U.S.: Sunflower Planting and Harvesting Areas, by year
YearArea planted,
in 1,000 acres
Area harvested,
in 1,000 acres
20231,315.01,267.5
20221,687.51,599.5
20211,286.51,241.8
20201,719.11,666.1
20191,350.61,253.5
20181,301.01,217.4
20171,403.01,333.8
20161,597.01,532.0
20151,859.01,799.0
20141,565.01,510.0
20131,576.01,465.0
20121,920.01,840.0
20111,543.01,458.0
20101,952.01,874.0
20092,030.01,954.0
20082,517.02,396.0
20072,070.02,012.0
20061,950.01,770.0
20052,709.02,610.0
20041,873.01,711.0
20032,344.02,197.0
20022,581.02,167.0
20012,633.02,555.0
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2001 to 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Variation in Area Planted and Harvested Over the Years

The area planted with sunflowers saw its peak in 2005 with 2,709,000 acres, while the highest area harvested was also in 2005, amounting to 2,610,000 acres. Conversely, the lowest figures were recorded in 2023 for both planted (1,315,000 acres) and harvested (1,267,500 acres) areas, indicating significant fluctuations in sunflower cultivation over the years.

Trends in Harvested to Planted Ratio

Analyzing the harvested to planted ratio reveals a consistent pattern of efficiency in sunflower cultivation. The ratio was notably high in 2001, with 97.03% of the planted area being harvested. This efficiency showcases the agricultural sector's capability in managing sunflower crops effectively.

Decadal Shift in Sunflower Cultivation

A decade comparison shows a stark decline in sunflower cultivation from the early 2000s to the 2020s. The average area planted in the early 2000s (2001-2005) was approximately 2,450,000 acres, whereas the average for the recent half of the 2020s (2020-2023) dropped to about 1,504,400 acres, highlighting a shift in agricultural priorities or conditions.

Yearly Changes in Cultivation Area

The year-over-year changes in the area planted with sunflowers have been highly variable, with the most significant decrease occurring between 2008 and 2009, where the area planted reduced by 487,000 acres. This points to potentially volatile market conditions or environmental factors affecting sunflower cultivation decisions.

Correlation Between Planting and Harvesting Trends

The correlation between the area planted and the area harvested remains strong throughout the years, suggesting that factors influencing the decision to plant sunflowers are closely aligned with those affecting the harvest. For example, a decrease in the area planted usually translates directly to a decrease in the area harvested, as observed between 2008 and 2009, and more recently from 2022 to 2023.

Impact of Recent Years on Sunflower Cultivation

Recent years have shown a downturn in both planting and harvesting areas, with the last recorded year, 2023, showing the lowest figures in the dataset for both metrics. This trend might reflect changing market dynamics, agricultural policies, or environmental challenges facing the sunflower industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the highest and lowest figures for sunflowers planted and harvested areas?

The highest figures for both areas were in 2005, with 2,709,000 acres planted and 2,610,000 acres harvested. The lowest were in 20231,315,000 acres planted and 1,267,500 acres harvested.

How efficient has sunflower cultivation been over the years?

Sunflower cultivation has generally been efficient, with the harvested to planted ratio peaking in 2001 at 97.03%, often exceeding 90%.

Terms and Definitions

Agriculture refers to the science of cultivating plants and rearing animals for food, fiber, medicinal plants, and other products used to sustain and enhance human life.

Sunflower is a large annual forb of the genus Helianthus, grown as a crop for its edible oil and edible fruits (sunflower seeds). Sunflowers are native to the Americas and are notable for their large flowering heads.

Planting is the process of transferring young plants from a separate growing medium into soil or substrate. In agriculture, it's a crucial practice following seed sowing where strategic placement of plants enhances their growth and yield.

Harvesting is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. In agriculture, it signifies the end of the growing season, or the completion of the growing cycle for a particular crop.

In an agricultural context, area refers to the spatial extent covered by a crop in a particular geographical region during a specified time period.

Yield refers to the amount of crop that is harvested per unit of land area. It is often used as a measure of crop productivity and is usually expressed in units such as bushels per acre or tons per hectare.

Crop rotation is an agricultural practice that involves growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons to help restore soil fertility and prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.

Sunflower oil is the non-volatile oil pressed from the seeds of sunflower. It's commonly used in food as a frying oil, and in cosmetic formulations as an emollient.

Sunflower seeds are the fruit of the sunflower. Rich in healthy fats and essential vitamins, they are consumed as a snack, used in recipes, or processed into sunflower oil.
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