About Us
- Mission: The Sorghum Checkoff commits to reveal the potential and versatility of sorghum through increased shared value.
- Vision: Sorghum producers benefit from an innovative and competitive industry.
- Purpose: We exist to do as a group what we cannot do individually.
The Sorghum Checkoff is a producer-funded organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education.
Established in 2008, the Sorghum Checkoff helps U.S. sorghum farmers communicate with consumers about the value of sorghum as a healthy, versatile grain.
- We focus on providing a sustainable return on investment for sorghum producers as a primary consideration.
- We commit to effectively leverage producer dollars to enhance the opportunity for producer profitability by advancing demand for sorghum through research, promotion and information.
- We will provide leadership and vision for the sorghum industry.
- We will be transparent so our integrity is clear and recognized.
- We strive to be the foremost resource of relevant and meaningful information about sorghum.
- We aspire to be a catalyst for positive change that develops a dynamic sorghum industry that benefits producers.
USCP Strategic Plan
PRODUCER RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Our Story
2008
The approval process for the Sorghum Checkoff began in February 2006. The proposed order was published in the Federal Register for public comment on November 23, 2007. The final order was published on May 6, 2008.
Our Story
2009
Sorghum Checkoff collections began July 1, 2008, and the board of director’s first meeting was held in November 2008. The Sorghum Checkoff programs officially began in March 2009.
Our Story
2012
First Leadership Sorghum class.
Our Story
2013
Sugarcane aphid was first discovered in U.S. sorghum, initiating the development of SCA tolerant hybrids.
Our Story
2017
Initiation of doubled haploid technology into sorghum breeding, which can greatly decrease the time required to introduce a new hybrid to the market.
Our Story
2018
U.S. sorghum reached the billion-bushel export mark to China.
Our Story
2021
U.S. sorghum exports for the first week of April were a record-breaking 33.9 million bushels, topping the previous record by more than 10 million bushels, which took place in August 2020.
Board of Directors
Our checkoff program is led by a board comprised of 13 U.S. sorghum farmers from top producing states. Members are nominated by a Certified Producer Organization (CPO) and appointed by the USDA Secretary of Agriculture. Learn about requirements and how to become a director on our board.
Ethan Miller
Chairman
Columbia, Missouri
At-Large: 2020-2023
About Ethan Miller
Ethan Miller brings more than 25 years of agricultural experience to his role. He operates Miller Family Farms in central Missouri with his father, wife and three children, focusing on row crops, livestock and specialty crops. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science from the University of Missouri and is a Certified Crop Adviser and Certified Forage & Grassland Professional. His background includes seed and feed sales, conservation programs and agronomic consulting.
In addition to serving on the Sorghum Checkoff Board, Miller is actively involved with his county extension council and the Missouri Forage & Grassland Council. He also enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, as he and his family engage in local youth activities.
Miller values the opportunity to work alongside others who share his passion for sorghum and bring diverse perspectives to the table. He is especially excited about sorghum’s versatility and resilience, with potential across grain, forage, biomass and cover crop uses. With continued innovation, growing global demand and strong industry partnerships, he is proud to contribute to efforts that directly benefit producers at the farm gate level.
Kim Baldwin
Vice Chair
McPherson, Kansas
Kansas: 2021-2024
About Kim Baldwin
With 15 years of farming experience, Kim Baldwin serves as Vice Chair of the board, representing Baldwin Ag Farms & Sales in McPherson, Kansas. She farms alongside her husband and their two children and also plays an active role in her family’s wholesale and retail-based popcorn and sorghum company.
Baldwin earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural extension education from New Mexico State University and a Master of Education in educational leadership and administration from William Woods University. She is also a graduate of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program.
Originally from New Mexico and a citizen of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and Cherokee Nation, Baldwin spent nearly two decades in public education and now actively serves her community through multiple local boards. She is also a columnist for the Kansas Farm Bureau’s Insight column.
Baldwin values the board’s role in shaping the future of the sorghum industry and is excited about the crop’s potential in human health, environmental sustainability and value-added innovation.
Scott Irlbeck
Secretary
Lubbock, Texas
Texas: 2023-2025
About Scott Irlbeck
Scott Irlbeck grew up on his family’s farm near Tulia, Texas, in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. From an early age, he gained hands-on experience with flood irrigation and fieldwork. After earning a degree in journalism from Texas Tech University in 1998, Irlbeck spent two decades in farm broadcasting and marketing before returning to the family farm in 2014.
A graduate of the Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership program, Irlbeck remains active in his community as a volunteer driver for Lubbock Meals on Wheels and a member of the FiberMax Center for Discovery Museum and First United Methodist Church.
Irlbeck lives in Lubbock with his wife, Erica, Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and their son. An enthusiast of restoring and playing vintage pinball machines, Irlbeck enjoys staying connected to the evolving sorghum industry and is excited by the scientific advances that continue to expand sorghum’s potential as a versatile and sustainable crop.
