"Renewed" Optimisim for Sorghum
Biofuels. Dried distiller’s grains. Green chemicals.
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
Dried distillers grains, the co-product created during the ethanol production process, offer a great deal of advantages to livestock producers. However, more research is needed to determine its value to the beef and dairy industries. DDGS also have potential as an aquaculture feed. The checkoff is funding studies to determine the best processing methods and rations to help increase demand for sorghum and sorghum DDGs.
Biofuels
It’s no secret sorghum can play a big role when it comes to helping our country meet its need for a sustainable fuel feedstock. Whether it’s grain sorghum-based ethanol production or biofuels made from the sugar extracted from sweet sorghum, this crop has plenty of potential to become a significant biofuels feedstock. By funding projects to specifically target the areas where sorghum’s potential is the strongest, the Sorghum Checkoff hopes to increase holding in the biofuels market and increase demand.
Green Chemicals
While there are currently no commercialized green chemical products made from sorghum on the market, research has proven sorghum can have tremendous potential in meeting demand for environmentally friendly products. By funding research and market development projects, the Sorghum Checkoff hopes to increase sorghum’s use in green chemicals and demand for U.S. sorghum.
“By separating the various projects of the renewables program the Sorghum Checkoff can more efficiently fund and manage these projects,” said Florentino Lopez, Sorghum Checkoff executive director. “Through research and promotion of these renewables markets, the Sorghum Checkoff hopes to increase the demand for sorghum and profitability for sorghum producers,” Lopez said.