Newsroom
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Mexican Market Offers Opportunity for South Texas Grain Sorghum
February 01, 2012With the La Nina weather pattern expected to continue, the South Plains of Texas once again seems susceptible to drought. Given the natural drought tolerance associated with sorghum and demand opportunities from Mexico, regions like the Rio Grande Valley and the Texas Coastal Bend are well positioned to plant an increase in sorghum acres.
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Sorghum: Lower Inputs, Higher Yields
January 23, 2012Months of little to no rain left more than 85 percent of Texas in severe to exceptional drought by September 2011. Sorghum's drought resistant traits can help producers as they look for planting options in 2012, which is predicted to be another dry year.
We break down the numbers in a crop input/yield comparison.
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Terms of Four Checkoff Directors Come to a Close
December 14, 2011The terms of inaugural Sorghum Checkoff board members Billy Bob Brown of Panhandle, Texas, Louise Rigdon of Blackwell, Okla., James Vorderstrasse or Hebron, Neb., and Gary Kilgore of Chanute, Kan., came to a close after the organization’s board meeting Dec. 13-14 in Lubbock, Texas.
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Sorghum Checkoff assessment Q&A
December 14, 2011When the Sorghum Checkoff was established in 2008, the board of directors made the decision to base the assessment on a percentage of the net price. Therefore, when prices are low, the checkoff is lower, and when prices are high, the checkoff is higher. The assessment of grain sorghum comes to just over one half of a penny per dollar paid for the load of grain.
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K-State develops new sorghum food aid product
December 14, 2011Food aid currently represents about six percent of the U.S. sorghum market, making it a major customer of sorghum producers. While food aid sources quite a bit of sorghum from the U.S., there are a limited number of products available using sorghum.
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Japanese video crew highlights sorghum's food value
December 14, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff and the U.S. Grains Council hosted a Japanese video crew to Texas and Kansas in November in an effort to increase awareness about sorghum as a healthy food option in Japan.
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"Renewed" Optimisim for Sorghum
November 03, 2011Biofuels. Dried distiller’s grains. Green chemicals.
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All of these items present a wealth of opportunity for U.S. sorghum producers. That’s why the Sorghum Checkoff is taking aim at these “renewable” program areas to build and strengthen their potential.
A Quick Look at Renewables
Co-Products
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Pork Producer Aims to Increase Sorghum Acres in North Carolina
November 03, 2011One of the world’s largest pork producers has recognized the value of sorghum as a livestock feed. Based in North Carolina, Murphy-Brown LLC is seeking help from the Sorghum Checkoff to increase sorghum acres in eastern states in order to locally source grain for their swine feeding operation.
Murphy-Brown Agronomist, Josh Gaddy, said although sorghum is not widely grown in North Carolina, it is well-suited for the area.
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Open Positions at USCP
October 17, 2011Current Positions Available:
Crop Improvement Director
Renewables Director
E-mail resumes or questions to positions@sorghumcheckoff.com
Crop Improvement Director Job Description
Renewables Director Job Description
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Trials Show U.S. Sorghum Potential in Egypt
September 09, 2011(Courtesy of the U.S. Grains Council) Two recent sorghum research trials in Egypt demonstrated the potential of including U.S. sorghum in broiler rations.
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U.S. Sorghum Potential in Southeast Asia
September 09, 2011Sorghum is exceptionally well-suited for the tropical conditions in Southeast Asia because of its low vulnerability to molds and mycotoxins and physical characteristics that allow it to be stored longer.
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Researchers Develop New Sorghum Product for International Food Aid
September 09, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff and Kansas State University are collaborating to develop new sorghum-fortified products to meet the growing needs of international food aid.
Tufts University recently released new guidelines for food aid products, suggesting the use sorghum as a quality alternative grain could expand options in the food aid basket. K-State researchers have been working to develop a sorghum-soy blend designed to meet the new guidelines while creating opportunities for U.S. sorghum.
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2011 USCP Communications RFP
September 02, 2011The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is seeking proposals from communications agencies to perform specifc communications activities.
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Download the communications RFP. Deadline for proposal submissions is Sept. 30, 2011.
Contact Lindsay Kennedy, USCP external affairs director, with any questions at lindsay@sorghumcheckoff.com.
