Re-introduction of Flax as a Viable Economic and Rotational Crop in an Organic System

Re-introduction of Flax as a Viable Economic and Rotational Crop in an Organic System

Summary

Rissman Organic Farm is a diversified 370-acre grain and livestock operation. Joel Rissman grows corn, food-grade soybeans, sorghum/milo/soybean silage, mixed alfalfa/grass hay and haylage. He also raises cattle, chickens, eggs, turkey, rabbits and ducks.
In 1999, he decided to add flax. Flax was a part of crop rotation in Illinois in the 1940s and 1950s, and can be raised successfully from Texas to Canada, Rissman says. It has since been removed from most rotations due to the popularity of growing soybeans.

Rissman applied for a SARE grant to run test trials on crops of flax to investigate different varieties, sowing rates, tillage options, planting areas, and harvesting times/methods for an ideal growing condition. Ultimately, the question was whether flax was an economically viable option for organic farmers.

Rissman was able to sell flax for $11/ bushel to S&K International. Flax qualifies for the oilseed program for loan deficiancy payments and Rissman recieved close to $50/acre. As a result of the grant project he found that he could easily acquire seed and learned how to prepare a seedbed, incorporate seed by drilling or broadcasting and identified two harvesting options. However, he wants to continue to test seeding rates and interseeding with oats.

Rissman held a field day on August 5, with about 50 people attending.