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Sunflower Highlights

Post Date: Aug 20 2018

Crop Progress

In North Dakota, 98 percent of the state's sunflowers are blooming, and 37 percent are already reported in the petals dry stage. That's well ahead of 9 percent last year at this time. In both North Dakota and Minnesota, 68 percent of the crop is reported in good to excellent condition.

Crop Progress - Monday, August 20, 2018  State This Week Last Week Last Year 5 Year Average North Dakota         Blooming 98 93 94 --- Petals Dry 37 7 9 --- Bracts Yellow 7 --- --- --- Texas         Harvested NA 55 30 ---

Crop Conditions - Monday, August 20, 2018 State Very Poor Poor Fair Good Excellent North Dakota 2 3 27 63 5 Minnesota 0 1 31 58 10 Colorado 1 6 28 61 4

Keep Scouting for Insects

Producers should continue to scout for insects, including red sunflower seed weevil. The majority of sunflowers are blooming and hot weather has pushed many sunflowers past the susceptible crop stage, R5.7 for egg laying by female red sunflower seed weevils. According to the ND IPM survey, hot spots for seed weevil are in southwestern, north central, and south central North Dakota.Grasshoppers are also increasing in parts of North Dakota and infestations are reported in field edges of sunflowers. The recent hot, dry weather favors higher populations of grasshoppers and can lead to hot spots or even localized outbreaks. Now is a good time to scout row crops for grasshopper infestation. Early detection is critical for preventing yield loss. Grasshopperdamage usually starts in field margins and move into fields. Grasshoppers feed on leaves/pods/kernels, which can be completely destroyed. An economic level of adult grasshoppers is 21-40 per square yard in field margins and 8-14 per square yard in the interior of field. Click here for more on insects.

Monitor for Sunflower Rust

This time of year, it’s important to keep an eye out for sunflower rust. Confection sunflower tend to be more susceptible to rust than oilseeds, however there are distinct resistant differences among hybrids; some are resistant and some are susceptible. If rust is found on the top of the canopy (the top four fully-expanded sunflower leaves) at 1% severity or higher in R5 (bloom) a fungicide application may be warranted. By R6 (flowering is complete) research trials have shown no benefit to a fungicide application. For more on sunflower rust, click here.

Reducing Blackbird Damage

Petals are beginning to drop on sunflower and that means it is time to start thinking about blackbirds. Research finds that as much as half of the blackbird damage to ripening sunflower happens in the first two weeks after petal drop. These are blackbirds that have been reared locally and are in the process of developing their long range flying feathers. That makes these birds difficult to move, but there are always ways to lower damage, including cattail management, cannons, harassment, desiccants, and repellants. These can be even more effective when used in combination. For more on blackbird control, click here.

Upcoming Events

January 9-10, 2019 – NSA Research Forum, Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND

Markets

Sunflower prices ended the week mixed at down 10 cents to up 5 cents and continues to trade below the 60-day moving average at the crush plants. The birdfood market also remains fairly quiet at this time. The weather forecast continues to feature generally favorable conditions throughout the Midwest with no significant hot and dry conditions during the next ten days. Weather conditions remain key as August is the most important month for oilseed crops. This is not the case in the Dakotas and Northwest Minnesota where rain is needed for most row crops. The US Drought Monitor showed a huge area in these states experiencing abnormally dry to in some cases moderate drought conditions. Corn and soybeans have lost the top end of their yield for this year and each day without a good rain is taking its toll on these crops. Sunflower is very drought tolerant, but some areas were hit with very hot temperatures during the pollination period and this could impact yields. If rain is received it can still add on some pounds but we will not have a true picture of this year’s sunflower production until harvest begins. In addition to weather, the market will continue to trade demand news and will be closely watching yield reports from The Farm Journal Midwest Crop Tour which begins today.

Weekly Prices Recorded on Monday, August 20, 2018 ($/CWT)   Deliver Last Year Last Week This Week Change 2018 NEW Crop Chicago Oil Nearby 33.80 28.24 28.54 +.30 28.88 Fargo, ND NuSun 17.60 17.40 17.30 -.10 17.30 Fargo, ND High Oleic 17.85 17.30 17.35 +.05 17.40 Enderlin, ND NuSun 17.60 17.35 17.40 +.05 17.30 Enderlin, ND High Oleic NQ 17.35 17.40 +.05 17.30 Goodland, KS NuSun 15.65 16.35 16.35 NC 17.05 Goodland, KS High Oleic 16.90 17.35 17.35 NC 18.20 Prices recorded here are believed to be reliable at the time of posting. All prices are subject to change. Contact these facilities for complete market details.

U.S. CRUDE OIL VALUES recorded on Monday, August 20, 2018 (dollars per 100 lb. internal U.S. location)   Last Year Last Week This Week Change Soybean Oil 32.30 26.61 27.54 +.93 Cotton Oil (psby) 33.80 27.36 27.54 +.18 Corn Oil 39.50 32.00 32.00 NC