U.S. sunflower acreage rose 5% this year to 1.35 million acres, according to USDA estimates, with the strongest growth coming from South Dakota and North Dakota. Oil‑type and non‑oil sunflower varieties both saw year‑over‑year increases, reflecting tight stocks, strong demand, and elevated prices heading into fall.
Among the eight major sunflower‑producing states, the Dakotas stand out. South Dakota posted the largest increase in planted oil‑type acres, up 56,000 acres from last year . North Dakota followed with a 30,000‑acre increase . Non‑oil sunflower acreage also expanded sharply, with South Dakota again leading all states with a 21,000‑acre jump .
For Land Sales Bulletin readers, this is a positive regional signal: both North Dakota and South Dakota—key LSB Midwest reporting states—are driving national growth in a crop tied to strong market fundamentals, tight stocks, and early‑harvest price premiums expected later this season .
- South Dakota: Largest oil‑type acreage increase (+56,000 acres) and largest non‑oil increase (+21,000 acres).
- North Dakota: Strong oil‑type acreage growth (+30,000 acres).
- Market Context: Tight stocks and strong demand expected to keep prices firm into September.
- National Trend: U.S. sunflower acreage up 5% year over year.
Read more from Farm Progress: U.S. sunflower acreage jumps 5% as tight stock pushes prices
