Nearby prices were down 5 to up 20 cents with new crop down 20 to up 15 cents this week at the crush plants. Traders are still chattering about USDA’s March 31 report which had producers planting higher oil-type sunflower acres than last year. USDA pegged a 9% increase in planted acres from 2025. The estimate for oil-type varieties was within industry expectations. Area intended for non-oil varieties, estimated at 91,500 acres, is down 8 percent from last year and was well below industry expectations. Market analysts expect the acreage discussion to continue into the foreseeable future as the battle for acres continues. The March report gave farmers a look at what others are thinking of planting this year. There is still time to adjust plans to take advantage of the market opportunities that sunflowers can offer. Even with the projected increase in acres, crushers and confection processors are still offering 2026 new crop contracts. New crop prices are competitive with other minor oilseeds with oil crushers offering Act of God and cash contracts. Keep in mind oils also receive a 2% price premium for each 1% of oil content that is over 40%. At current prices that can add significantly to the final price when delivered. Traders are also beginning to look at North American weather and potential production problems that may arise. They will also be closely monitoring the latest twists and turns in the Middle East and the impacts it may have on commodities.
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 $22.90 cash and $22.40 AOG. Cargill is at $22.95 cash and 22.45 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 $22.40 contract increases to $24.65 and the cash $22.95 contract moves up to $25.25.
Follow us on X @NatlSunflower