Catalyst systems containing a catalyst and catalyst support are presented. The catalyst comprises elemental alkali metal and a metal oxide where the metal in the oxide comes from the lanthanide series. Optionally, a promoter is included in the catalyst. The catalyst support comprises an alkali metal carbonate with optionally a carbonaceous compound. This catalyst system can be used to reduce isomerization losses associated with the production of higher alpha-olefins from lower alpha-olefins.