NAICS 111120 Quarterly Industry Report
Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 111120Sector: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (11)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
Fair Market Value compiles this NAICS 111120 industry profile using data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service[4], U.S. Census Bureau's Census of Agriculture[6], and SBA size standard tables[5]. Our research team reviews commodity market data and crop production reports to verify oilseed farming conditions. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[7].. This report receives quarterly updates reflecting planting trends, harvest results, and market developments affecting oilseed producers.
Industry Definition & Overview
Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming (NAICS 111120) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in growing fibrous oilseed producing plants and producing oilseed seeds such as sunflower, safflower, flax, rapeseed, canola, and sesame. Soybeans are specifically excluded from this classification and covered under NAICS 111110. The U.S. Census Bureau[3] classifies this industry within the oilseed and grain farming subsector of crop production. Canola and sunflower dominate domestic oilseed acreage outside soybeans. Additionally, canola production concentrates in North Dakota and the northern Great Plains, where cool-season growing conditions favor rapeseed varieties bred for low erucic acid content. Sunflower farms produce both oilseed and confection varieties, with the northern Plains again hosting the largest acreage. Flax production serves both oilseed crushing and fiber markets. Safflower and sesame occupy smaller but growing niche positions in semi-arid western states and southern regions respectively. Planting, cultivation, and harvest methods parallel other row crop operations, though specialized header attachments and harvest timing differ by crop. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service[4] tracks planted acreage and production for each oilseed crop. Under SBA size standards[5], NAICS 111120 uses a revenue-based threshold of $2.25 million in average annual receipts. Most oilseed farms qualify as small operations. Commodity prices for canola and sunflower seed fluctuate with global vegetable oil markets and crushing demand. Crop rotation benefits, including disease break cycles and soil health improvements, motivate oilseed planting in grain-dominated regions. Contract production for specific oil quality traits or organic certification programs offers premium pricing above commodity market levels.
What's Included in This Industry
- Canola and rapeseed cultivation
- Sunflower seed production (oil and confection types)
- Flaxseed farming for oil and fiber markets
- Safflower seed production
- Sesame seed cultivation
- Mustard seed farming
- Camelina and other specialty oilseed production
- Organic oilseed cultivation programs
- Oilseed variety trial and seed increase operations
- On-farm oilseed drying, cleaning, and storage
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 11 |
| Subsector | Crop Production | 111 |
| Industry Group | Oilseed and Grain Farming | 1111 |
| NAICS Industry | Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming | 11112 |
| National Industry | Oilseed (except Soybean) Farming | 111120 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 111110 | Soybean Farming | Soybean farming represents the dominant oilseed crop competing for planted acreage and sharing crushing and export market channels |
| 111130 | Dry Pea and Bean Farming | Dry pea and bean farming shares similar crop rotation benefits and field crop production methods across northern Plains growing regions |
| 111191 | Oilseed and Grain Combination Farming | Oilseed and grain combination farming covers operations growing oilseeds alongside grains without specialization in any single crop category |
| 111150 | Corn Farming | Corn farming competes for planted acreage allocation and shares equipment, storage infrastructure, and agronomic service providers |
| 311224 | Soybean and Other Oilseed Processing | Soybean and other oilseed processing facilities crush canola, sunflower, and flax into meal and oil products for food and feed markets |
| 424510 | Grain and Field Bean Merchant Wholesalers | Grain and field bean merchant wholesalers handle oilseed merchandising, storage, and transportation from farm to processing destinations |
SBA Lending Summary
232
Total SBA Loans
$64.6M
Total Loan Volume
$279K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.06%
Average Interest Rate
11,272
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[2]
Key Insight: The SBA[5] assigns NAICS 111120 a revenue-based size standard of $2.25 million in average annual receipts. Most oilseed farms fall well below this threshold as mid-sized to small family operations. Qualifying operations access Farm Service Agency loans, USDA crop insurance, and SBA 7(a) programs for equipment and operating capital. Specialty oilseed contracts for organic or identity-preserved programs may generate premium revenues. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[8] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 224 | $64.2M | $287K |
| 2 | TD Bank, National Association | 8 | $400K | $50K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 111120?
NAICS 111120 covers farming operations primarily growing oilseed crops excluding soybeans. This includes canola, sunflower, flax, safflower, sesame, mustard, and camelina production. Soybean farming falls under a separate classification. The U.S. Census Bureau[3] classifies these within oilseed and grain farming.
How is oilseed farming structured?
Most oilseed operations function as diversified family farms growing canola or sunflowers in rotation with wheat, corn, or other crops. North Dakota dominates canola acreage while the northern Plains leads sunflower production. Farms range from a few hundred to several thousand acres. Contract production for specific oil quality traits or organic certification commands premium pricing above commodity levels.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 111120?
The SBA uses a revenue-based standard of $2.25 million in average annual receipts for oilseed farming. Most farms qualify as small businesses under this threshold. The SBA size standard table[5] applies this revenue measure for small business certification and federal program eligibility.
What NAICS codes are related to oilseed farming?
Related crop codes include 111110 (soybean farming), 111130 (dry pea and bean farming), 111150 (corn farming), and 111191 (oilseed and grain combination farming). Processing code 311224 covers oilseed crushing. Distribution code 424510 covers grain wholesalers. The Census Bureau[3] groups this within oilseed and grain farming.
What industries are closely related to oilseed farming?
Soybean farms (111110) share crushing market end uses. Oilseed processors (311224) serve as primary buyers. Grain wholesalers (424510) handle marketing logistics. Corn farmers (111150) compete for acreage. Dry pea producers (111130) share northern Plains growing regions and rotation practices with oilseed operations.
What activities are included in NAICS 111120?
Covered activities include canola and sunflower cultivation, flaxseed farming, safflower and sesame production, mustard seed growing, specialty oilseed programs, organic certification, seed increase operations, and on-farm processing including drying, cleaning, and storage. The USDA[4] tracks production data for each oilseed crop separately.
Can oilseed farms qualify for SBA loans?
Yes, farms with average annual receipts at or below $2.25 million qualify as small businesses under SBA guidelines[5]. Oilseed producers also access USDA Farm Service Agency loans for land, equipment, and operating expenses. Federal crop insurance programs provide yield and revenue protection coverage for sunflower, canola, and other enrolled oilseed crops.
Where is oilseed farming concentrated in the United States?
North Dakota leads canola and sunflower production by wide margins. South Dakota, Kansas, and Montana contribute additional sunflower acreage. Flax concentrates in North Dakota and Montana. Safflower grows primarily in California and Montana. Sesame production has expanded in Texas and southern states. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service[4] publishes state-level acreage data for each crop.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [4]USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service nass.usda.gov
- [5]SBA size standards sba.gov
- [6]U.S. Census Bureau's Census of Agriculture nass.usda.gov
- [7]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [8]504/CDC loans sba.gov
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