Fields of safflowers

Farming and agricultural economics were areas of interest to Dr. Philip M. Raup's while teaching and researching at the University of Minnesota. Among that research were specific crop types of which included the safflower.

Once used for yellow and red dye, safflower is primarily grown for its oil. The University of Minnesota Agricultural Extension Service's fact sheet on safflowers says that safflower oil helps decrease blood cholesterol and aid in other related heart and circulatory issues (1). Though not as popular of a crop to produce today, you can learn more and see these photos of the safflower in the Philip M. Raup papers.

1. Robinson, R. G.; Otto, Harley J.. (1967). Safflower--an oilseed crop for Minnesota?. University of Minnesota. Agricultural Extension Service. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/206736.