AS PRICES continue to move upwards, growers in Scotland could maximise returns from this year’s rapeseed crop by ensuring they sell at the right time and through the right trading channel.

According to Andrew Milne, United Oilseeds’ area manager for Scotland, he says arable farmers should seek professional help in this respect. “Too many farmers still view oilseed rape as a low profit break crop that is only grown in order to keep the soil in good condition between consecutive crops of wheat,” he explains.
“But an increased demand for vegetable oils as a result of a growing global population, as well as a significant increase in demand for biofuel production, has seen the value of oilseed rape rise to a level where the crop is now one of the most profitable options for farmers in Scotland.
“In particular, the latest Renewable Energy Directive has helped to maintain the demand for non-food oil crops and is helping to keep the market for oil crops including oilseed rape, linseed and soya buoyant.”
He adds: “As a result, oilseed rape is currently one of the best performing and most profitable crops in terms of gross margin per ha. In fact, winter oilseed rape is estimated to make a gross margin of £530/ha based on current market prices and variable costs.