Projection and prospects for sunflower seed

Abstract

Oil-type sunflower production may be expected to increase during this decade and strengthen the crop’s position as the second largest world source of vegetable oil. The development would intensify its already profound effect upon world trade in general and the vegetable oil industry in particular. The Soviet Union, producer of more than half of the world’s supply of sunflower oil, has greatly influenced the position of this commodity. Apparent increasing production there and in other countries, including the U.S., will influence the market position of all vegetable oils. Sunflower oil with its many desirable characteristics should find ready acceptance in world markets. Sunflower meal should be competitive with most vegetable proteins. Domestic sunflower production has been competitive with other farm crops in many areas. Requirements for successful production include the application of good management and the use of available information and materials. In most instances where production has not been satisfactory, poor management, which is somewhat typical in attempting to grow most new crops, has existed. A need also exists for further development of high yielding varieties, insect and disease control, improved harvesting procedures, control of field losses to birds and improved cultural practices. Good progress is being made in each of these categories.