Brown mustard (Brassica juncea), canola (B. napus) and camelina (Camelina sativa) may be used for biodiesel production in the High plains. Their planting date and phenology needs to be determined in western Nebraska. A study was conducted to identify timing of stages after planting on 25 Feb, 22 Mar, 8 Apr, 26 Apr, and 6 May. Another study was planted on 6 May to measure growth. The emergence took longer with early planting and flowering occurred earlier but seed maturation was unaffected. Bird damage was greatest in brown mustard with early planting. Yields were highest with April planting. In the growth trial, six plants per plot were sampled every three weeks after planting on 5 May. Canopy height and width peaked 8 WAP and 9 WAP, respectively. Stem length increased to 12 WAP, reaching lengths of 169, 185 and 115 cm for brown mustard, canola and camelina, respectively. From 4 to 9 WAP, vine fresh weight accumulated rapidly. At 9 WAP, pods were present and accumulated dry matter while leaf senescence was occurring. Harvest indices were calculated by dividing yield (g)/plot by the dry weight of the vine (g)/plant and 756 plants seeded/plot. Camelina had the highest index and canola had the lowest. These data based on a one-year study suggest that planting in early April may result in optimal yields. Camelina with its higher yield, higher harvest index, and resistance to bird and flea beetle damage may have a lower demand for water and fertilization while maintaining good yield. This would make camelina well suited to semi-arid regions such as the High Plains.