North Dakota Canola Hybrid Trial Results for 2025 and Selection Guide

In 2025, North Dakota remained by far the leading U.S. state for canola acreage, with producers intending to plant about 2.05 million acres of canola (though some analysts expect the final planted acreage to end up lower — perhaps around 1.8 million acres) as growers scaled back somewhat from 2024’s record levels. Despite a generally “above-average” harvest in many parts of the state, with grain-handling facilities reporting good quality and solid yields in their service areas, growers again faced persistent agronomic challenges. There was elevated disease and pest pressure, especially risk of Sclerotinia stem rot (white mold) — a disease whose favorable conditions (moisture and moderate temperature) returned in 2025 — prompting many to rely on forecasting tools to guide fungicide decisions. Finally, market and economic headwinds compounded agronomic pressure: price drops in early 2025 caused some growers to reduce canola planting intentions, and broader trade and demand uncertainty (especially around seed oil demand) added risk to what’s already a relatively high-input, weather-sensitive crop. As a result, while many fields ended up “above average,” yield and quality variability remained high, underscoring that even in a top-producing year, canola in North Dakota remains vulnerable to a suite of agronomic and economic stressors.

When evaluating varieties or hybrids from trials, pay special attention to yield results closest to your production area. It is also advisable to consider yield averages over several years rather than relying on data from just one year. Additionally, other agronomic characteristics, such as maturity, lodging scores and oil percentages, should be taken into account when available.

Research specialists and technicians contributed to the fieldwork and data compilation. Administrative assistants contributed in entering data into the respective sections of this document. We greatly appreciate the assistance provided by everyone involved.