Article Archives
Sunflower Briefs

Sunday, December 1, 2024
filed under: Sunflower Briefs

2023/24 Marketing Year Sunflower Exports
        Exports of U.S. sunflower kernel during the first 11 months of the 2023/24 marketing year (October-August) totaled 3,235 metric tons (MT).  That’s up 13% from the similar period during the 2022/23 marketing year.  Canada remains the top importer of U.S. sunflower kernel, importing 2,000 MT from October through August.
        In-shell exports decreased by 5% during the same period in 2023/24, from 13,027 to 12,425 MT.  Mexico remains the top importer of U.S. in-shell sunflower, importing 4,652 MT.  Spain was a close second, importing 3,165 MT during the period.
        Sunflower oil exports were down 17% from October-August 2023, sliding from 29,257 MT to 24,138 MT.  Canada remains the top importer, of U.S. sun oil, importing 15,708 MT (down 17% from a year ago). Mexico is the number-two destination, importing 3,035 MT in the October-August 2023/24 period.
 
Minnesota Council Invests in New UMC Header
combine header        The Minnesota Sunflower Council provided financial support this year for the purchase of a new research plot combine header for use by University of Minnesota-Crookston sunflower researchers.  Pictured here with the four-row Fantini unit during this fall’s harvest are, left to right:  Mike Leiseth (UMC), Tyler Zilverberg (Fantini), Peter Aspholm (UMC) and Amber Cymbaluk (UMC).
        “The Minnesota Council saw the need for a header that would provide most-accurate data on plots that Dr. Megan McCaghey (UM plant pathologist) conducts at Crookston,” noted John Swanson, Council chairman. He added that the Crookston group’s previous sunflower plot combine was old and not well-suited for small plots “since in plots, a single sunflower head can change yields.”  The new header’s cost was split evenly between the Minnesota Council and Dr. McCaghey’s program.
        In addition to Swanson, other current board members of the Minnesota Sunflower Council are Kevin Capistran (vice chair) of Crookston, Tom Dowdle of Kennedy, Greg Hilgeman of Oklee and Tom Smude of Pierz.
 
Harvest Progress Ahead of Five-Year Average
        As of the second week in November, sunflower harvest in North Dakota stood at an estimated 76%, according to the National Sunflower Association.  That compared to 56% as of the same time in 2023 — and to a five-year average of 67%.  The number for South Dakota was 83%, which compared to 2023’s 65% as of the same date and a five-year average of 71%.  The 2025 harvest levels for Minnesota, Colorado and Kansas were 91%, 92% and 90%, respectively.  The sunflower harvest in Texas was 100% complete by early November.  All those states likewise were ahead of the five-year average.
 
Papers & Posters Call: 2025 Research Forum
        The National Sunflower Association is inviting submissions for research papers to be presented at the annual NSA Sunflower Research Forum, set for January 8 and 9, in Fargo, N.D. Presentations may be either oral or in the form of a poster.  A time will be designated for authors to be with their posters and answer questions.  Each oral presentation will be limited to 15-17 minutes with two to three minutes allowed for questions. Those interested in presenting a paper should visit sunflowernsa.com/Research/2025-Call-for-Papers/ for details. The actual paper or poster need not be submitted at this time; just the information indicated online and the author information. Submissions must be completed by December 9, 2024.
 
Register for the 2025 Research Forum
        Registration is now open for the 2025 NSA Sunflower Research Forum, scheduled for January 8 and 9 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo, N.D.  Visit 2025 NSA Research Forum at www.sunflowernsa.com for Forum details and to register at the early bird price of $150.  Hotel information is available there as well. The January event constitutes the 46th annual Sunflower Research Forum.
 
Colorado No-Till Conference Set for Feb. 4 & 5
        The Colorado Conservation Tillage Association’s 2025 High Plains No-Till Conference is scheduled for February 4 and 5 in Burlington, Colo.  Along with keynote speakers Allen Williams, Roy Pfaltzgraff and Don Day, Jr., more than 40 learning sessions are scheduled on topics relating to soil health.  For more information on the February event or to register for it, visit www.HighPlainsNoTill.com.  Discounted registration ends as of January 15. 
 
‘Getting It Right’ Webinar Set for January 30
        The next North Dakota State University Extension ‘Getting It Right’ sunflower webinar is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, CST.  Sponsored by the National Sunflower Association, the webinar is free to all interested persons.  It features presentations by NDSU sunflower crop specialists on a variety of topics pertaining to current research and crop management recommendations. To register, utilize this QR code. 
qr code for getting it right webinar
 
Summer Seminar Scheduled For June 24-26 in Bismarck
        The 2025 National Sunflower Association Summer Seminar is scheduled for June 24-26 in Bismarck, N.D.  The popular annual event will be headquartered at the Radisson Inn Bismarck.  Watch for more details from the NSA as well as in upcoming issues of The Sunflower.
        The 2025 NSA Summer Seminar will be the 41st such event in the association’s history.  As usual, it will feature a variety of special speakers, social events and a golf tourney on the final day.
 
Story Suggestions Welcomed
        With another production season concluding, the National Sunflower Association staff likewise is working on the newest publishing season of The Sunflower magazine.  The Sunflower has been an industry fixture since 1975.
        “As has always been the case, our goal with the magazine is to provide news and articles of real interest and use to our readership — which consists mainly of sunflower producers around the U.S. and Canada,” says John Sandbakken, NSA executive director and magazine editor.   “Our ongoing objective is to provide timely, useful information, and we always welcome readers’ suggestions for potential topics or persons to interview for articles.” 
        Prospective story ideas can be submitted to: johns@sunflowernsa.com.

World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates, October 2024
us sf seed harvested acreage production chart

 
return to top of page
   More about Sunflower ►