Nearby sunflower prices were up 15 to 20 cents with new crop up 20 cents at the ND crush plants. Cargill West Fargo is also offering an early harvest 2026 new crop price of $24.35 cash and $23.85 AOG with delivery by October 9. March USDA WASDE reports are typically quiet, and last week’s report was not an exception. USDA's March report estimated U.S. ending stocks for the 2025/26 growing season at 350 million bushels, unchanged from February. U.S. exports are estimated at 1.575 billion bushels (bb), unchanged from February. Total soybean use was projected at 4.262 bb, reflecting the slight bump up in crushing. Globally, USDA projected Brazilian production, at 180 million metric tons (mmt), unchanged from last month, while production in Argentina is estimated at 48.0 mmt, decreased from 48.5 mmt last month. World ending stocks are estimated at 125.31 mmt, a decrease from 125.51 mmt in February. Traders are also speculating on potential US acreage for the upcoming growing season. Trade expectations about planted acreage will likely be in a wide range before the report is released on March 31. The first estimate of 2026 sunflower acres will be available that day. They are also beginning now to look at North American weather and potential weather problems that may arise given dry conditions that have set in after a drier than normal winter in many locations. The market will also be closely monitoring the latest twists and turns in our fast shifting trade policy.
ADM Enderlin, Cargill West Fargo and Colorado Mills crush plants are offering 2026 new crop cash and Act of God (AOG) High Oleic contracts. ADM is at $23.30 cash and $22.80 AOG. Cargill is at $23.20 cash and 22.70 AOG. Colorado Mills is at $22.20 AOG. Something else to consider is the oil premiums that crush plants pay on sunflowers. Sunflower is the only oilseed that pays premiums for oil content above 40%. Considering oil premiums that are offered at the crush plants on oil content above 40% at a rate of 2% price premium for each 1% of oil above 40%; this pushes a contract with 45% oil content gross return 10% higher per cwt. The AOG $22.70 contract increases to $25.00 and the cash $23.30 contract moves up to $25.60.
Cargill West Fargo is also offering an early harvest 2026 new crop price of $24.35 cash and $23.85 AOG with delivery by October 9.
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