USDA Releases Report on Big 2025 Sunflower Crop

        U.S. sunflower production in 2025 totaled 2.32 billion lbs, up 103% from the record low production of 2024, according to USDA’s January crop production report.  The U.S. average yield of 1,863 lbs/ac increased 193 lbs from 2024 and is the highest on record for the nation.

        Planted area in 2025, at 1.29 million acres, was 79% above the previous year. Area harvested increased by 82%  from 2024 to 1.25 million acres.

        North Dakota, the leading sunflower-producing state during 2025, harvested 1.09 billion lbs, an increase of 111% from 2024.  Compared with 2024, planted area in North Dakota increased 89%, and yield increased 206 lbs to 1,958 lbs/ac. 

        Meanwhile, production in South Dakota increased 86% from 2024 to 866 million lbs. Planted acreage in South Dakota, at 449,000 acres, increased 61% from the previous year. The average yield in South Dakota increased 228 lbs from 2024 to a record high 1,974 lbs.

        Area planted, area harvested, and production for all sunflower were the lowest on record in California in 2025.

        United States production of oil-type sunflower varieties in 2025, at 2.13 billion lbs, increased 126% from 2024. Compared with the previous year, harvested acres were up 104%, and the average yield increased by 184 lbs to a record high 1,848 lbs/ac.

        Production of nonoil sunflower varieties in 2025 was estimated at 189 million lbs, a decrease of 4% from 2024. Area harvested, at a record low 92,200 acres, was down 21% from 2024. The average nonoil yield increased by 354 lbs/ac from 2024.

2026 NSA Gold Award Nominations Invited

        Every year, the National Sunflower Association presents its Gold Award to an individual who has contributed extraordinarily to the overall sunflower industry, either through his or her occupation or through service on behalf of the National Sunflower Association. This award, considered to be the highest award that the NSA presents to individuals, has been given since 1989.  Last year’s recipient was Steve Kent, longtime seed industry leader and NSA committee member.

        Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 NSA Gold Award. Visit www.sunflowernsa.com/all-about/goldaward/ for the eligibility and criteria requirements.  Nominations must be received by February 6. The NSA Board of Directors will review all submitted applications and choose a recipient.  The Gold Award will be presented during this year’s NSA Summer Seminar, set for June 23-25 in Deadwood, S.D.

NSA Hosts 48th Annual Sunflower Research Forum

About 100 growers, industry representatives and researchers participated in the National Sunflower Association’s 48th annual Sunflower Research Forum, held on January 7-8 in Fargo, N.D. Researchers presented papers and posters on their work. Attendees heard presentations on weeds, insects, disease and new varieties of sunflower. All presentations are uploaded to the NSA website, www.sunflowernsa.com

Corteva & bp Announce Biofuels Production Joint Venture, Etlas

        Corteva Inc. and bp announced in early January the launch of Etlas, a new 50:50 joint venture that will produce oil from crops — including sunflower, canola and mustard — for use in the production of biofuels like sustainable (or synthetic) aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (RD).  Etlas will harness both Corteva's century-long expertise in seed technology to develop crops ideally suited to produce SAF and RD as well as bp’s expertise in refining and marketing fuel for the commercial transportation market.

        Etlas aims to produce one million metric tons of feedstock per year by the mid-2030s, which could produce over 800,000 MTs of biofuel.  Initial supply is scheduled to begin in 2027.

        The feedstock Etlas uses will be harvested from crops that are grown on existing cropland, between main food cropping seasons.  Such intermediate crops can help improve soil health while providing farmers with a new revenue stream.  As they use existing cropland during times when it has previously been unproductive, like a fallow or cover period, they also do not lead to additional demand for land.

Continue Checking Binned Seeds

        Producers with some of last year’s sunflower crop still stored in bins are encouraged to keep an eye on the seeds’ moisture level. The maximum recommended moisture content for stored sunflower is 9.5% through the winter months and 8% if the storage period is longer than about six months. It’s also important to check the sunflower weekly and make sure you check the sunflower, not the bin.  Remember, walking around in filled bins can be dangerous, so take extra precautions.  For more storage tips visit www.sunflowernsa.com/growers/HarvestingStorage/Harvest--Storage-Resources/

Suggestions Welcomed for Upcoming Magazine Issues

        With another production season approaching, the National Sunflower Association staff is looking toward another publishing season for The Sunflower magazine — 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.

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