Budget and breakeven prices of winter canola and pennycress production in Tennessee

Abstract

Canola (Brassica napus) and pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) are winter oilseed crops that can be used to create sustainable aviation fuel. They have been grown successfully in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains and are garnering interest in the Mid-South. A field study was conducted in Tennessee to determine management practices and average yields expected for the region. From this study, a budget and breakeven analysis was conducted. Budgets were created for tilled and no-till canola and pennycress systems. Based on average yields obtained and projected oilseeds prices, canola systems are potentially profitable, while pennycress systems are not. However, breakeven prices were highly variable between years, locations, oilseed species, and tillage type. Canola has been relatively established in the region and can be promoted to growers as a profitable crop. Presently, the adoption of pennycress in the Mid-South is not recommended without further research on best management practices, breeding efforts for higher yielding varieties, and the creation of a viable market for sale.