Markets are awaiting fresh USDA data that will be released on Friday that will provide more insights as to how 2026 production and ending supplies could shake out. In addition, USDA Farm Service Agency will update its reported acreage data for all crops. This will give the sunflower market another look at acres ahead of the USDA October production report which will provide its first estimate for oil and non-oil sunflower production. Sunflower prices continue to move lower as the market transitions toward the 2026/27 market year. Nearby prices are down $1.25 to unchanged at the crush plants this week. Moving forward, it may be hard to gather significant forward momentum with seasonal harvest pressure being just around the corner. The 2026 US sunflower crop continues to progress at a faster pace after a slow start this spring. Very warm to hot temperatures along with drier soil conditions are pushing the crop toward maturity in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Some of the crop could be desiccated in early September for harvest. Most of the crop in these states is considered in good to excellent condition. This should mean that yields will be around the five year average trend yield assuming normal weather through the rest of this fall and the lack of an early freeze. Mid-August through September is the critical time frame for sunflowers. Buyers will be anxiously watching crop production prospects before making longer term purchases.
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