Planting Pattern and Cultivar Effects on Flax Yields in Northwestern Iowa

In the United States, consumption of flaxseed and flaxseed oil is increasing both by direct consumption and as processed foods. Flaxseeds are high in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid, which is important for cardiovascular health. Whole-ground flaxseed in livestock diets can raise the level of these “healthy” fatty acids in meat and eggs. A new facility for organic flaxseed oil processing in Iowa has the potential to attract production to Iowa. Other grain buyers in the Upper Midwest are also increasing their purchase of flaxseed for animal feeds