Onida, SD grower Ryan Olson says his sunflowers are ahead of normal. Petals are off and heads are pointed down. He expects below average yields. The red seed weevil was about average. He sprayed 2 times and he had no disease issues. The weather this summer has been very dry. 2 weeks ago, they had rain which saved the crop. He expects to start harvesting the first week of October.

Research is an important part of the NSA’s mission. Each year, the NSA provides grants to public researchers to stimulate new or additional work that may result in lower production costs, increased quality, and higher yields. Pre-proposals for projects to be considered for funding in 2027 are now being accepted: https://www.sunflowernsa.com/Research/2027-NSA-Research-Priorities/ to read more and to submit pre-proposals. Grant applications are due by September 30, 2026.

Markets are awaiting fresh USDA data that will be released on Friday that will provide more insights as to how 2026 production and ending supplies could shake out. In addition, USDA Farm Service Agency will update its reported acreage data for all crops. This will give the sunflower market another look at acres ahead of the USDA October production report which will provide its first estimate for oil and non-oil sunflower production.  Sunflower prices continue to move lower as the market transitions toward the 2026/27 market year. Nearby prices are down 75 cents to unchanged at the crush plants this week. Moving forward, it may be hard to gather significant forward momentum with seasonal harvest pressure being just around the corner. The 2026 US sunflower crop continues to progress at a faster pace after a slow start this spring. Very warm to hot temperatures along with drier soil conditions are pushing the crop toward maturity in the Dakotas and Minnesota. Some of the crop could be desiccated in early September for harvest. Most of the crop in these states is considered in good to excellent condition. This should mean that yields will be around the five year average trend yield 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.

Now is a good time to remove blackbird roosting locations, such as cattails. Cattails serve as blackbird habitat, so it is in the sunflower producer’s best interest to get rid of as much as possible. The USDA can help with blackbird control. Visit: Blackbirds (sunflowernsa.com) for a map with phone numbers for USDA Wildlife Services personnel that can help North and South Dakota producers who have blackbird problems. They will respond to you during the damage season by providing loaner cannons and pyrotechnics. These offices will provide further assistance in an attempt to break up large roosts. Using a combination of cattail management, cannons, harassment, desiccants, and repellants can be even more effective when used together.

Sunflower is an oil-based crop, and fine fibers from sunflower seeds pose a constant fire hazard. To help reduce the risk this harvest season, be sure to keep a clean work area when harvesting sunflower. Blow the combine and grain dryer setup with an air hose daily. Also, try nighttime harvesting, when humidity levels are higher and keep a small pressure sprayer filled with water on hand in the combine. For more tips, visit Combine Fire Responses (sunflowernsa.com)

January 13-14, 2027 - NSA Research Forum; Holiday Inn; Fargo, ND 

June 22-24, 2027 - NSA Summer Seminar; Detroit Lakes, MN

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