Sunflower prices remain at record highs as the battle for 2022 acres continues. The conflict in Ukraine pushed sunflower prices to all-time record highs this spring. Previous market highs of $38.80 set in 2011 for old crop and $30.50 set in 2008 for new crop were surpassed in late April at the crush plants. The rally has continued each week as the lack of global sunflower seed availability and strong oil demand have encouraged crushers to pay more for the available crop. This week at the North Dakota crush plants, old crop added 50 cents. New crop prices increased 75 cents to $1.00 and are trading at $33.95-$35.10 cash with AOG at $33.40-$34.45. In the High Plains, old and new crop increased 50 cents. Something else to consider when looking at new crop prices are the oil premiums that crush plants pay on sunflower. Sunflower is the only oilseed that pays premiums for oil content above 40%. Considering oil premiums that are offered at the crush plants on oil content above 40% at a rate of 2% price premium for each 1% of oil above 40%; this pushes a contract with 45% oil content gross return 10% higher per cwt. The AOG $33.40 contract increases to $36.75, and the cash $35.10 contract moves up to $38.60. Late season planted crops like sunflower can perform well and markets will reward that production this year. There is still time to adjust your plans to take advantage of the market opportunities that sunflowers can offer.

 
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