Zack Rendel
Treasurer
Miami, Oklahoma
Oklahoma: 2022-2025
About Zack Rendel
Zack Rendel is a sixth-generation row-crop producer from Miami, Oklahoma, where he farms 6,500 acres of sorghum, corn, wheat and soybeans alongside his father and uncle on land his family homesteaded in 1893. After earning a welding degree in 2009, Rendel spent a short time working as a pipeline welder before returning home to continue his family’s long-standing agricultural legacy.
Rendel’s wife, Kristi, is the owner and operator of The Rendel Agency, LLC, an independent insurance agency serving families and farms across Northeast Oklahoma. Together, they take pride in supporting their community, whether it’s through the fields or by helping others protect what matters most.
Deeply rooted in faith and community, the Rendels are active members of C3 Worship Center in Commerce, Oklahoma. Rendel also serves on multiple county and local boards, lending his time and leadership to strengthen rural communities and advance sustainable agriculture.
Rendel and his wife are the proud parents of two children. When they’re not in the field or the office, you can usually find them at the ball field or gym, cheering on their kids in sports and school activities.
Grounded in tradition yet driven by innovation, Rendel remains passionate about preserving rural values, implementing forward-thinking farming practices and ensuring the next generation inherits a stronger, more resilient agricultural future.
Kendall Hodgson
Past Chairman
Little River, Kansas
Kansas: 2022-2025
About Kendall Hodgson
Kendall Hodgson is a lifelong Kansan and fourth-generation farmer who has been operating Lark Valley Farms for more than 35 years. After earning a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Kansas State University, Hodgson worked briefly in agronomy services before returning home to farm full-time. Today, he farms alongside his son, marking a proud transition to the next generation.
Hodgson has a long legacy of community service, including 45 years with the Lions Club, leadership roles in Farm Bureau, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Rice County Extension Council, among many others. A graduate of the Kansas Agriculture and Rural Leadership (KARL) Program, Hodgson also participated in a Rotary Group Study Exchange to India in 1991.
Serving as Past Chairman of the Sorghum Checkoff, Hodgson values being part of a dedicated team shaping the industry’s future. He’s energized by sorghum’s potential for growth, innovation and profitability, and proud to have played a role in advancing its success.
Jeffry Zortman
Fowler, Kansas
Kansas: 2022-2025
About Jeff Zortman
Jeff Zortman farms full-time in Fowler, Kansas, at Prairie Farms GP. After earning a bachelor’s degree in math and computer science, he spent six years as a programmer/analyst at Cessna Aircraft, where he also became Six Sigma Green Belt certified. In 2006, Zortman returned to the family farm, bringing with him a passion for technology and data-driven agriculture.
Zortman is active in his community, serving on the USD 225 school board and as treasurer and audio/visual director at Fowler Friends Church. He and his wife have four children and much of their free time is spent supporting their kids in music and running.
An advocate for soil health and sustainability, Zortman enjoys exploring ag technology, telemetry and biological systems. He values serving on the Sorghum Checkoff board for the opportunity to collaborate with fellow producers and support innovation in the sorghum industry.
Macey Mueller
Halstead, Kansas
At-Large 2021-2024
About Macey Mueller
Macey Mueller works alongside her husband, Josh, on their diversified farming and ranching enterprise near Halstead, Kansas, where she is also the associate director of the Halstead Community Foundation. Mueller holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications from Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree from the University of Arkansas. She leverages her experience in the agriculture industry to write for several state and national publications. She and her husband have four children and together they run a cow-calf herd, custom backgrounding operation, livestock auction barn and the family farm, where they grow sorghum, wheat, soybeans and corn.
Mueller is involved with Ridgepoint Church, the Halstead-Bentley school district and several local civic groups and nonprofits. She is an active member of the Kansas Livestock Association and Kansas Farm Bureau and currently serves as vice-lead of the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council’s Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia A-Team. She has represented Kansas on the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors since December 2021. Meeting producers, learning about marketing opportunities and developing new ways to market sorghum are just a few of the reasons why Mueller enjoys serving on the board.
Kevin Pshigoda
Perryton, Texas
Texas: 2021-2024
About Kevin Pshigoda
Kevin Pshigoda is a fourth-generation farmer from Perryton, Texas, where he farms approximately 12,000 acres of sorghum, wheat, corn and soybeans alongside his father and two children. A graduate of Leadership Sorghum Class IV, Pshigoda brings both generational experience and a forward-looking perspective to the industry.
James Haase
Eads, Colorado
At-Large: 2020-2023
About James Haase
James Haase has been farming for more than 25 years near Eads, Colorado, where he operates a family farm with his son. He and his wife have three children and enjoy visiting their college-age kids when time allows. James is also a trustee at Sheridan Lake Bible Church in nearby Sheridan Lake.
