STERLING — Central Prairie Co-op announced on Wednesday it will receive and store Canola at one or more of its locations as part of a supply chain agreement with Scoular. Currently, Scoular is converting a facility in Goodland to a dual oilseed crush plant, which is slated to begin operations in the fall of 2024.

“Interest in canola has accelerated in recent times due to its high oil content, making it a desirable option for the production of renewable diesel and other fuels,” said Mike Corbus, Chief Executive Officer of Central Prairie Co-op. “Another positive aspect of canola is that it makes a great rotation crop. Wheat grown after canola often results in a significant yield increase. Central Prairie Co-op is well positioned to help producers engage in this growing market, which offers the potential for higher profitability. This agreement nicely compliments other initiatives we are working to bring forward in the future.”

Central Prairie Co-op’s grain marketing advisors will work with Scoular’s origination team to provide information and support for those who wish to participate in Scoular’s Canola MVP program.

“Farmers benefit when longtime, trustworthy partners like Scoular and Central Prairie Co-op join to get their crops to market,” said Sandra Hulm, Scoular vice president and general manager. “We’re excited for all of the possibilities in the coming years to deliver Kansas and Oklahoma canola to the growing renewable fuels market.”

Central Prairie Co-op is a full-service agricultural cooperative with multiple locations throughout a four-county footprint and employing over 100 staff. Headquartered in Sterling, Central Prairie Co-op offers grain handling via 16 elevators, grain marketing, feed production at 2 feed mills, a rural farm market, a full-service fuel station, and comprehensive agronomy and petroleum divisions.

Scoular is employee-owned, with over $10B of agribusiness leading the way since 1892. They buy, sell, store, handle and process grain and ingredients by leveraging their global networks and expertise in international trade and transportation. Scoular ranks 48th on the Forbes list of America’s largest private companies and is headquartered in Omaha, Neb.