Before considering the right hybrids to use next season, growers need to determine which market they want to participate in, according to Bruce Due, District Agronomist for Mycogen Seeds.

The increasing use of healthy oils may shift some growers' decisions on which markets to get into, Due says. "Growers who are contracted generally have the hybrid already chosen by the buyer. For example, most buyers choose the 7240 and 7350 hybrids when contracting with oleic growers because the oil qualities are ideal. For growers on the open market, there is a wide range of hybrids from which to select that carry many different end-market intended uses," he explains.

When deciding which segment to participate in, growers need to focus on net income. "Growers need to ask themselves, 'What product can I put on my farm that's going to provide me with the greatest net income per acre?'" Due says.

This means that growers need not only consider total yield, but oil content as well. "Oil content is particularly important when participating in the confection, hulling and oil markets. In 2005, Mycogen will be introducing hybrids with traits that have the ability to produce 50 percent or more oil content," Due says. "This will help growers earn up to 20 percent premiums on their profits," he explains.

The huller market also has specific products that work well in that industry. "Mycogen 8D310 is an example of a product designed specifically with that market in mind. The confection market has also developed specialty products for in-shell use and for hulling purposes," Due explains.

The oil market in particular is growing due to the trend toward healthy oils. "Many major food processors this year plan to switch processing production to using NuSun™ or oleic because of its low saturated fat," Due explains. "In fact, there is a higher demand for these oils than what current growers can supply."

In addition to their high quality, NuSun and oleic oils don't require hydrogenation for food processing, which makes them more attractive than palm, coconut and soybean oils to processors. "Consumers will further drive this growth as food labeling laws change. Some day soon, health-conscious consumers will be able to see if a high-quality oil is used in a food's processing before making their purchasing decisions," Due says.