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Delegation of sorghum farmers attend international sorghum mission
August 10, 2011A delegation of U.S. sorghum industry representatives traveled to Morocco, Spain and Belgium earlier this month as the U.S. Grains Council continues their efforts in developing sorghum markets abroad.
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Vilsack announces Sorghum Checkoff board appointments
August 10, 2011Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced five appointments to the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Board.
"These appointees represent a cross section of the sorghum industry and I am confident that sorghum producers will be well served by them," said Vilsack.
Appointed members representing sorghum producers are: Louise Rigdon, At-large from Oklahoma; Stewart Weaver, At-large from Arkansas; Adam Baldwin, Kansas; John Devoracek, Nebraska; and Dale Murden, Texas.
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Sorghum Checkoff gives growers something to look forward to
August 10, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff has been listening to the priorities of growers and is focusing its programs on those priorities. From crop improvement to high value markets to renewables, the checkoff is setting its sights on these areas that can move the industry forward and have a positive impact on producer profitability
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Year-Long Effort Yields European Union Success
July 13, 2011The U.S. Grains Council and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program have succeeded in a year-long effort to resolve an obsolete provision in European Union (EU) tariff regulations that has hindered U.S. sorghum sales to Europe.
“The Council has been very active and really pushed the envelope to make this happen,” said Florentino Lopez, executive director of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. “We are very happy about what has been accomplished and the strong stand the Council has taken to move things forward.”
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Lopez Named New Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director
June 21, 2011The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is pleased to welcome Florentino Lopez as the organization’s new executive director.
Lopez brings valuable knowledge and experience in the grain industry to his new leadership role within the Sorghum Checkoff. He has been the Sorghum Checkoff marketing director since 2009, and was previously production manager at Texas Farm LLC in Perryton, Texas. His expertise in foreign and domestic sorghum markets and overall understanding of the industry make him a valuable asset to the checkoff program.
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Sorghum Checkoff Joins U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance
June 08, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff recently joined 39 other national, state and regional agricultural organizations as an affiliate member of the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance.
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USFRA is an alliance of leading farmer- and rancher-led organizations that have joined together in a national effort to strengthen the image of agriculture and enhance public trust in today’s agricultural production practices.
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Sweet Sorghum Research Looks to Demonstrate Crop's Biofuel Potential
June 07, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff is funding a study at Louisiana State University to demonstrate sweet sorghum’s potential for significant yield in a relatively short growing period and its ability to be a steady feedstock supply for biorefineries through improved production management.
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Sorghum Checkoff, USGC Efforts Produce Ongoing Sorghum Sales in Morocco
June 07, 2011Two major Moroccan grain importers are continuing a pattern of regular sorghum purchases, putting Morocco on course for record U.S. sorghum imports this year.
The U.S. Grains Council reported sales, as of May 19, total 112,000 metric tons (4.4 million bushels), up 57 percent from the same time last year. Moroccan purchases totaled 98,000 tons (3.9 million bushels) in the 2009/2010 market year. Earlier this month, Morocco bought an additional 26,000 tons (1 million bushels).
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Study Looks to Utilize New Herbicide for Grain Sorghum
May 13, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff and Texas AgriLife Research and Extension recently completed a study examining the potential use of a new herbicide on grain sorghum.
Results of the study funded by the Sorghum Checkoff suggest when applied at labeled rates, Sharpen™ and Verdict™ herbicides can be applied pre-plant or pre-emergence in sorghum without injuring the plant or affecting yields.
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Sorghum - Ther Versatile, Gluten-Free Whole Grain
May 13, 2011Did you know sorghum is a healthy whole grain? Not only is it good for you, but sorghum is also gluten-free, a food quality that is providing new market potential for growers.
The Sorghum Checkoff is working to create awareness among food companies and consumers alike, while developing relationships with major users of flour to encourage the use of sorghum flour in gluten-free baking.
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Sorghum Checkoff Referendum Passes with Majority Ruling
April 06, 2011The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today the United Sorghum Checkoff Program referendum held Feb. 1-28, 2011, has produced a majority consensus and the Sorghum Checkoff will remain in operation.
