U.S. Sunseed Output Sinks 16%
WASHINGTON - Oct 12/16 - SNS -- Total sunflower output in the United States is expected to reach 2.46 billion pounds, down 16% from 2015, according to the latest USDA crop production forecast.
Area planted, at 1.60 million acres, is down 3% from the June estimate and down 14% from last year. Sunflower growers expect to harvest 1.54 million acres, down 3% from June and down 14% from the 2015 acreage. Planted area for the Nation is the fourth lowest on record since 1976, and harvested area will also be the fourth lowest since 1976, if realized.
The October yield forecast, at 1,596 pounds per acre, is 29 pounds lower than last years record high yield and will be the second highest yield for the Nation, if realized.
As of October 1, lower yields are expected in 4 of the 8 published States compared with last year, with all four States expecting a decrease in average yields of 180 pounds per acre or more. The forecasted production in North Dakota, the leading sunflower-producing State this year, is 1.08 billion pounds, up 1% from 2015 due to improved yields compared with last year. The yield in North Dakota, at 1,614 pounds per acre, will be the second highest yield on record, if realized. A record high yield is forecast in California.
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