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Sunflower Briefs

Friday, October 27, 2017
filed under: Sunflower Briefs

First 2017 Production Estimate
       The USDA issued its first production estimate of the 2017 sunflower crop on October 12. In it, USDA estimated that producers will harvest 1.81 billion lbs of sunflower seed, which would be down 32% from the revised 2016 production level of 2.65 billion lbs. The October report does not differentiate oil-type and nonoil production levels.
       Estimated 2017 harvested acreage was pegged at 1.35 million, up 11% from the June projection but down 12% from the 2016 level. The October yield forecast, at 1,339 lbs/ac, is 392 lbs below last year’s record high yield and will be the lowest since 2006, if realized.
       The biggest unknown for this year has been the drought impact on production in the Dakotas. USDA forecasts that average yields in the Dakotas are down more than 500 lbs/ac compared with last year due to drought conditions. South Dakota sunflower production is expected to be around 879 million lbs, while North Dakota’s production is forecast to fall to about 459 million lbs. Lower yields are expected in five of the eight major sunflower production states compared with last year. A record high yield is forecast in Texas, however, with Minnesota expected to see a yield increase as well.
       The next estimate of 2017 production will be published in January.

No-Till?Conference Feb. 6 & 7
       The Colorado Conservation Tillage Association will be hosting the 30th High Plains No-Till Conference on February 6 and 7, 2018.
       Along with featured speakers Christine Jones and Nathan Haile, there will be numerous breakout sessions during the conference, focusing on topics ranging from ag technology to soil health, farm business and general no-till topics. The conference also features a trade show.
      Complete program and registration details for the 2018 conference are available here.

Sunflower Disease/Pest Guide Discounted Price Available
       Compendium of Sunflower Diseases and Pests is a new disease and insect compendium that serves as a vital field guide wherever sunflower is grown. It includes nearly 300 images and research-based management recommendations, allowing users to scout, identify, and manage a range of diseases and insect pests.
       The National Sunflower Association has worked with its publisher, the American Phytopathological Society, to secure an exclusive $14 discount for all NSA members. Those interested in ordering a copy of the publication can click here and enter promo code 45072NSA to get the discounted price.

2018 Sunflower Research Forum Set For Jan. 10 & 11
       Individuals interested in learning more about what’s happening in sunflower research should consider attending the National Sunflower Association’s annual Sunflower Research Forum. The 2018 event will be held at the Delta by Marriott (formerly the Ramada Plaza Suites & Convention Center) in Fargo, N.D. The purpose of the Forum is to report on research, to promote discussion, and to stimulate creative thinking.
       The 2018 NSA Sunflower Research Forum is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 10, and conclude at noon on Thursday, January 11. To register, click here. Early registration is $130, with the fee increasing to $155 as of December 29. Registration at the door will be $170.

Forum Call for Papers
       Research papers are invited for presentation at the NSA Research Forum, set for January 10-11, 2018, in Fargo, N.D. Presentations may be either oral or in the form of a poster. A time will be designated for authors to be with their posters and answer questions. Each oral presentation will be limited to 10-12 minutes, with two to three minutes allowed for questions.
          Individuals interested in presenting a paper at the Forum should click here. Submissions must be completed by not later than November 15, 2017.