Nearby prices were down $1.00 to unchanged with new crop prices unchanged this week at the crush plants. The market continues to watch developments in the Black Sea region as dry weather continues to threaten sunflower production. Oil World recently lowered its global sunflower production estimate to 59.4 million metric tons. This is higher than last year, however lowered than earlier production expectations. Traders will be watching this region closely during harvest monitoring yields, as Russia and Ukraine are the largest sunflower producers in the world. 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 in the Dakotas and Minnesota 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. Above normal rainfall this season has most of the sunflower crop in Colorado rated in good to excellent condition as well. This is a much-welcomed change after many drought years impacting yield. 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.