Recently, PepsiCo announced plans to switch to Omega 9 canola oil for its Frito Lay brand of potato chips across North America. As the second largest food manufacturer in the world, PepsiCo's announcement brought a heightened focus on Nexera -- the only canola hybrid that produces the heart healthy Omega 9 oil.

PepsiCo's announcement is a turning point in the Nexera story and for Clearfield canola growers in particular.

"This announcement will undoubtedly create a greater need for more Omega 9-producing acres to meet that demand in addition to existing canola oil demand," says Harley House, Brand Manager for Clearfield Crops. "Clearfield Nexera hybrids unlock the yield potential to fill that Omega 9 demand through tremendous genetic performance and weed control from such new herbicide advancements as Ares for Clearfield canola. With Clearfield, Nexera has the potential to be liquid gold for growers."

Not only is demand on the rise for the Omega 9 seed, so is profitability, with highest guaranteed net returns. It's this feature that has caught the attention of growers like Sam Hofer, a canola farmer from Alberta who has seen the benefits of growing Clearfield Nexera for the past several years.

"For my farm, the main benefits of using Clearfield Nexera are the variety and profitability it offers," says Hofer. "I'm impressed with the quality of Clearfield Nexera canola. It produces much better oil and we get a premium for it."

Hofer notes that the weed control of Clearfield is a key differentiator when choosing which Nexera hybrid to plant in order to maximize yield potential and profit margin. "I find that with Clearfield you get a great herbicide offering for weed control," he says. "We also had problems with sclerotinia a couple of years ago, so this past year we proactively sprayed with Lance fungicide. It kept our fields clear and increased our yield."

Growers interested in adding Clearfield Nexera acres are encouraged to visit www.healthierprofits.ca -- a website from Nexera-makers Dow AgroSciences -- to learn more about available hybrids and Omega 9 oil demand. Growers can find out about Clearfield Nexera contractors in their region, read information related to incentive programs, and view field data for various hybrids available for Omega 9-producing seed.

As for Hofer, he's already convinced of the benefits of Clearfield for his Nexera acres: "I already have 2012 booked."

© 2011 BASF Canada Inc.
Nexera is a product of Dow AgroSciences LLC