Diversify Your Crop Rotation with Sunflowers

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is a native North American plant, and currently, there are no commercially available genetically modified varieties. In the late 1960s, it became a commercially cultivated and economically important crop. It is a lightweight seed at 28 pounds per bushel.

John Sandbakken, Executive Director of the National Sunflower Association, has worked for the association for nearly 30 years. He provided some insight into the crop, stating, “North Dakota’s climate can be challenging, but sunflowers have done well in most areas of the state. Year in and year out, sunflowers have helped pay the bills for producers.” Planting typically occurs from early May to mid-June, after soil temperatures have warmed sufficiently. Harvest typically begins in late September.

“Sunflowers have always been a valuable crop to have in a crop rotation.”

-John Sandbakken, National Sunflower Association Executive Director

Sunflower Sustainability

According to the National Sunflower Association, sunflowers have an impact on the environment, energy, the economy, and society as a whole:

Diversifies Crop Rotations – “It is always best to have a diversified mix of crops in your rotation to reduce some risk,” says John. Historically, sunflowers help reduce disease and insect pressure in overall crop rotations, rotating well with grass crops such as wheat and corn. Typically, it is planted in a field once every 3 to 5 years.

Deep Root System – Roots can reach depths of six feet and mine residual soil moisture and nutrients. This allows them to thrive in drier conditions with reduced input needs. By allowing them to reduce soil erosion and improve soil moisture retention, producers can decrease fuel consumption due to the reduced number of trips required on a field. These crops are among the few that can survive and thrive on slightly to moderately saline soils, promoting deep roots and cycling nutrients to different soil depths.

Market Demand – Produces a healthy, high-demand oil with strong domestic market potential. “The market has shifted as buyers want oils that have high amounts of monounsaturated fats and saturated fat levels at or below 7%. High oleic sunflower oil fits the bill here. High oleic oils are now more in demand by health-conscious consumers so the outlook for high oleic sunflower oil continues to be bright. This is also thanks in part to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s qualified health claim for high oleic oil and its heart health benefits as well as the FDA’s ban on partially hydrogenated oils in the United States,” stated John. For more sunflower statistics, click here.

Oil Premiums – Sunflower premiums are available for higher oil content. “Considering oil premiums that are offered at the crush plants on oil content above 40% at a rate of 2% price premium for each 1% of oil above 40%, this pushes a contract with 45% oil content gross return 10% higher per cwt,” says John.

Support Wildlife – Attract pollinators, songbirds, and other beneficial insects. The heavy canopy and large leaves provide good protection for numerous species against predators.

Delivery Options with ADM

ADM offers a primary location for sunflower deliveries.

Enderlin, North Dakota – A processor located in southeast North Dakota accepts deliveries of canola and high oleic sunflowers.

Why ADM?

• Flexible Contracts: Choose a contract that works best for your operation.
• Support: Onsite professionals to help guide your marketing strategies.
• Convenient Pickup: Save time and resources with on-farm pickup options.