This piece originally appeared on the CFANS Intranet, and is printed with permission from CFANS Communications.
Today we're talking with Yesuf Assen Mohammed, PhD, a winter oilseeds research agronomist in the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics since September 2024. Winter oilseeds include domesticated pennycress and winter camelina. They are emerging oilseed crops for system sustainability in cropping systems. They are brassica species (like canola) and have very tiny seeds that have high oil content.
What are some highlights of your position, or what’s the best part?
For years, the widespread cultivation of corn and soybeans has been a cornerstone of our food, feed and fuel production. However, this agricultural model has unintentionally led to significant environmental challenges, including soil erosion, water pollution from nutrient leaching, and a reduction in plant biodiversity. While cover crops have long been proposed as a solution to mitigate soil erosion and nutrient runoff, their adoption has remained low due to a lack of immediate economic incentives for farmers. This is where winter oilseeds offer a game-changing solution. Crops like winter camelina and domesticated pennycress address the adoption gap by providing multiple benefits. They offer crucial soil cover, significantly reducing nutrient leaching, and their seeds can be sold, providing the much-needed financial incentive for growers. Beyond their direct agricultural benefits, these winter oilseeds also bloom in early spring, offering vital pollen and nectar for beneficial insects during a time when other flowering plants are scarce. The harvested seeds are primarily intended to produce biofuels and various bioproducts, further enhancing their economic and environmental value. My research focuses on how to integrate these winter oilseeds into existing corn-soybean rotations. The goal is to develop agronomic practices that deliver substantial agronomic, economic and environmental benefits. There is a lot of research needed to make these winter oilseeds work including increasing seed yield and minimizing yield trade off from corn and soybean. Winter oilseeds are here not to replace corn and soybean but to complement and ensure sustainable production of corn, soybean and other crops. While there are many challenges to overcome, I am optimistic about the potential for success. I am particularly excited about this research position because it offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with diverse disciplines and a wide range of public and private institutions, all working towards making this sustainable agricultural system a reality. My research is welcoming other professionals and growers to work together to realize the dream of having healthy soil, clean water and air in the Midwest and beyond.
What are some of the challenges you face in your work?
It's frustrating to see the lack of consistent support at both global and national levels for developing sustainable agricultural systems. Agricultural research, by its nature, is a long-term endeavor. It requires unwavering, consistent backing to yield feasible, reliable and valuable results. This is especially true for emerging crops like camelina and pennycress, which need significant and steady investment in resources and infrastructure to fully realize their potential benefits.
What drives your passion for what you do?
Interacting with different professionals and listening to their suggestions and opinions, listening to growers’ questions and seeing their excitement about their interest in growing these emerging winter oilseeds are amazing.
What do you like to do outside the workplace?
Take walks, do yoga, swim, play pickleball, visit historical places, socialize with family and friends, cook and watch documentaries.
What is your favorite spot in Minnesota to grab a bite or drink?
I love food and I am open to trying different places for eating and drinking. Every time I like to visit different cultural cuisines. I love spicy food that makes me cry while eating.
What is your guilty pleasure song, movie or show?
Song: Step by Step by Whitney Houston. (This song deeply resonates with me. My parents didn't have the opportunity for an education. When I write a letter to them, they have to take it to the neighbors’ kids to read it to them. I navigated my path forward step-by-step without guidance. The lyrics of this song (step by step) truly lift my spirits, and I could honestly listen to it every day.)
Movie: Titanic was the best movie that I have ever watched so far. I was so crazy about it, and I watched it five times.