Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
U.S. farmers are set to expand their sunflower planting area substantially in 2025, reaching up to 1.07 million acres – a 49% rise compared to the previous year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The most significant increase is anticipated in North Dakota, where acreage for oilseed sunflower varieties is projected to surge by 62%, totaling 960,500 acres. Conversely, the land devoted to non-oilseed sunflowers in the state is expected to decline by 12%.
This growth in sunflower acreage stems from notably low seed inventories as of March 1, which stood at just 564 million pounds – a 52% drop from the prior year. Within this total, oilseed varieties accounted for 426 million pounds, representing a 59% decrease year-over-year, whereas non-oilseed seed stocks rose modestly by 7% to 138 million pounds. This shift in inventory partly explains the reduced enthusiasm for cultivating non-oil sunflower types.
Although acreage is increasing, processing companies continue to actively secure contracts for the 2025 harvest. New crop prices remain competitive relative to other specialty oilseeds, and growers benefit from an incentive – receiving a 2% price premium for every point that oil content exceeds 40%.
Sunflowers continue to be a favorable late-season crop option, with planting possible as late as June depending on local conditions. For instance, in North Dakota, the insured planting dates are June 10 or 15, with actual deadlines extending by approximately three to four weeks. Farmers seeking further details on insurance, pricing, and buyers can visit the National Sunflower Association’s website at sunflowernsa.com.