As the first seeded sunflowers are desiccated and are drying down, here are some helpful hints on combining from the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC). 

Harvest 2014 – Special Bulletin

Sunflowers can be safely combined when the seed moisture is below 18-20%. However, allowing sunflowers to dry-down to a moisture content of 9.5 -12% reduces the need for drying on-farm.  At 12% moisture content, seed can be stored in bins with aeration. Any moisture content over 12% will require drying to avoid spoilage. Oil-type sunflowers can be dried with temperatures of 71º to 104º C (160ºF to 220ºF) but confection-type sunflower seed may scorch or wrinkle with these temperatures. Sunflower seed should be cooled before storage, since even sunflowers at 8.5% moisture can spoil if stored when warm.

For more information on sunflowers:

National Sunflower Association of Canada –  www.canadasunflower.com

MAFRD Sunflower Production and Management – http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/production/sunflowers.html

Information Contributed by Anastasia Kubinec, MAFRD Oilseed Crop Specialist