Growing NuSun Sunflowers and High Oleic Sunflowers could be an excellent alternative this year for any wheat farmers suffering winter wheat freeze out problems.

According to Gene Neuens, Producers Cooperative Oil Mill field representative, PCOM, Oklahoma City, Ok., will be offering a bid on these varieties of sunflowers to give wheat growers an excellent opportunity to replace wheat damaged by late freezes.

"Offering both varieties will give wheat farmers an option for sunflowers," Neuens said."Producers need to contact their planting seed supplier to purchase the best seed for the area they live in. There are several good varieties available.

"Our bid will be delivered to a storage facility of our choice. We are working on delivery points."

Neuens urges farmers to call his cell phone 1-405-760-4205 for information. Information can also be obtained from Brandon Winters at 1-405-232-7555. On the internet, bids and other important information may be found at bwinters@producerscoop.net; and cscneuens@yahoo.com.

Bids and other important information on oil seed processing and production can be found at Plains Oilseed Products and Producers Cooperative Oil Mills.

Neuens cautions winter canola growers to be on the lookout for aphid infestation on drought-stressed plants.

"Canola is a tough plant and can stand dry weather," Neuens said. "So, when a field of canola looks drought stressed, take a closer look for aphids.

"We also need for winter canola growers to be contacting us so we can set up seed delivery points for their convenience at harvest," he said.