop in the future.
"This is a short-time thing, when the economy goes back up the need for biodiesel will go back down," Ehrensing said.
Canola seed has a number of practical applications and may stick around after its biofuel potential has expired. The byproduct that is produced when canola seed is crushed can be sold as meal and used to feed farm animals. The oil found in canola seeds can also be used to cook with or as a lubricant oil, which both produce a higher revenue than biodiesel.
Preparing meals with canola oil has some unique advantages. Its distinct qualities are that it is ideal for sautéing meats and vegetables, or for cooking most types of pasta.
There may be health benefits associated with canola oil as well. "Canola has a high smoke point, which means it has less carcinogens than other food oils," said fraternity chef Niles Burton. Despite this advantage, canola is processed more thoroughly than other cooking oils, which makes it a less natural ingredient.
The plants seeds, which are roughly 50 percent oil, are crushed by a specialized harvesting machine and then processed.
Although areas of Eastern Oregon have actively been producing canola plants for the last few years, the Willamette Valley only recently started growing significant quantities of the seeded plant.
According to Daryl Ehrensing, an OSU crop and soils specialist, "the first crusher in the Willamette Valley just started about three months ago."
Canola's potential to produce biofuel has attracted a number of farmers because of the present economic climate. As the cost of living soars and gas prices remain unstable, canola oil can be harvested locally and used in diesel engines.
To many farmers, the ability to rely on a self-produced fuel source provides some economic stability during difficult times.
Although canola has some value in the current market, it will probably not be a practical crop in the future.
"This is a short-time thing, when the economy goes back up the need for biodiesel will go back down," Ehrensing said.
Canola seed has a number of practical applications and may stick around after its biofuel potential has expired. The byproduct that is produced when canola seed is crushed can be sold as meal and used to feed farm animals. The oil found in canola seeds can also be used to cook with or as a lubricant oil, which both produce a higher revenue than biodiesel.
Preparing meals with canola oil has some unique advantages. Its distinct qualities are that it is ideal for sautéing meats and vegetables, or for cooking most types of pasta.
There may be health benefits associated with canola oil as well. "Canola has a high smoke point, which means it has less carcinogens than other food oils," said fraternity chef Niles Burton. Despite this advantage, canola is processed more thoroughly than other cooking oils, which makes it a less natural ingredient.
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
Donnie Winn
posted 2/05/09 @ 8:29 AM PST
While the call for biofuels in the US is if you will pardon the pun, "fueled" by a down economy, and might wane as the economy recovers, Africa, especially in some of the developing nations, is in an economy which has never grown to the extent to which biofuels would be less cost effective than traditional diesel. (Continued…)
donwinn
Donnie Winn
posted 2/05/09 @ 8:40 AM PST
While canola as a source of biodiesel in the US is primarily, if you will pardon the pun, fueled by a down economy, much of Africa consists of developing nations, for which a down economy is the norm. (Continued…)
R.M. Anthony
posted 2/05/09 @ 6:49 PM PST
Wow, I've been using canola oil exclusively for my home-made biodiesel for quite awhile. So has everybody else.
Bruce
posted 3/10/09 @ 9:26 PM PST
This article makes it appear a minuscule amount of wheat is grown in Oregon. The editor should note that the article states "About 55 bushels of wheat are produced in Oregon every year. (Continued…)
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