Now is a great time to start thinking about desiccating your sunflower crop. Getting the crop harvested several weeks early can result in higher yields and lower drying costs. Late season crop damage and blackbird damage can be reduced, and desiccation may also slow down head diseases such as Sclerotinia. Early dry down can also minimize artificial drying costs. September and the first half of October harvest can often allow the use of air-drying to lower seed moisture in storage. Visit Desiccant Considerations (sunflowernsa.com) to learn more about desiccation.

Nearby prices were down $1.00 to unchanged with new crop unchanged to up 15 cents at the crush plants this week. In its recent world supply and demand report USDA increased global sunflower seed production in MY 2025/26 to 55.1 million metric tons (MMT) due to higher production in Argentina, Russia and Ukraine. The Black Sea area had an extended period of above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation causing some concern for sunflower production prospects in the region. Traders will be watching this region closely during harvest monitoring yields, as Russia and Ukraine are the largest sunflower producers in the world. With the higher global seed supply, the MY 2025/26 global sunflower crush is forecasted to reach 50.7 MMT on higher crush volumes in Russia and Ukraine, slightly above MY 2024/25. Global sunflower oil production is expected to be 21.36 MMT. Despite the higher global supply of sunflower oil, global sunflower oil stocks are projected to be 2.47 MMT by the end of September 2026 which is down 3% from last year. Very warm to hot temperatures in the past week along with drier soil conditions have pushed the crop toward maturity in the Dakotas and Minnesota. If possible and if the crop has matured to a point where it can be desiccated and harvested, it is advisable to do so. Getting the crop harvested several weeks early can result in higher yields and lower drying costs. It can also reduce late season crop damage and blackbird damage.

Sunflowers are blooming and it is never too early to think about blackbird control. Local birds cause a large amount of damage as petals begin to dry and drop (R6 stage). Be proactive early on to minimize seed loss, do not wait for the buildup of large flocks. USDA Wildlife Services personnel can help North Dakota and South Dakota producers who have blackbird problems, call 701-355-3300. Some other ways to reduce damage include cattail management, cannons, harassment, desiccants, and repellants. These tools are even more effective when used together. For more on blackbirds, visit Blackbirds (sunflowernsa.com)

Rust is most often found on the lower under-side of leaves. The pustules are cinnamon-red and readily recognizable. Yield loss can occur, and control measures should be considered when rust reaches approximately 1% severity on the upper four leaves and the plant is in the vegetative stages until it reaches the R6 stage. An infestation on the upper leaves at R6 or later will not likely have a negative yield affect. Fortunately, rust can be managed with well-timed fungicide applications. To learn more about rust, visit www.sunflowernsa.com/growers/diseases/rust-damage-and-control/

January 7-8, 2026 - NSA Research Forum; Holiday Inn; Fargo, ND

June 23-25, 2026 - NSA Summer Seminar; Deadwood, SD

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