Nearby prices were up 20 to 35 cents with 2026 new crop prices unchanged at the crush plants this week. October and November prices are in the range of $20.80-$20.85 per cwt depending on the location. Nearby prices are $2.10-$2.15 per cwt. higher than a year ago at this same time. The USDA was scheduled to release the first sunflower production estimate in their October 9th supply and demand report, but that report was not released due to the government shutdown. It was widely anticipated that USDA’s sunflower yield estimate would signal record or near-record yields. In June, the USDA had forecast a 52% increase in oil sunflower planted acres and an 8% decline in non-oil sunflower planted acres. The government shutdown has also left growers and traders without fresh USDA information on the progress of the harvest and the state of the crops. This has left everyone trading in the dark until the government goes back to work. Sunflower harvest is moving forward in all states according to grower reports. Weather in the next two weeks is expected to remain warmer than average with drier than normal chances of precipitation in the sunflower growing region. This would aid in getting the harvest done in a timely manner.
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 $22.80 cash and $22.30 AOG. Cargill is at $22.70 cash and $22.20 AOG. Colorado Mills is at $23.00 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 $22.20-$22.30 contract increases to a range of $24.45-$24.55, and the cash $22.70-$23.00 contract moves up to $25.00-$25.30.
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