According to USDA, the area planted to sunflower in 2025 increased 38% from 2024, totaling 998,000 acres. Harvested area for all types is expected to increase 39% from last year to 957,700 acres. Planted area of oil-type varieties, at 881,000 acres, is up 48% from 2024.
Harvested area for oil types is expected to increase 49% from last year to 848,200 acres. Planted acreage of non-oil varieties, estimated at 117,000, is down 8% from last year. Harvested area is expected to decrease 7% from last year to 109,500 acres.
From 2024 to today
Compared with last year, oil-type acreage increased in five of the eight major sunflower-producing states. The state with the largest increase from last year is North Dakota, where the planted area increased 190,000 acres compared with last year. South Dakota also had a large increase compared with last year, with the planted area up 40,000 acres.
Compared with 2024, growers in four of the eight major sunflower-producing states had increases in planted acreage for non-oil varieties. The largest increase compared with last year occurred in South Dakota, where planted acreage increased by 6,000 acres. Initial estimates using trend yields peg oil-type sunflower production at 1.44 billion pounds, up 51% from last year, with non-oil sunflower production at 197 million pounds, down 1% from 2024.
So, what does this mean in terms of prices for the rest of this marketing year heading into harvest? After this news, sunflower prices trended higher as the industry digested the numbers, making sure to cover nearby needs. This was the first report of planted acres, and these reports can change from month to month.
Planting was ongoing in some states when the survey was taken, so changes to planted acres will most likely occur. In the past five years, USDA has changed final planted and harvested sunflower acres significantly by the time the final crop production numbers were released at the end of the year.
In March, USDA reported stocks of oil-type sunflower seed at 426 million pounds, with non-oil sunflower stocks at 138 million pounds, down 59% and up 7%, respectively, from last year at the same time. This level of stocks gives crushers, confection and birdfood plants some cushion before new-crop arrival at the plants.
However, given the current birdfood and oil demand, stocks will be extremely tight by the end of September. This should keep old-crop prices firm, and there is a likelihood that price premiums will be in place to encourage growers to desiccate and harvest early.
Now that the USDA report is factored into the market, buyers will eagerly watch crop production prospects before making longer-term purchases. Mid-August through September is a critical time for sunflowers. In October, USDA will provide an updated estimate for oil-type and non-oil sunflower production.
This report and demand news will set the tone for new-crop sunflower price direction. To keep up with market news and prices, go to sunflowernsa.com. Follow us on X @NatlSunflower.