The USDA reports 998,000 acres of sunflowers planted in 2025, marking a 38% increase from 2024. Harvested acres are projected to rise 39% to 957,700. Oil-type sunflowers saw the most significant growth, with 881,000 acres planted, a 48% spike from last year.

In contrast, non-oil sunflower acres declined 8% to 117,000. Harvested area for non-oil types is also expected to fall 7% to 109,500 acres.

Dakotas Lead the Surge

Among the eight primary sunflower-producing states, five saw gains in oil-type acreage. North Dakota led the charge with an increase of 190,000 acres, while South Dakota followed with a 40,000-acre gain. For non-oil varieties, South Dakota again posted the largest jump, up 6,000 acres.

Based on trend yields, oil-type production is projected at 1.44 billion pounds, a 51% rise from 2024. Meanwhile, non-oil output is estimated at 197 million pounds, down 1%.

Price Response and Market Dynamics

Following the report, sunflower prices edged higher as the industry recalibrated near-term demand and supply. Although this is the season's first acreage estimate, further updates are expected since planting was ongoing in some regions during the survey. USDA data has historically shifted significantly by year-end.

In March, USDA reported stocks of oil-type sunflower seed at 426 million pounds, down 59% year-over-year. Non-oil sunflower stocks rose 7% to 138 million pounds. This stock cushion provides some buffer, but with strong birdfood and oil demand, supplies could become critically tight by late September.

This tightness is expected to support old-crop prices and may lead to premiums for early harvest. Crushers and birdfood processors may incentivize desiccation to secure early delivery.

Looking Ahead

With the USDA's initial acreage report absorbed, attention turns to mid-August through September, a critical window for sunflower development. In October, an updated USDA estimate will refine the production outlook.

Price trends for the new crop will depend heavily on this data and evolving demand conditions. For now, the 2025 sunflower season is off to a powerful start, fueled by high oil-type demand and robust planting momentum in the northern Plains.