General Increase in Sunflower Plantings

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/08 - SNS -- Sunflower seed plantings in the United States will rise 5% this year to an estimated 2.16 million acres on a general increase in area in both major classes, according to the USDA's seeded area estimates.

Harvested area is expected to increase 53,000 acres from last year to 2.06 million acres. Planted area of oil type varieties, at 1.85 million acres, is up 5% from 2007 and the non-oil varieties, estimated at 314,000 acres, are up 3% from last year.

Acreage increases in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas were partially offset by decreases in Minnesota, and North Dakota. Growers in Colorado increased their planted area by over 50,000 acres from last year due to high sunflower prices and new contracts for biodiesel production.

In North Dakota, sunflower planting got off to a good start, progressing ahead of the 5-year average during May, but slightly behind last year's pace. By June 15, planting was virtually finished in North Dakota at 95% complete. In contrast, planting progress was behind normal and last year's pace in Colorado, Kansas, and South Dakota.

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