Well, another year has come and gone—2020 has been eventful to say the least. Whether it be weather, prices, yield or illness, this year has been a mix of highs and lows, but, as always, agriculture continues to thrive. With 2020 in our rearview mirror, Team Sorghum reflects on great successes and huge strides. Investing checkoff dollars in grassroots style leadership, like Leadership Sorghum, is a huge accomplishment for the Sorghum Checkoff.
Though the current class has seen challenges in 2020, the checkoff has continued to see huge rewards in nurturing sorghum producers. Numerous state and national board members have been cultivated through this program, effectively bringing the investment full circle. It is extremely important to identify producer leaders who will help the next generation of farmers succeed and lead us into the future. If interested in joining Leadership Sorghum Class VI, apply at LeadSorghum.com. Also, the Sorghum Checkoff has acted as a catalyst in herbicidetolerant hybrid development. These hybrids, expected to be finished for the next growing seasons, maximize traits in the field and generate profit perpetuating sorghum’s “workhorse” reputation.
It is exciting to see new hybrids released and the sorghum investment pipeline at work. Thanks to regional efforts, farmers are contracting directly with companies. These efforts equate to more dollars per acre into the pockets of our producers. These companies have a grassroots led approach, which gives producers another opportunity to send grain directly to market. Additionally, container loading facilities have been a focus of the checkoff board. Allowing our premium sorghum to be exported directly to end-users adds value to consumers and producers alike.
In an effort to adhere with COVID-19 guidelines, the Sorghum Checkoff continues to promote sorghum during virtually held meetings with leaders in the poultry and pet food industry. Through education and promotion, we have worked to demonstrate the value of grain sorghum in companion animal feed formulations as a high-quality and sustainably produced ingredient.
With sorghum’s nutritional profile and culinary application in mind, the checkoff has seen huge gains in the human food sector. Numerous restaurants and universities are incorporating sorghum into food menus and catering lines. Ethanol and renewable fuels are always a top investment and focus for the sorghum industry. Continuing to push for higher
blends of ethanol, E15 is currently available in 1900 stations across 30 states. The Sorghum Checkoff has invested in a campaign called “What Fuels You” through a NASCAR partnership aimed at promoting drivers who travel almost 15 million miles utilizing E15.
Sorghum Smart Talk, a podcast highlighting all things sorghum has been instrumental in expanding market education, and many other topics, to growers. If you have not downloaded our podcast yet, we encourage you to listen to the conversations there.
So, as I come to a close, I want each of you to think where sorghum could be tomorrow. Ask yourself, “What does our workhorse crop have in store for producers in the future?” In my
lifetime, sorghum has evolved from livestock feed to biofuel and now into consumer foods. I believe this is just the beginning. The opportunities this organization has given me, my family and our farm have been numerous. As my tenure on the board draws closer to an end, I pass the gavel onto our new chairman, Kent Martin from Alva, Oklahoma. The leadership on the
Sorghum Checkoffs board is strong and I see fantastic opportunities for my farm and yours in 2021.
Thank you and, as always, GOTEAM SORGHUM!
AN EVENTFUL YEAR
Craig Poore
Past USCP Chairman
