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Sunflower Briefs

Wednesday, January 1, 2025
filed under: Sunflower Briefs

Chuck Todd Elected President of NSA Board

Onida, S.D., producer Chuck Todd is the new board president of the National Sunflower Association. He was elected during the board’s early December meeting in Bismarck, N.D. Todd replaced Brighton, Colo., producer Tom Kirkmeyer as president, with Kirkmeyer now serving as the NSA board chairman. Regent, N.D., producer Josh Greff was elected first vice president, and Minnesotan Tom Dowdle was elected second vice president. ADM’s Lacey Zahradka will continue serving as the NSA board secretary/treasurer for the coming year.
        See page 8 of this issue of The Sunflower for interviews with both Todd and Kirkmeyer.

2023/24 Final Sunflower Export Numbers
        The U.S. Census Bureau has released final export figures for the 2023/24 marketing year. Sunflower oil exports were down 21% from a year ago, from 33,002 metric tons (MT) to 26,392 MT from October 2023 to September 2024. Canada remains the top importer, importing 17,169 MT, which was down 20% from the prior year. Mexico was the number two destination, importing 3,448 MT during the 2023/24 year.
        Exports of sunflower kernel this past marketing year were up 10% from 2022/23, going from 3,163 MT to 3,500 MT. Canada remains the top importer of U.S. sunflower kernel, importing 2,141 MT. In-shell exports decreased 10% from 14,220 MT to 12,750 MT during October 2023 to September 2024. Mexico was the top importer of in-shell sunflower, taking 4,843 MT, with Spain a close second, importing 3,225 MT during the 2023/24 12-month period.

USDA Collects 2024 Production & Stocks Data
        With the 2024 growing season now concluded, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has been contacting producers nationwide to gather final year-end crop production numbers and the amount of grain and oilseeds stored on their farms. Simultaneously, NASS is surveying grain facility operators to determine year-end off-farm grain and oilseed stocks.
        Responses to the survey will be used in calculating county-level yields, which have a direct impact on farmers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency may use the data in administering producer programs and in determining disaster assistance program calculations. All responses are completely confidential. Survey results will be published in several reports, including the Crop Production Annual Summary and the quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released on January 10. These and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

Register for the 2025 Research Forum
        Registration remains 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.

‘Getting It Right’ Webinar Set for January 30 getting it right QR code

        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 the QR code to the right.

Colorado No-Till Conference Is February 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 details on the February event or to register for it, visit www.HighPlainsNoTill.com. The discounted registration period ends Jan. 15.

NSA 2025 Summer Seminar Scheduled for June 24-26
        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 and social events, with the traditional golf tourney on the final day.

Story Suggestions Welcomed
        With another production season now concluded, the National Sunflower Association staff continues working on the newest publishing season of The Sunflower magazine. The Sunflower has been an industry fixture since 1975.
        “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.”
        Story suggestions can be submitted to johns@sunflowernsa.com.