Queensland, Australia
March 20, 2009
The potential of a little-known
oilseed as a rotation crop in coastal farming systems is being
investigated by some growers in northern Queensland, partly
prompted by an oil-crushing plant being built on their doorstep.
Aaron Sanderson, Ayr grower and member of the
Grains Research and Development
Corporation (GRDC) Northern Panel, is one of those planning
to plant safflower over coming months.
“A few of us went to an international safflower conference in
Wagga Wagga last year and came away thinking it was worth a go,”
Aaron said.
“Safflower is a premium oil but results in low value meal. This
contrasts to soybeans, which have a lower value oil but high
quality and high protein meal.
“Blending them will satisfy most markets, so there is potential
to sell the crop to the local crushing plant once it’s built.
“A little bit of safflower’s being grown in Central Queensland
and they seem to be getting a reasonable yield, but very little
is known about how well it grows in other areas, so we will
trial a few plots this winter.”
Speakers at the conference viewed safflower as an opportunity
crop in Australia, if seasonal conditions in spring are
suitable. It has deep roots which allow it to extract water,
nitrogen and other nutrients from deep within the soil profile.
Aaron is not just looking at safflowers as an alternative crop,
but along with his fellow Northern Panel members is touring the
South Burnett and Bundaberg regions at the end of March to meet
with growers and researchers and discuss research priorities.
The GRDC is supporting several projects looking at alternative
and rotational crops in coastal farming systems, many in
conjunction with the Sugar Research and Development Corporation
(SRDC).
“For anyone putting in soybeans over summer, harvest is too late
to plant cane, so safflower provides a second cropping
opportunity,” Aaron said.
“Australia’s a net importer of safflower oil, so the market is
there if it turns out we can produce good yields and returns.” |
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