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Sunflower Acreage Climbs in 2026: Strong Gains in North & South Dakota Lead the Nation

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthJuly 23, 2026

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

North Dakota Farmland Market Shows Strength Through Discipline

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthApril 20, 2026

A major North Dakota land auction—spanning 4,398 acres across four counties, brought in $21.82 million, landing nearly even with its two‑year‑old appraisal. The results highlight what we’re seeing across the region: buyers remain active, but they’re more selective than in past peak years. Some tracts soared above 120% of appraisal values, while others settled lower, reflecting a market that rewards high‑quality soils, strong access, and proven productivity.

As one of Land Sales Bulletin’s Midwest reporting states, North Dakota continues to demonstrate that while the market isn’t at the highs of 2022, it remains far from collapsing. Demand is steady, capital is active, and buyers are selective, reflecting a more mature, disciplined phase of the land cycle. Farm Progress: North Dakota auction shows a disciplined but still strong land market

North Dakota Auction Shows a Disciplined but Still Strong Land Market

Midwest Farmland Market Snapshot

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthMarch 11, 2026

Farmland activity across our Midwest continues to demonstrate strength and resilience, with recent sales underscoring the diversity of land types and buyer demand across Land Sales Bulletin’s core reporting states.

Here’s a concise look at notable transactions featured in the latest Landwatch Weekly:

Indiana – A large 380‑acre Elkhart County farm sold for an average of $20,265/acre, with top tracts of productive tillable ground reaching $24,480/acre. Mixed timber‑tillable tracts followed closely behind.

Minnesota – Rock County cropland brought $17,000/acre across two tracts, supported by strong PLC yields and a productivity index above 96 — a clear indicator of continued appetite for top‑tier soils.

North Dakota – Ramsey County farmland sold for $1,975/acre, with tracts offering 63–68 PI soils and flexibility for spring wheat, peas, corn, soybeans, sunflowers, and canola. Values remain steady in regions where productivity varies but cropping diversity is strong.

Across the region, buyers remain focused on soil quality, crop versatility, and long‑term productivity, even as interest rates and input costs continue to shape bidding behavior.

Land Sales Bulletin provides confirmed, recorded sales across the Midwest — ensuring transparency, accuracy, and a clear view of real market movement. Read more about the highlighted sales from Progressive Farmer: https://conta.cc/4llHfoQ

Are Farmland Values Leveling off Nationwide

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthFebruary 11, 2026

Farmland values across the Midwest are holding historically strong, even as the market shifts into a more balanced, disciplined phase. According to Farm Progress, our Midwest reporting states from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas are seeing values stabilize near record highs, with buyers becoming more selective and quality-driven.
“Midwest farmland values remain historically strong heading into 2026” has been an encouraging and consistent headline. Our data reinforces this message: the market isn’t falling—it’s normalizing, with long‑term confidence and limited supply keeping values elevated. Read more from Farm Progress – Farmland values hold steady, reflect shift toward balanced market

Farm incomes across the Ninth District continue to fall

accountJennifer Moran | calendar-monthSeptember 26, 2025

Farm incomes have been falling throughout the Minneapolis Fed’s Ninth District, which consists of our Midwest states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, as well as Montana. American Farmland Owner comparing the most recent report with one from a year ago, spots trends that have unfortunately come to fruition for farmers in the region. Learn more – Then vs. Now: What Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Reports Tell Us about Farm Future

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