Kansas Crops - 2

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In 2002, Kansas was ranked third in the nation in oil-type sunflower planted (240,000 acres) and fifth in confection sunflower (15,000 acres). Two of the advantages of sunflowers as a crop are they do not require irrigation and they can be double-cropped with winter wheat; thus the same ground can have two harvests per year.

The oil from sunflowers is considered a healthy choice for cooking needs. It is high in vitamin E and has a light, clean taste. The kernels from confection sunflowers is a source of vitamins, minerals, good fats and antioxidants. The kernels are higher in foliate, Vitamin E, Selenium, iron and zinc then most other seeds and nuts.

To the left is a wheat field that has been harvested; to the right is a field that has been turned; below left is wheat that hasn't been harvested - with sunflowers in the foreground. The lower right shows a soybean crop.