Illinois Producer Meetings

Last month, USCP representative Shelee Padgett held producer meetings in Monroe County and Wayne County, Illinois. The meetings gave producers an update on checkoff-funded research projects as well as the most recent market development endeavors and educational opportunities. Attendees were encouraged to give feedback and voice their needs concerning sorghum production and many voiced concerns about the lack of new varieties available.

Although Illinois is known as the corn and bean state, sorghum is still strong on marginal land and works very well as a rotational crop in specific areas. Unfortunately, this does not leave many resources for sorghum variety testing.

“Many producers said they have been using the same seed for years,” Padgett said. “They thought it would be nice to look at different varieties in order to potentially create new market opportunities for sorghum the area.”

With the help of the University of Illinois, the Sorghum Checkoff is planning to test 20 varieties of sorghum in two different locations in the state. These test plots will allow producers in the area to use research findings to decide which variety of seed will work best for their farm.

“This is the first time in a while to reach out to this area. It is very exciting to be able to utilize producer feedback in order to improve their markets and yields,” Padgett said.