Flax [Linum usitatissimum (Linaceae)] had been grown in Iowa for many years, but in 2004, an organic flaxseed oil company began sourcing organic flax from Iowa producers. Increased consumption of flaxseed oil due to high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are associated with lowered risk of heart disease and lowered blood cholesterol levels, has propelled this interest. CDC Bethune and Hanley flax varieties were planted at the Iowa State University Neely-Kinyon Farm in Greenfield, Iowa, on May 4, 2004, at 84 kg ha^-1. Flax biomass, populations, height and flower number data were taken on July 1 by measuring flax plants in three randomly placed quadrats in each of the four replicated plots. Two weeks before harvest, plant maturity and lodging data were taken. Flax was harvested on August 30, 2004, with a combine. Although there was a trend toward greater plant populations in the Hanley variety, differences between varieties were not significant. No significant differences between varieties were found in biomass dry weight or yield, which averaged 1003 kg ha^-1 for both varieties. Flax height was significantly greater in CDC Bethune but lodging was not a problem in either variety. Flower number was not significantly different, although there was a trend toward higher number of flowers in the CDC Bethune variety. Two weeks before harvest, the Hanley variety had significantly more mature bolls than the CDC Bethune variety (85.0% compared with 62.5% fully mature bolls, respectively). Essential fatty acid profiles of both varieties were acceptable for use in organic flaxseed oil. Economic returns from certified organic flax production were $708 ha^-1.