Registration is now open for the 2026 NSA Research Forum, scheduled for January 7-8, 2026 at the Holiday Inn (3803 13th Ave. S, Fargo, ND) Visit 2026 NSA Research Forum to register for the forum at the early bird price of $150.  You’ll find hotel information there as well.

The October/November 2025 issue of The Sunflower has been mailed and is also ready to read on our website at The Sunflower Magazine (sunflowernsa.com) This issue includes a look at using pelleted seed, stored seed management, a list of the NSA’s 2026 research priorities and more.  

Cooperstown, ND grower Scott Tranby says the winds have taken out 50% of his sunflower crop this year. The winds last week even damaged corn crops in his area. This year he did not have any white mold and kochia was under control. He should be finished harvesting his sunflowers this week. Moisture level is 11-12% with yields of 1000-1400 lbs.

Nearby prices are unchanged to up 15 cents with 2026 new crop prices unchanged this week. October and November prices are in the range of $20.80-$21.00 per cwt depending on the location. Nearby prices are $1.95-$2.00 per cwt. higher than a year ago at this same time. Per Oil World, global sunflower production for 2025/26, is estimated at 57.6 million metric tons (MMT), reflecting a recovery of only 2.1 MMT from last year’s low level. Back in June, initial production estimates were in the range of 60-61 MMT. Sunflower seed production is turning out sharply below earlier expectations, primarily in the Black Sea region. Oil World made downward revisions for Russia, Ukraine and some European Union member countries due to reports about considerably lower than expected yields per hectare. Harvesting started late and was still running sizably behind last year in Russia and Ukraine. Sunflower production in the European Union is not coming up to expectations as well. Harvest was not complete but yield reports resulted in Oil World reducing its production estimate to only 8.58 MMT, the smallest in nine years and even down slightly from last year’s drought, reduced 8.68 MMT. Heat and dryness curbed yields and production for the second consecutive year. Currently the estimate for Argentina’s sunflower seed crop is at 5.4 MMT for early 2026.

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