U.S. growers say they will plant 49% more sunflowers this year. Oilseed crushers and bird food buyers were expecting an acre increase given small carryover seed stocks. Non-oil sunflower acres were somewhat below most traders’ thoughts.
According to the USDA, growers intend to plant 1.07 million sunflower acres in 2025, an increase of 49% from last year’s record-low planted area. Compared with last year, growers in seven of the eight major sunflower-producing states expect an increase in planted acreage this year, with California representing the only state that is expecting a decline from 2024.
The largest increase in planted area from last year is expected in North Dakota. Area intended for oil-type varieties, at 960,500 acres, is up 62% from 2024, with non-oil varieties estimated at 112,000 acres, down 12% from last year. The estimate for oil-type varieties was within industry expectations.
