This episode highlights major shifts in the global sunflower market.

• The United States sunflower sector has experienced a notable surge in planted acreage, driven by strong growth in oil-type sunflower varieties. Non-oil varieties, by contrast, have declined. Early projections point to a significant boost in domestic production, which could shift seed pricing trends. These gains come at a time when key global exporters such as Russia and Ukraine are facing production declines due to persistent drought, prompting U.S. producers to adopt a cautious yet opportunity-driven outlook.
• While global competition remains a concern, particularly with increased soybean planting in the Southern Hemisphere, U.S. producers are securing favorable contracts, especially for high oleic sunflower varieties, to solidify their market positions.
• In Ukraine, the sunflower market is grappling with a mix of potential yield declines and regional supply increases, leading to uneven pricing across the country. Harvest delays have tightened physical supply, limiting expected price gains. Meanwhile, a high proportion of low-oil-content seeds in the South is straining processor margins, highlighting the complex impact of regional variability and agricultural policies on the sector.