Nebraska Extension is excited to announce plans for the 2025 Special Agronomy Project, a unique experience for 4-H members to delve into the world of crops in our state. In the project’s fifth year, youth will be exploring sunflowers — a crop grown throughout the state of Nebraska, with the greatest concentration in western Nebraska.
Sunflowers are a versatile crop that can be marketed different ways depending on the variety. There are two types of sunflower production in Nebraska: one type is for oil production, and the other is for human food consumption, referred to as confectionery seeds. A portion of the oil seed production is used in the bird seed industry.
For the 2025 project, youth will be growing a high oleic hybrid variety. Its oil profile combined with a nice black seed color ensures multiple market options.
Throughout the project, participants will grow a sunflower crop from seed, conduct research on sunflower traits, and determine the viability of sunflower production in their region of the state. Youth will also have the opportunity to enter their research project into county and state fairs.
Youth can register for the 2025 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the agronomy project and contacting their local Nebraska Extension Office to order seed packets. The local extension office will order and distribute the seeds to members. Please have your order placed prior to Saturday, March 1.
For more on the Special Agronomy Project, including helpful production resources, visit the CropWatch Youth page. More information and resources related to the project will be added to this page in the coming weeks.
