2025 was a good year for sunflowers, with acreage doubling across the country from 2024 levels. National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken expects acres to increase again in ’26. “They’re looking at what’s going to be profitable for next year, and most people made really good money, and they’re looking to probably maintain acreage and maybe even add a few more acres.” Sandbakken says there are a lot of sunflower options for growers heading into next season. “High oleic sunflower on the oil side is probably one of your best bets because you can sell it into the crush market and can also sell it as bird food. NuSun is going to be limited. The crush plants are not buying NuSun seeds anymore; however, the bird food market is very good for that, so there’s still that possibility.”
