Research is an important part of the NSA’s mission. Each year, the NSA provides grants to public researchers to stimulate new or additional work that may result in lower production costs, increased quality, and higher yields. Pre-proposals for projects to be considered for funding in 2027 are now being accepted. Visit: https://www.sunflowernsa.com/Research/2027-NSA-Research-Priorities/ to read more and to submit pre-proposals. Grant applications are due by September 30, 2026.

Walcott, ND grower Matt Swenson says he had some sclerotinia, but no insect issues this year. Weather in his area has been hot and dry. He says his sunflowers will be below average. He plans to desiccate his crop next week and hopes to start harvesting the end of the month.

Nearby prices were unchanged to up 15 cents this week at the crush plants. According to the September USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) crop acreage report, area planted to sunflower in 2026 totals 1,361,381 acres up 6 percent from last year. USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is using a planted acreage estimate of 1,348,000 acres. According to FSA, planted area of oil-type varieties are 1,247,817 acres with acreage of non-oil varieties, at 113,564 acres. NASS has pegged the planted area of oil-type varieties at 1,224,000 acres and non-oil varieties, at 124,000 acres. A combination of delayed spring planting and severe drought conditions in some cases resulted in 48,599 prevent plant acres in 2026. The High Plains area accounted for 23,087 acres with the Dakotas adding 20,481 of the total acres. 2026 U.S. sunflower production is still undetermined and will not be known until harvest gets rolling and some yield results are reported. In October, USDA will provide its first estimate for oil and non-oil sunflower production. On September 30, USDA will report old crop sunflower stocks. These USDA reports will give producers and industry a better picture of sunflower fundamentals heading into the 2026/27 marketing year.

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