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