A free field day on canola production and the bio-diesel industry is planned for 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, near Okanogan.
     The event is sponsored by Washington State University Extension for Okanogan County and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.
     The research service established canola research plots on Cameron Lake Road last fall to explore the best timing dates and seeding rates for canola production in the area, according to the extension announcement.
     Canola is grown in others parts of Washington and commonly grown in the Dakota region of the United States and north into Canada. Canola seed is grown as an oilseed crop with certain varieties crushed into canola oil for human consumption and others into industrial oils, which can be made into bio-diesel, according to the announcement.
     The event includes a tour of the research plots and will allow farmers to share knowledge and ask questions on growing canola, according to the announcement.
     It also will serve as a forum for farmers and people in the bio-fuels industry. Guest speakers will talk about projects and activities going on in the bio-fuels industry.
     Chad Krueger, WSU Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources, will give a review of the bio-fuel industry. Ernie Clark, Colville tribal energy department, will talk about the tribe's canola crusher project.
     Steve Verhey, Central Washington Biodiesel, will talk about the company's activities in bio-diesel production and marketing.
     "I see this as an opportunity for local farmers to learn from each other and from current research findings about the challenges and opportunities in growing this oilseed crop,' said Norman Suverly, director of the extension office for Okanogan County. "I think this can also potentially foster networking among people who are growing or want to grow this crop with those who are in the bio-diesel industry."
     Those planning to attend are asked to contact the extension office in advance at 422-7245.