Demand for U.S. canola continues to accelerate thanks to expanding crush capacity, renewable fuel policy, and steady food and feed usage. But if you want to plant the seeds of economic opportunity on your farm during the 2027 growing season, it’s important to start with sound hybrid selection.
Between threats from late-season weather damage and this crop’s tendency to experience pod shatter, canola can be challenging to manage. Setting yourself up for a successful season begins before you even plant a single seed.
Growing canola demand and opportunity
More U.S. growers are capitalizing on the canola opportunity, data show. In 2026, U.S. growers planted about 2.97 million canola acres, a record, up roughly 27% from 2.34 million acres in 2025. Canola acreage is expanding across established and emerging geographies as growers race to satisfy the increasing demand for renewable fuels and supply new crush facilities.
It still isn’t enough to keep up with demand: The U.S. imports roughly 69% of the canola oil it consumes.
Translation? More U.S. growers have the option of diversifying their farm operation with an oilseed on the ascent.
Yield is won or lost at the finish line
If you’re considering adding canola to your operation, be aware of a couple production nuances that can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Although canola’s yield potential is largely determined once the crop reaches maturity, its harvestability determines how much of that bounty reaches the bin. Two potential problems must be factored into your plan, and they rarely happen in isolation.
This is because as canola matures, the outer walls of its seed pods loosen up to later release seeds.1 This ensures the propagation of the plant in nature, but it can make commercial harvesting tricky. Canola is susceptible to seed loss from pod shatter and pod drop compared to crops such as wheat, which keep a firmer grip on seeds.2
Pod shatter
This means that a mature pod opens along the pod seam and its seeds fall to the ground. Wind, repeated wet-dry cycles, heat during maturity, drought stress and delayed harvest can all increase shatter risk.
Pod drop
Pod drop is when an entire pod detaches at the pedicel and falls before harvest. Disease, hail injury, insect feeding, wind damage to weakened tissue and extended field exposure can all cause pod drop.
How canola hybrid selection mitigates environmental and weather risks
You can’t control the weather, but you can choose genetics that influence how your canola responds in different conditions.
Look for hybrids with the following traits:
- Harvest flexibility. This helps maintain pod integrity when weather delays your harvest or when field conditions mean harvest windows are longer than normal.
- Delayed swathing and straight cutting where conditions allow. Continue to scout, manage disease and harvest in a timely way to fully manage your risk.
InVigor® hybrid canola patented Pod Shatter Reduction trait technology from BASF has these features.
The InVigor portfolio is built on the Pod Shatter Reduction trait, meaning you can select for maturity, disease package, weed-control system and standability with confidence and customization to your operation.
Evidence of the trait’s strengths emerged during the 2026 growing season in North Dakota. Across demonstration and third-party retailer strip trials, the leading InVigor entry topped the highest competitive entry at every location. Those yield outcomes happened despite drought pressure through flowering and pod fill, and multiple wind events at or past harvest maturity. And during 2024-25, trials found that InVigor hybrids delivered consistent yield advantages averaging 192 lb./acre to 211 lb./acre over competitive entries across maturity classes.
Looking ahead
Whatever your canola goals might be, remember that success doesn’t come from market demand alone.
To capture more value from every acre, match the right hybrid to specific agronomic needs, disease pressures and growing conditions.
Experts are available to help you make your 2027 canola planting decisions. Reach out to your seed retailer, a nearby extension office agent or a seed company professional like your regional BASF representative.
Endnotes
- Buntin, G. David, et al. “Canola Production in Georgia.” CAES Field Report, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, 9 July 2025,nullhttps://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1331/canola-production-in-georgia/. Accessed 17 Sept. 2026.
- Shamim, Mohammad. “Canola Shattering Causes Harvest Losses and Weeds in Double-Crop Soybean.” University of Kentucky, 22 July 2026,nullhttps://graincrops.mgcafe.uky.edu/articles/canola-shattering-causes-harvest-losses-and-weeds-double-crop-soybean. Accessed 17 Sept. 2026.
