Local photographers and anthophiles, rejoice! It’s been two years, but Maricopa’s sunflowers are finally back in action.

Ninety verdant acres clothed in a sea of canary yellow sit just south of State Route 238 on Ralston Road and eagle-eyed residents spotted the golden blooms recently. It’s the first time the sunflowers have been sighted since 2023.

There’s a simple explanation for that, said Thunderbird Farms resident Frank Fierro. He manages the field in partnership with agronomist Jon Chernicky of Arid Ag Research and farmer Larry Hart for commercial sales.

“Our worst enemy is the birds,” Fierro told InMaricopa yesterday.

Last year, the birds consumed roughly 50% of the planting seeds, meaning the crop never fully took root and Hart opted to plant alfalfa instead.

Fierro said the birds swoop in from a neighboring dairy and seem to “know when the seed starts to turn black.”

That’s prime harvesting time not only for birdie bellies but also Cargill Beauty, the personal care brand of the Minnesota-based food corporation of the same name.

“Our seed goes to Cargill Beauty for cosmetic oil. The high-oleic [acid] is the substance they look for,” Fierro said.

High-oleic acid has a long shelf life, making it a perfect ingredient for beauty products. Because the sunflower oil will be used for cosmetics, Fierro said the team only uses a limited amount of plant-based fertilizer and avoids pesticides and genetically modified seeds at the Ralston Road farm and others in Arizona City, Eloy and Casa Grande.

Fierro said he and landowner Hart don’t have issues with locals stopping by to shoot some photos or spot birds.

“Just stay on the road,” Fierro advised. “As long as the cars don’t travel on private property, people can walk to the flowers. Just remember it’s the farmer’s land.”

Maricopa residents only have a few more days to enjoy the golden views. Fierro estimated the blooms would remain for another seven to 10 days before the petals begin dropping from the heat and are ready for harvesting.