Kennedy, Minnesota grower Tom Dowdle says the weather has been very dry. Most moisture has been going to the north or south of them with a tenth here and there if they get lucky. He says his sunflowers look fantastic. They have a great stand and are filling to the middle. Last week they had to spray for red seed weevil. They were seeing 5-8 per head. No other insect or disease issues.

Wishek, North Dakota grower Adam Bettenhausen says his sunflowers are hanging on. He says for the little amount of rain they have had they are not too bad. Received a quarter of an inch of rain but really need more. Due to the dry conditions, he does not have any disease issues but has seen some red seed weevil although it has been on the lighter side and the blackbirds have already moved in.

Nearby prices were unchanged to up $1.00 with new crop prices unchanged this week at the crush plants. The market continues to watch developments in the Black Sea region. Russia and Ukraine have been attacking port infrastructure and vessels hauling sunflower seed, oil and meal, curbing the amount available for export. The situation bears watching as Russia and Ukraine are the largest exporters of sunflower oil. In addition, European Union sunflower production forecast for MY 2026/27 was reduced by USDA on a lower yield forecast. The potential reduced availability of sunflower seed and oil production from these countries poses risks for global markets and prices will be responsive to potential production shortfalls. The US sunflower crop continues to progress at a faster pace after a slow start this spring. Some of the crop could be desiccated in early September for harvest. Most of the crop is considered in good to excellent condition. This should mean that yields will be above trend, assuming normal weather through the rest of this fall and the lack of an early freeze. Mid-August through September is the critical time frame for sunflowers. Buyers will be anxiously watching crop production prospects before making longer term purchases. In October, USDA will provide its first estimate for oil and non-oil sunflower production. This report and demand news will set the tone for new crop sunflower price direction in the near term.

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