Article Archives

Sunflower Briefs

Monday, November 25, 2019
filed under: Sunflower Briefs

NSA Research Forum Set for Jan. 8 & 9
Individuals interested in learning more about what’s happening in sunflower research should consider attending the National Sunflower Association’s annual Sunflower Research Forum.  The 2020 event will be held at the Holiday Inn, Fargo, N.D. The purpose of the Forum is to report on research, to promote discussion, and to stimulate creative thinking.

The 2020 NSA Sunflower Research Forum will begin on Wednesday, January 8, and conclude by noon on Thursday, the 9th. Click here to register for the Forum at the early bird price of $130. The NSA website also includes information on hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn.

High Plains No-Till?Conference Feb. 4 & 5
The Colorado Conservation Tillage Association will be hosting the 32nd High Plains No-Till Conference on February 4 and 5 in Burlington, Colo.

Keynote speakers include North Dakota holistic management rancher Jerry Doan, New Mexico State University molecular biologist David Johnson and USDA-NRCS soil health specialist Willie Durham.  There will be more than 45 breakout sessions during the conference, focusing on topics ranging from ag technology to soil health, farm business and general no-till to regenerative grazing and marketing.  The conference also features a trade show and social.

Click here for program and registration details for the 2020 High Plains No-Till Conference.

International Conference in June in Serbia
The 20th International Sunflower Conference will take place on June 22-25, 2020, in Novi Sad, Serbia.  The event is hosted by the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops Novi Sad and the International Sunflower Association.  The ISC program will consist of invited talks, parallel scientific sessions and poster sessions, followed by a field day on the 25th. Click here for more information on the conference.

Hamilton Systems Acquires Fantini
Hamilton Systems, based in Drayton, N.D., has officially purchased the Fantini company and factory in Medole, Italy, where Fantini sunflower and corn headers are manufactured.  Location of the factory will remain in Medole, where most of the employees will retain their position within the company.  Mark Hatloy and Ken Nordstrom are the new owners of Fantini. The parent company, Hamilton Systems, will remain in Drayton.

Industry Leader Dietrich Dies
Long-time sunflower advocate Max Dietrich passed away in mid-October after a long battle with cancer.  During his career, Dietrich worked for several hybrid seed and crop protection companies.  He was production coordinator for the National Sunflower Association for four years and later served as chairman of the NSA Research Committee for four years. “Max was a tireless worker and truly gave of himself to help others and the overall sunflower industry.  His warm smile and laugh will be missed by all,” affirms John Sandbakken, NSA executive director.

Spain Top Importer of In-Shell; Canada Leads Kernel Imports
Spain remains the top importer of U.S. in-shell sunflower seeds.  During the marketing year  beginning October 2018 and ending September 2019, 17,469 metric tons (MT) of U.S. in-shell sunflower were exported to Spain.  Canada led the way in sunflower kernel imports, with 3,221 MT imported from the U.S. during market year 2018/19.   Overall, exports of U.S. sunflower kernel and in-shell sunflower were both down slightly from the 2017/18 market year.

U.S. Sun Oil Exports Increase
Exports of U.S. sunflower oil increased by more than 15,000 metric tons (MT) compared to a year ago.  From October 2018 to September 2019, sun oil exports totaled 55,420 MT, compared to 40,384 MT from October 2017 through September 2018.

Canada remains the top importer of U.S. sunflower oil.  From October 2018 to September 2019, Canada imported 20,402 MT of sun oil, up from 20,282 MT the previous year.  Exports to Mexico were up nearly 5,000 MT, and exports to Japan more than doubled from the 2017/18 marketing year.  Other countries with increased imports include Germany, Malaysia and Australia.