US sunseed crop projected to grow 60%

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), farmers plan to expand sunflower plantings in the United States by nearly 50% amid limited supplies and growing demand. Based on yield estimates, the initial forecast for US sunflower seeds production in 2025 is estimated at 834,610 tons, up 60% from last year, Farm Progress reports.

The largest portion of the increase is expected for oilseed sunflower, with the estimated area of ​​388,703 thousand hectares, up 62% from 2024. Oilseed sunflower production will increase to approximately 730 thousand tons, up 70% from last year.

According to industry estimates, domestic sunseed processing will increase to 425 thousand tons. Domestic consumption of sunflower oil will continue to grow and reach 308.9 thousand tons in the 2025/26 season, while its exports are forecast to amount to 38.5 thousand tons.

Sunflower meal consumption is expected to increase to 235 thousand tons. Domestic consumption and export of confectionery seeds will remain at the level of last year.

The Ministry notes that in 2025/26 MY, global sunflower production will be determined by the final areas and yields in Ukraine, since there is uncertainty about what the final sowing and harvest figures will be both this year and next. Ukraine was one of the largest producers and exporters of sunflower oil, accounting for 50% of the world trade in sunflower oil, but there is uncertainty about future supplies from the country in the current season.

Now that the South American oilseed harvest is complete, the market’s attention is shifting to U.S. crop conditions and production prospects in the coming months. Weather and demand news will be the main factors determining prices in the sunflower growing region, analysts say. Prices for new-crop sunflower seed are expected to remain stable in the coming months, but will depend on the amount of acreage planted and the yields achieved at harvest.

Tags: sunseed, USA