>Sunflower harvest is approaching earlier than normal across parts of the Northern Plains. National Sunflower Association Executive Director John Sandbakken says hot, dry weather has accelerated crop development. “We’re probably about a week, maybe in some cases ten days ahead of normal where we would be.” Sandbakken does not expect exceptionally large yields, but says the overall crop could be around the five-year trend average, with some areas potentially slightly above average.“Overall I think it’s still gonna be a pretty, pretty decent year for sunflowers.” The five-year trend average in many cases has been around 1,700 to 1,800 pounds per acre. Disease pressure has been limited by dry conditions, while insect pressure has been about average.
