Smallest Sunseed Crop Since 1989

WASHINGTON - Jan 10/14 - SNS -- The 2013 sunflower production totaled 2.03 billion pounds, down 27% from 2012 and the lowest since 1989, according to the USDA's final production estimates for the 2013 crop.

The United States average yield per acre decreased 134 pounds from last year to 1,379 pounds. Planted area, at 1.58 million acres, is 18% below last year and is the second lowest since 1976. Area harvested decreased 20% from last year to 1.47 million acres.

For the second time since data for both States began to be published in 1977, South Dakota out-produced North Dakota to be the leading sunflower-producing State during 2013. Production in South Dakota is estimated at 997 million pounds, an increase of 12% from 2012. Meanwhile, production in North Dakota declined 58% due to a combination of planted acreage decreasing 42% and yield declining 457 pounds from last year. Cool temperatures and wet conditions this spring sharply reduced the amount of sunflower that was able to be seeded. Compared with last year, Minnesota and North Dakota were the only States of the nine major sunflower-producing States with a decrease in yield.