Article Archives

Sunflower Briefs

Thursday, August 1, 2024
filed under: Sunflower Briefs

2024 Planted Acreage Down 1/3 From 2023
        USDA released its June planted acreage report on June 28. At the time the survey was conducted, planting was still going on in several states.
        The area planted to sunflower in 2024 totals 898,500 acres, down 32% from 2023, according to USDA. Compared with last year, growers in all eight of the major sunflower producing states showed a decrease in planted acreage this year, with five of the states decreasing by 20% or more.
        The state with the largest decline in planted acreage from last year is South Dakota, where planted area decreased 180,000 acres compared with last year. North Dakota is also showing a large decline compared with last year, with the planted area down 170,000 acres from 2023.
        Planted area of oil-type varieties was estimated at 765,000 acres in the June report, down 34% from 2023. Compared with last year, planted area of oil-type varieties is down more than 30% in California, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.
        Area planted to nonoil varieties, estimated at 133,500 acres, is down 13% from last year. Compared with last year, growers in all eight major sunflower producing states had decreases or no change in planted acreage for nonoil varieties. The largest decline compared with last year occurred in South Dakota, where planted nonoil acreage decreased by 5,000 acres.
        The harvested area for sunflower was forecast in June at 862,600 acres, per USDA. The first estimate of 2024 crop production will come out in October.

NDSU’s Hellevang Retires After 44 Years

        Ken Hellevang, longtime North Dakota State University professor and Extension engineer, retired May 31, after 44 years of service.
        Hellevang, a native of Eden, S.D., completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering at South Dakota State University and his Ph.D. in engineering from NDSU. He was a research assistant, teaching assistant and an instructor at SDSU, and then worked as an engineer trainee for Great Plains Supply Company before starting his current journey with NDSU in 1980.
        Hellevang provided education and technical assistance in grain drying and storage, energy-efficient structures, indoor environmental engineering related to moisture and mold, and flood preparation and recovery for farmers, citizens, agribusinesses and professionals across the U.S. and internationally. Along with colleague Tom Scherer, Hellevang developed the video “How to Prevent Rain Water From Entering Your Basement,” which has over 865,000 views on YouTube.
        He has been recognized by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers with the Grade of Fellow which is bestowed on 0.2% of its members, the Professional Engineer of the Year award, which is the highest award given to a licensed professional engineer, the Sukup Global Food Security Award in recognition of his outstanding application of engineering in the storage and handling of grains, oilseeds and other food products, and the Gunlogson Countryside Engineering Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to engineering practices and professional accomplishments impacting the countryside.
        “Ken has made a significant contribution to the Extension publications and videos that are used by people worldwide,” said Mohamed Khan, assistant director and program leader for agriculture and natural resources programs at NDSU. “His work has helped many people and organizations prepare for and recover from floods, properly dry and store their grain to maintain quality, and more.”
        Hellevang says that it has been a fulfilling career enabling him to use his engineering training and interest in agriculture and buildings to help people and the agricultural industry.

Phomopsis Stem Canker Samples Sought
        With the sporadic rains, it is important to scout for Phomopsis stem canker and other sunflower diseases, reminds North Dakota State University plant pathologist Febina Mathew. For Phomopsis stem canker, a light- to dark-colored lesion develops on the stem, and a possible discoloration on the sunflower head.
        Mathew’s lab at NDSU is needing sunflower plant samples that are suspected of Phomopsis stem canker. Using culture techniques and DNA-based assays, the fungus causing Phomopsis stem canker will be determined.
        For information on how to send samples, contact Febina Mathew (febina.mathew@ndsu.edu). The address to send samples (only diseased stem and/or head rot) is: Febina Mathew, NDSU Plant Pathology Dept., 1402 Albrecht Blvd., 306 Walster Hall, Fargo, ND 58102.
        For more information on Phomopsis stem canker or other sunflower diseases, visit https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/publications/sunflower-disease-diagnostic-series.

‘Getting It Right’ Confab Video Link Available
        If you missed the ‘2024 Getting-it-Right in Sunflower Production,’ video conference you can access it online. Topics covered ranged from sunflower agronomy, hybrid data, soil considerations and plant nutrition, to updates for weed, disease and insect management, as well as a market update.
        The program was conducted by North Dakota State University Extension. Recording and resources are available at https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/ag-hub/getting-it-right. Scroll to the conference video section and click the sunflower meeting link. Each individual talk has its own video clip. Additional publications and resources are available as well under the sunflower conference resources.

Always Welcome: Your Story Suggestions
        With another production season now moving down the home stretch, the National Sunflower Association staff likewise has begun working toward the next publishing season of The Sunflower magazine.
        “As has always been the case, our goal with the magazine is to provide news and articles of real interest and use to our readership — which consists mainly of sunflower producers around the U.S. and Canada,” says John Sandbakken, NSA executive director and magazine editor.   “Our ongoing objective is to provide information that our readers won't find elsewhere, and we always welcome readers’ suggestions for potential topics or persons to interview for articles.”
          Prospective magazine story ideas can be submitted to: johns@sunflowernsa.com.