The U.S. sunflower harvest forecast just got a lot sunnier. According to the USDA, yield outlooks are positive as the 2022 growing season continues. Increased acreage this year has driven oil-type sunflowers to cover 1.67 million acres or a 31% increase over the prior year.

North and South Dakota lead the way in sunflower production, while five of the eight major sunflower-producing states logged acre increases of 25% or more. Historically, favorable weather has led the crop to a good or excellent condition for most of the growing season. Due to this, USDA has projected sunflower yields to be above the five-year average this harvest.

Read more on U.S. sunflower production and yields here.