Bill Kubecka, USCP chairman and Palacios, Texas, farmer said the passing of the referendum is a big step in the right direction for the sorghum industry.
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Sorghum Checkoff Releases 2010 Annual Report
March 11, 2011The United Sorghum Checkoff Program released its 2010 annual report March 3, 2011, at the 16th annual Commodity Classic in Tampa, Fla. The annual report is a summary of the checkoff’s accomplishments over the past year and the impact checkoff dollars have had on the sorghum industry.
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Discovering Uses for Sorghum
February 23, 2011The International Grains Program’s collaborative course covers sorghum usage.
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The International Grains Program (IGP) collaborated with the U.S. Grains
Council (USGC) and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) to host the USGC/USCP Spanish-Iberian Sorghum Usage Workshop held at the IGP Conference Center Jan. 24 -25. Twelve participants from Spain and Portugal attended the course.
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Cold, Drought Tolerant Sorghum Hybrids One Step Closer to Fields
February 23, 2011Recent research funded by the Sorghum Checkoff is getting closer to finding cold and drought tolerant sorghum hybrids that could help increase sorghum yields in the future.
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Sorghum Checkoff Launches Online Sorghum Profitability Calculators
February 08, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff announces the release of three online sorghum profitability calculators that allow sorghum growers to determine the value sorghum can offer their operation.
The three calculators give sorghum farmers the ability to determine their potential return on investment with sorghum, identify their market expansion opportunities, and compare the value of additional marketplaces.
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Sorghum Checkoff, Plant Management Network Release Sorghum Webcasts
February 03, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff and the Plant Management Network announce the publication of three new and fully open-access webcasts on sorghum crop management.
These webcasts cover weed management practices, no-till grain sorghum production, and a comparison of sorghum and corn’s profitability, particularly in stress-prone environments.
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Sorghum Checkoff Expanding Foreign Markets, Opportunities for Producers
January 27, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff and the U.S. Grains Council are hosting a group of Spanish and Portuguese grain buyers in Kansas and South Texas this week to encourage the use of sorghum in foreign poultry, swine and ruminant industries.
Hosting foreign grain buyers in the Sorghum Belt is helping to develop new and existing markets that create opportunities for sorghum farmers.
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Boost Your Sorghum Yields
January 12, 2011It’s no secret that sorghum has an advantage as a water-sipping plant, which makes it a viable and profitable crop in areas prone to drought. But, did you know sorghum can consistently yield more than 100 bushels per acre with basic management practices?
Proper hybrid selection and nitrogen application and knowing your land are the keys to high yielding sorghum, says Rick Kochenower, sorghum specialist for Oklahoma State University.
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Investing in Sorghum's Future
January 11, 2011The Sorghum Checkoff was established in 2008 to improve the profitability of the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. With your checkoff dollars, the Sorghum Checkoff is moving sorghum forward with new markets, production tools, post-emergent weed and grass control technology, and research to develop improved hybrids.
So, what has the checkoff accomplished in the last two years? We let the farmer ask the questions.
What is being done to create new foreign markets for my sorghum?
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Sorghum Checkoff Board Announces New Officers
December 20, 2010The United Sorghum Checkoff Program announces the election of four new officers to the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors. The officers were elected during the Sorghum Checkoff’s annual meeting in Lubbock, Texas, on Dec. 15, 2010.
The Sorghum Checkoff welcomes Bill Kubecka of Palacios, Texas, as the new board chairman, Stewart Weaver of Edmondson, Ark., as vice chairman, Greg Shelor of Minneola, Kan., as secretary, and Earl Roemer of Healy, Kan., as treasurer.
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South and Central Texas Production Guide Available Soon
December 03, 2010The Sorghum Checkoff will release a production handbook for the south and central regions of Texas later this month.
The guide maps out the most efficient sorghum production methods for the region in a pocket-sized booklet that aims to help producers improve the productivity of their sorghum. The booklet contains information on irrigation methods, nitrogen application, disease and pest control, appropriate hybrids for the south and central Texas region, and much more.
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South Dakota sorghum trial yields promising results
December 03, 2010South Dakota State University and the Sorghum Checkoff recently completed sorghum yield trials to give South Dakota producers more information about the best available sorghum hybrids. Ideal growing conditions during the season with adequate moisture produced test plot yields between 60 and 100 bushels per acre.
