Dakota Farmer

The USDA March planting intentions report indicates a 15% increase in sunflower acres over 2019.

April 15, 2020

1 Min Read
Sunflowers in bloom
MORE ACRES: Sunflowers bloom in North Dakota. Growers in seven of the eight major sunflower-producing states expect sunflower acreage to increase significantly this year. Martin Ruegner/Getty Images

According to the USDA March 31 planting intentions report, farmers intend to plant 15% more acres of sunflowers than were planted in 2019. Compared with last year, growers in seven of the eight major sunflower-producing states expect an increase in sunflower acreage this year.

If realized, the 1.56 million acres of sunflowers will be the highest planted area for the U.S. since 2016. South Dakota is expecting the largest increase from last year, up 87,000 acres compared with last year.

Nationally, the area intended for oil type varieties, at 1.36 million acres, is up 13% from 2019. The increase in oil type acres was slightly lower than industry expectations.

Area intended for non-oil varieties, estimated at 202,000 acres, is up 32% from last year and is in line with most traders’ thoughts.

Planting tips

USDA warns to avoid planting sunflowers close to large cattail sloughs where blackbirds roost, if possible.

If you do plant close to cattails, consider spraying cattails with glyphosate in accordance with the label or, if possible, mow cattails

Also, consider developing roads or trails in fields that are larger than 160 acres to allow access to the middle of fields. Blackbirds go to the center of the fields where you can’t reach them when trying to scare them away. Trails or roads give you better access to the field to move blackbirds out of the field and reduce losses.

Source: National Sunflower Association, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

Read more about:

Sunflowers
Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like