Contributed by Yesuf Assen Mohammed, PhD
Winter camelina (Camelina sativa L.) is an emerging winter oilseed crop closely related to canola, which is drawing attention from growers, industry partners, policy makers and others. Interest is growing for its potential value in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and other bioproducts combined with its agronomic and environmental benefits.
For the 2025–2026 season, winter camelina (cv. Joelle) was seeded on September 29, 2025, at the University of Minnesota’s Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC). The planting is on a production field grown under contract with Cargill. RROC station manager, Blake Webster, is lead on the project.
The winter camelina was planted on over 60 acres, following a spring wheat harvest. Herbicide (Trifluralin) was applied pre-plant at the recommended rate with shallow incorporation.
The winter survival rate for this winter camelina crop was nearly 100%, which is a remarkable result.
In early spring, 50 pounds per acre of the nitrogen-rich fertilizer urea was spread onto the soil surface.
Soybean has now been relayed into the field, and the winter camelina is expected to be harvested above the soybean canopy in early to mid-July, depending on weather conditions. Researchers await with excitement to measure the final seed yield and oil content. Look for a report back after the harvest!
Photo of winter camelina (cv. Joelle) at Rosemount Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota. (Photo taken May 21, 2026; courtesy of Yesuf Assen Mohammed). A sincere thank you to the Rosemount Research and Outreach Center crews and staff for their outstanding field management.