Oat production is limited and geographically dispersed, occurring in 25 states spread throughout the U.S. (figure 4). Oats are produced for human consumption and for animal feed (mainly horses). Harvested acres have declined from 2.33 million in 2000 to 1.58 million acres in 2005. National average yields (from 2000 to 2006) have ranged from 56.4 bu/ac to 64.7 bu/ac (USDA-NASS). Oat production is projected to remain stable to increasing in the next decade. The USDA projects oat production of 135 million bushels (based on average national oat grain yields of 66.4 bu/ac and 2.0 million harvested acres) by 2015 (USDA OCE). FAPRI projects oat production of 1.66 million metric tons (114 million bushels with assumed average national oat grain yields of 66.2 bu/ac and 1.72 million harvested acres) by 2015 (FAPRI, 2006). A workshop of crop experts (English, 1997) projected that under the mostly likely scenario, average national oat grain yields of 90 and 120 bu/ac could be achieved by 2030 and 2050 respectively (compared to 1990-1992 yields of 59 bu/ac) resulting from combined genetic, management, and equipment improvements.
Rye, Sunflower, and Other Oilseed Crops
Rye. Rye production is limited in the U.S., ranging from 263,000 to 319,000 harvested acres (average of 283,000 harvested acres) over the past seven years with national average yields ranging from 24.7 to 28.3 bu/ac (USDA-NASS). Production occurs principally in Georgia and Oklahoma and occasionally in North and South Dakota (figure 5). Projected future production estimates weren’t found.
Sunflowers. Sunflower production occurs in the Plains States (figure 6). Sunflower seeds are produced for human consumption, livestock feed, and bird seed. Harvested acres have ranged from 1.71 and 2.65 million acres between 2000 and 2005 and national average yields have ranged from 1,131 to 1,540 lbs/ac during the same time period (USDA-NASS). Sunflower production is projected to decline in the near term. FAPRI projects sunflower seed production of 1.44 million metric tons (3.17 million pounds; average national seed yields of 1,470 lbs/ac; 2.15 million harvested acres) by 2015 (FAPRI, 2006). A workshop of crop experts (English, 1997) projected that under the mostly likely scenario, average national sunflower seed yields of 2,500 and 3,200 lbs/ac could be achieved by 2030 and 2050 respectively (compared to 1990-1992 yields of 1,279 lbs/ac) resulting from combined genetic, management, and equipment improvements.
Miscellaneous Oilseeds. Other miscellaneous oilseed crops that are currently produced in the U.S. and that could be a source of oil for bioenergy and bioproducts include safflower and flaxseed. Acres and total production of both crops are limited. Harvested safflower acres have ranged from 160,000 acres to 213,000 acres between 2000 and 2005 and total production has ranged from 191 to 282 million pounds (yields ranged from 1,204 to 1,435 lbs/ac). Flaxseed production has ranged from 10.4 to 19.7 million bushels between 2000 and 2005 (yield range of 16.9 to 20.8 bu/ac and harvested acre range from 517,000 to 955,000). Montana is the largest producer of both crops.