Less common insects include seed corn maggots, grasshoppers, alfalfa loopers, leafhoppers, sunflower moths, clover stem borers and armyworms. Bees are attracted to safflower during flowering. Their presence improves seed set and the adverse effects of any chemical insecticides should be considered before application. Marketing Most safflower in Nebraska is grown for birdseed. The average contract price during the past two years has been 7-9.5 cents per pound.
Safflower failing to meet birdseed standards enters the oilseed crushing market.
A contract is not essential for safflower production, but is highly advisable in most situations. Like other alternative crops, a greater portion of total effort must be devoted to marketing to be successful. Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.