MEMO: SUNFLOWERS SUBJECT OF AG WORKSHOP

Production and marketing of sunflowers was discussed recently during a special sunflower workshop, held in Columbia.

John Gardner, associate dean for extension at the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, discussed growing sunflowers in Missouri, and a panel of sunflower growers -- Linus Rothermich, Auxvasse, Mo.; Rick Hilgedick, Hartsburg, Mo.; Fred Atkinson, Kingdom City, Mo.; and Larry Callis, Sedalia, Mo., talked about marketing the sunflower.

Over 90 percent of the sunflower packaged for birdseed in Missouri is brought in from out of state, yet sunflower can be grown profitably in Missouri, said Rob Meyers, executive director of the Jefferson Institute. "Sunflowers also work well as a late planted double crop. Sunflowers offer a unique alternative crop."

The Jefferson Institute, a non-profit agricultural research and education center, helps Midwest producers discover opportunities in crop alternatives.