As you plan for spring planting, there is helpful information on our website for producers. Visit Production Resource Books (sunflowernsa.com) for the growers section of our website; check out the Sunflower Production Resource Book for your area. The books provide guidelines and recommendations on production practices, pest identification, field selection and more.

A good strategy to reducing blackbird damage is to plant as early as possible and desiccate the crop. In many cases, producers have been able to get the crop all harvested before the birds even move in. The earliest plant date for Minnesota is April 21. In North Dakota, it is May 6 for most counties north of Highway 200 and May 11 for the remaining counties, based on the USDA RMA early planting dates. Why take a chance when it comes to blackbirds when you can have a good sunflower crop? Maximize your return by planting early and getting the crop harvested as soon as possible.

Thomas Dowdle and Tom Smude have been re-elected to the Minnesota Sunflower Council and will serve three-year terms. Dowdle farms near Kennedy, Minnesota and will represent Region 1. He is currently 2nd Vice President of the National Sunflower Association. Smude farms near Pierz, Minnesota and will represent Region 2.  

Nearby prices were down 5 to up 20 cents with new crop down 20 to up 15 cents this week at the crush plants. Traders are still chattering about USDA’s March 31 report which had producers planting higher oil-type sunflower acres than last year. USDA pegged a 9% increase in planted acres from 2025. The estimate for oil-type varieties was within industry expectations. Area intended for non-oil varieties, estimated at 91,500 acres, is down 8 percent from last year and was well below industry expectations. Market analysts expect the acreage discussion to continue into the foreseeable future as the battle for acres continues. The March report gave farmers a look at what others are thinking of planting this year. There is still time to adjust plans to take advantage of the market opportunities that sunflowers can offer. Even with the projected increase in acres, crushers and confection processors are still offering 2026 new crop contracts. New crop prices are competitive with other minor oilseeds with oil crushers offering Act of God and cash contracts. Keep in mind oils also receive a 2% price premium for each 1% of oil content that is over 40%. At current prices that can add significantly to the final price when delivered. Traders are also beginning to look at North American weather and potential production problems that may arise. They will also be closely monitoring the latest twists and turns in the Middle East and the impacts it may have on commodities.

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