Nearby sunflower prices at the crush plants were unchanged this week. The recently released USDA supply and demand report was considered neutral by many traders. USDA largely held steady on its June supply and demand numbers despite expectations of some movement in the supply side. Traders will likely continue to grapple with supplies showing up on the balance sheet as the marketing year unfolds but are more concerned with weather conditions in the U.S. in the near term. Sunflower producers are in the home stretch of wrapping up this year’s planting season as dry and warm weather allowed producers to make excellent planting progress in the past week. Planting continues in all states and is slightly ahead of the five-year averages in Colorado, Minnesota and North Dakota. Kansas, South Dakota and  Texas are behind the five-year average planting pace. As of June 15, 81% of the expected 2025 sunflower acreage was in the ground, up from 62% from the week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 78%. On June 30, USDA will release its 2025 planted acres report and will be an important factor in determining old and new crop prices. Look for demand news and position squaring ahead of USDA’s acreage report to guide the market this week.

2025 new crop sunflower prices at the crush plants are available at cash $21.75-$22.40 and Act of God (AOG) $21.25-$21.90. 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 $22.40 contract increases to $24.65. 

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