Flax area in Saskatchewan has dropped substantially over the past couple of decades—-but there is still demand for flaxseed from food processing companies.

Grain Millers Canada spent “north of $30 million” in establishing a modern flax processing facility at Delisle—about 45 kilometres southwest of Saskatoon.  It has been in operation since the beginning of the year with the official grand opening set for this Wednesday.

Scott Shiels is Grain Millers Canada procurement manager.

Grain Millers is a Minnesota based company and is best known in Saskatchewan for its oat processing plant in Yorkton.

The company has a flax processing plant in Wisconsin—but the one in Delisle is more modern.

Shiels talks about the various markets for flaxseed and flaxseed products.

Shiels says about half of its flax is contracted in advance and half are spot purchases. He adds growing conditions have been good in many areas, with decent moisture in west-central areas along with the absence of extreme July heat.
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