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Sorghum Checkoff works to further develop Mexican market
December 03, 2010The Sorghum Checkoff and the U.S. Grains Council are working together to develop new relationships with the United State’s largest sorghum importer. A group of Mexican sorghum buyers visited the Texas Panhandle last month to learn more about the crop’s benefits as a livestock feed and how it can continue to be a viable component of the Mexican feed industry.
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USDA Reappoints Sorghum Checkoff Board Members
November 29, 2010Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Nov. 22, 2010, the reappointment of four sorghum producers to the Sorghum Checkoff Board. The appointees will serve three-year terms.
"These appointees represent a cross section of the sorghum industry, and I am confident that the sorghum industry will continue to be well served by them," said Vilsack.
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USDA Finalizes Procedures for Sorghum Referendum
November 23, 2010Sorghum Checkoff Chairman Bill Greving is glad to announce the U.S. Department of Agriculture has finalized procedures for the upcoming referendum on the continuation of the Sorghum Checkoff Program.
For the program to continue, the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order requires that a referendum be conducted no later than 3 years after the start of assessments, which began on July 1, 2008.
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Sorghum’s Nutritional Value Creates Market Opportunities
November 09, 2010Many of us think of sorghum as a livestock feed or a biofuel feedstock. But, did you know sorghum is also a nutritious and healthy whole grain?
The Sorghum Checkoff is working to educate consumers, bakers and food aid organizations about the nutritional benefits of sorghum. By encouraging the use of sorghum as a food, the Sorghum Checkoff is helping to create new markets for sorghum producers.
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Cold Tolerance Researchers Getting Warmer
November 09, 2010Improving farmers’ yields and profitability is the No. 1 priority for the Sorghum Checkoff. Developing cold tolerant sorghum is just one of many research projects currently funded by the farmer-driven organization.
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Sorghum Checkoff Production and Marketplace Calculators
November 09, 2010The Sorghum Checkoff is currently developing an interactive tool that will help sorghum producers determine the best possible marketplace for their crop. The CD will provide four individual interactive calculators to help growers make decisions on topics such as the best possible market place, market place range, end-user opportunities, and the return on investment when planting sorghum. The CD also contains other helpful tools to help you determine your price driven needs and to calculate your expenses during production.
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Sorghum WDGS Feeding Trials
October 27, 2010Conestoga Energy and the Sorghum Checkoff are conducting a feeding trial on the performance of beef cattle fed wet distiller’s grains with solubles (WDGS). WDGS are byproducts of producing ethanol and are used as feed for dairies and feedyards. The different rations will contain blends of corn WDGS, sorghum WDGS or both. The trial began in September and has a target completion date of Feb. 2011.
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Foreign Sorghum Buyers Visit Texas Panhandle and Export Exchange
October 07, 2010In an effort to expand sorghum’s international markets, the Sorghum Checkoff and U.S. Grains Council sponsored a group of Saudi Arabian grain buyers in the Texas Panhandle Oct. 3-5 to learn about how U.S. sorghum is grown and utilized in the poultry and dairy industries.
"This group is looking for a consistent source of protein and energy in their purchases," said John Ballard, a sorghum producer from Claude, Texas, who met with the group. "They need a consistent quality product, and the U.S. can provide that."
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International Baking Industry Expo Shows Promise for Sorghum
September 30, 2010The Sorghum Checkoff hosted a booth this week at the International Baking Industry Expo (IBIE) in Las Vegas, Nev., to promote sorghum as a whole grain, gluten-free solution for the commercial baking industry.
"Interest in sorghum here at IBIE has been phenomenal," said Virgil Smail, Sorghum Checkoff executive director. "This is a huge opportunity for sorghum. We want to deliver a quality product that helps meet the needs of the wholesale bakers as well as the needs of the end-user."
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Sorghum Checkoff Provides Input on European Levy Rate
September 20, 2010Spain was in the market for 44,000 metric tons (1.7 million bushels) of U.S. sorghum in the last week, but the United Sorghum Checkoff Program is still working to create more opportunities for U.S. sorghum farmers in Europe.
