Winter canola is still a potential new crop for Ohio and other eastern Corn Belt states. Limited variety selection and proximity of delivery points have prevented expansion of the crop. Varieties have been shown to be adapted to Ohio conditions in recent years but weather variations caused by climate change may cast doubt on the suitability of these varieties in future years. In 2012, March and April temperatures were unseasonably warmer than previous years at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center’s Northwest Agriculture Research Station, Custar, OH. A winter canola variety performance test had been established at this site since 2004. Each year 45 to 55 winter canola varieties were evaluated for fall establishment, winter survival, flowering date, plant height, and grain yield. In the 2012, stand establishment and winter survival was very good across entries as a result of moderate weather conditions. Unusually warm temperatures in March and April of 2012 resulted in entries bolting and flowering about 30 days sooner than the long term average. Entries were approximately 50% less in height than previous testing years. Grain yields were 35% less than previous years. This yield reduction may have been the result of temperatures dropping to near freezing after initial pod set causing pod abortion. Observations from this study have shown that an abnormally warm and early spring may result in early bolting and flowering, shorter plants and yield reductions in winter canola. Adjustments to the way varieties are developed and selected may need to occur to adapt to a wider variation of late winter and early spring conditions for successful winter canola production in the eastern Corn Belt.