U.S.: Leading States in Sunflower Production, by volume of production
StateProduction,
in thousand pounds
North DakotaNorth Dakota1,122,980
South DakotaSouth Dakota817,200
MinnesotaMinnesota132,000
TexasTexas61,250
NebraskaNebraska44,175
KansasKansas28,430
ColoradoColorado28,060
CaliforniaCalifornia29,425
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 30, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

North Dakota leads in sunflower production

North Dakota stands out as the leading state in sunflower production with a staggering 1,122,980 thousand pounds. This represents a significant lead over its closest competitor, South Dakota, which produced 817,200 thousand pounds. North Dakota's production alone accounts for a substantial portion of the total sunflower output among the listed states.

Sunflower production concentration in the Dakotas

Sunflower production is heavily concentrated in the Dakotas, with North Dakota and South Dakota combined contributing 1,940,180 thousand pounds to the total. This concentration indicates the region's significant role in the U.S. sunflower industry, overshadowing other states by a large margin.

Minnesota as a distant third in production

Minnesota emerges as the third-largest producer of sunflowers, with its production reaching 132,000 thousand pounds. Despite being the third largest, Minnesota's output is significantly lower than South Dakota's, showcasing a steep drop in production figures after the leading states.

The disparity between top and bottom producers

The gap between the highest and lowest producers of sunflowers is pronounced, with North Dakota producing over 18 times more sunflowers than Kansas, the state with the seventh-highest production at 28,430 thousand pounds. This disparity highlights the concentration of sunflower production in specific regions.

Texas and California's moderate contribution

Texas and California, typically known for their vast agricultural outputs, offer more moderate contributions to the sunflower industry, with production figures at 61,250 and 29,425 thousand pounds, respectively. These numbers place them in the middle of the pack, illustrating the diverse geographic distribution of sunflower cultivation.

Nebraska and Colorado's close production numbers

Nebraska and Colorado show similar production levels with 44,175 and 28,060 thousand pounds respectively, indicating a competitive stance in sunflower production among states with smaller outputs. This similarity suggests a potential for growth in these regions.

Overall sunflower production insights

The total sunflower production across the listed states amounts to a significant figure, showcasing the United States' capacity to produce sunflowers in varying climates and geographical areas. The data reveals a clear dominance by certain states, with potential for growth and expansion in others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state leads in sunflower production in the U.S.?

North Dakota leads in sunflower production in the U.S., producing a massive 1,122,980 thousand pounds.

Which states contribute significantly to the U.S. sunflower industry?

The sunflower industry is heavily driven by North Dakota and South Dakota, which together account for 1,940,180 thousand pounds of sunflower production.

What is the third-largest producer of sunflowers in the U.S.?

Emerging as the third-largest producer, Minnesota contributes 132,000 thousand pounds to the U.S. sunflower production.

What is the difference between the highest and the lowest sunflower producers?

There's a notably significant gap, with North Dakota producing over 18 times more sunflowers than Kansas, which is the seventh-highest producer.

Terms and Definitions

A type of large flowering plant that is cultivated mainly for its seeds and oil. They are known for their tall stems that feature large, yellow flower heads. These flowers usually track the movement of the sun, which is a characteristic referred to as heliotropism.

The total quantity of a specific commodity, in this case, sunflowers, produced in a certain period of time. This measure is typically used to compare the productivity between different regions or to measure growth or decline over time.

These are the methods or farming practices used to grow crops effectively. The cultivation techniques for sunflowers could include elements such as the type of soil used, the use of irrigation, pest management, rotation with other crops and the specific periods for planting and harvesting.

The process of gathering mature crops from the fields. In the context of sunflower production, this involves cutting the flower heads, drying them, and then separating the sunflower seeds from the flower head.

A non-volatile oil that is extracted from sunflower seeds. Known for its light taste and high Vitamin E content, sunflower oil is commonly used in cooking, as a salad dressing, and in the production of certain cosmetics.

The fruit of the sunflower plant which is encased in a hard shell. Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, sunflower seeds are often roasted and eaten as a snack, ground into sunflower seed butter, or pressed to extract oil. They are also used as a popular ingredient in bird feed.
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