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Vietnam Makes First Purchase of U.S. Sorghum
September 17, 2010A Vietnamese feed and milling company purchased 1,000 metric tons of U.S. sorghum last week after attending a tour of Texas sorghum facilities sponsored by the Sorghum Checkoff and the U.S. Grains Council.
The purchase was the result of a recent visit by a group of Vietnamese buyers looking to incorporate sorghum into the diets of swine and poultry. The visit was preceded by months of education efforts that involved U.S. Grains Council officials working with Vietnam nutritionists to promote how the value of U.S. sorghum can benefit the Vietnamese swine industry.
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International Buyers Tour U.S. Sorghum Facilities
August 30, 2010The Sorghum Checkoff, along with the U.S. Grains Council, hosted a group of sorghum buyers from Eastern Asia and the Philippines during the week of Aug. 29, 2010 to focus on the value of sorghum as a feed for poultry and swine production.
The group visited a few traditional country elevators in South Texas before traveling to a sorghum farm near Palacios, Texas, to learn firsthand how sorghum goes from the field to the end user.
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Sorghum Checkoff Hosts Mexican Buyer Group
July 22, 2010The Sorghum Checkoff along with the U.S. Grains Council hosted a group of six Mexican grain buyers June 20-26 to show them the value of importing U.S. sorghum. The buyers represented the Mexican pork and poultry industries and visited seven different elevators throughout the Sorghum Belt.
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Sorghum Checkoff to Sponsor Sorghum Food Conference
May 17, 2010
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International Sorghum Food Use Team to Visit U.S.
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2009 Sorghum Checkoff Annual Report Available Now!
March 03, 2010LUBBOCK, TEXAS – The United Sorghum Checkoff Program has released its 2009 annual report. The annual report is a summary of the checkoff’s first year and the impact checkoff dollars have had on the sorghum industry.
“The Sorghum Checkoff has accomplished so much since the board was seated. We have developed bylaws, policies and a strategic plan to guide the board in its decisions to improve growers bottom lines,” said Bill Greving, Sorghum Checkoff president.
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Sorghum Buying Teams Scheduled for International Grains Program
January 20, 2010The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP), in conjunction with the U.S. Grains Council, will host three sorghum buying teams from Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Egypt during the week of January 25, 2010.
These missions will focus on the value of sorghum as a feed for poultry and dairy production. The teams will attend high level nutrition training sessions at the International Grains Program (IGP) Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan. before traveling to Atlanta, Ga. for the Atlanta Poultry Expo.
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Sorghum Use in Ethanol on the Rise
November 23, 2009A recent study determined that sorghum use in ethanol plants is higher than ever!
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Herbicide Resistant Sorghum in Development Stages
November 03, 2009Test plots for ALS and ACCase resistant sorghum in progress.
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25,000 Tons of U.S. Sorghum Destined for Morocco
October 28, 2009U.S. sorghum loaded on vessel in Galveston, Texas, destined for the North African country.
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Sorghum Checkoff Hosts North African Buyers
October 08, 2009more
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United Sorghum Checkoff Program Launches SorghumCheckoff.com
October 08, 2009more
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Saudi Arabian Buyers to Gain Updated Sorghum Information
September 30, 2009Program aims to convey sorghum benefits to Saudi Arabian Buying Team
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Sorghum Checkoff Funds Research Database
August 15, 2009Sorghum growers, Extension educators and researchers will soon have access to a searchable, web-based database that catalogs more than 2,000 research articles.
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Sorghum Checkoff Focuses on Research in First Year
July 15, 2009On its first anniversary, the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) is celebrating a year of progress, from the creation of the organization to the granting of $1.25 million in research funding.
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Sorghum Checkoff Hosts Mexican Buyers
June 10, 2009Hoping to create relationships between Mexican buyers and U.S. elevators, the Sorghum Checkoff helped the U.S. Grains Council host a sorghum-focused trade mission in Kansas and Nebraska.
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USCP, U.S. Grains Council Host Sorghum Buying Mission
May 24, 2009The U.S. Grains Council, in conjunction with the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, will host representatives from Mexico on a sorghum buying mission to Kansas Monday evening, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 18th-20th.
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USCP Welcomes Executive Director
April 14, 2009The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is pleased to welcome Virgil Smail of Manhattan, Kansas as the new USCP Executive Director.
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