Passionate about both production agriculture and the future of sorghum, Haase values his role on the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors for the opportunity to provide grower input and connect with fellow producers. He is particularly excited about sorghum’s health benefits, its growing role in aquaculture and its continued status as a non-GMO crop. For Haase, serving on the board is a chance to help educate others and contribute to the advancement of a crop with strong potential in both domestic and global markets.
Tracy Zink
Indianola, Nebraska
At-Large Member: 2023-2026
About Tracy Zink
Tracy Zink is a third-generation producer from southwest Nebraska, where she farms both irrigated and dryland acres in a diverse rotation that includes corn, soybeans, sorghum and wheat. Her professional journey began in health and wellness and evolved through senior housing before bringing her back to her roots on the farm, where she remains deeply connected to the health of the soil, water, crops and her rural community.
In addition to serving on the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors, Zink currently serves as Chairwoman of the Nebraska Sorghum Producers and holds seats on several key agricultural and community boards, including the Middle Republican Natural Resources District, Nebraska Ethanol Board, Nebraska Rural Radio Association, FSA County Committee and the Red Willow County Extension Board. Zink’s leadership reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, advocacy and the future of agriculture.
Brian Adamek
Victoria, Texas
Texas: 2023-2026
About Brian Adamek
Brian Adamek is a lifelong farmer from Victoria, Texas, with more than 30 years of experience operating Adamek Farms. A 1992 graduate of Stroman High School, Brian began farming immediately after graduation and has built a strong reputation in Texas agriculture.
In addition to his farming operation, Adamek is deeply involved in agricultural leadership. He currently serves as a state director and Secretary/Treasurer of Texas Farm Bureau, Secretary and Board Member of United Ag Cooperative in El Campo and Secretary/Treasurer for South Texas Cotton and Grain.
Adamek and his wife have two sons. Outside of farming, he enjoys saltwater fishing.
Serving on the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors allows Adamek to help promote sorghum and expand market opportunities for producers. He’s especially excited about sorghum’s global potential as a competitive alternative to corn.
Dale L. Stoltzfus
Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania
At-Large Member: 2024-2027
About Dale Stoltzfus
Dale Stoltzfus has been farming for 18 years in Pennsylvania at Tree Line Farm, where he works alongside his wife and their two children. With a strong focus on specialty grain production, Stoltzfus is passionate about advancing sustainable and high-value markets for sorghum. With this in mind, Stoltzfus started Specialty Grains, LLC to help other farmers in the Eastern U.S. market sorghum and other specialty grains.
He has previously served as vice chair of his local school board and as a board member of the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council. Now serving on the Sorghum Checkoff’s Finance Committee, Stoltzfus appreciates the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, contribute grower insight from the Eastern U.S., and help ensure farmer dollars are used effectively.
Stoltzfus is particularly excited about emerging opportunities for sorghum in human food and pet food markets, as well as the development of new technologies to support weed control. Outside of farming, he enjoys traveling, exploring new places and perfecting his skills as a barbecue and smoked meats enthusiast.
Our Team
Tim Lust
CEO
Lubbock, TX
About Tim Lust
Tim Lust leads National Sorghum Producers and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program from a unique perspective, drawing on a farm background with work experience in the cattle industry and more than 30 years in the sorghum industry. He received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Angelo State University and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Texas Tech University.
Norma Ritz Johnson
Executive Director
Lubbock, TX
About Norma Ritz Johnson
Norma Ritz Johnson is the executive director of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP). Johnson returned to the sorghum industry as the Sorghum Checkoff’s third executive director in January 2021 after serving as executive vice president of the five-star accredited Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. From 1998 to 2004, Johnson served as Communications Director for National Sorghum Producers (NSP) where she led the organization’s media and public relations efforts. Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education & Communications from Texas Tech University and has been recognized as an Agricultural Communications Graduate of Distinction.
Brent Bean
Agronomy Director
Amarillo, TX
About Brent Bean
Brent Bean has worked as director of agronomy for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program since June 2015. Previously, he spent three years as the director of agronomy for NexSteppe, where he led a team of agronomists in developing best management practices for sweet and biomass sorghum. Brent began his career serving as Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center agronomist in the Texas Panhandle, focusing his research and educational efforts on developing best management practices for sorghum, corn and wheat production. Brent received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in crop science from Texas Tech University and his doctorate in weed science from the University of Nebraska.
Clint White
Director of Communications
Lubbock, TX
About Clint White
As Director of Communications, Clint White is responsible for planning development & implementation of all Sorghum Checkoff communications, both external & internal. White graduated from Texas Tech University with a BFA in Design Communications. Prior to USCP, Clint was the Senior Head of Creative Services at Chuck E. Cheese where he led the creative process with business and operations needs, responsible for shaping creative strategy & overseeing visual direction for all in-restaurant experience.
Brent Crafton
Director of Feed Ingredient Utilization
Waterloo, IL
About Brent Crafton
As the Director of Feed Ingredient Utilization, Brent Crafton is responsible for research and program development of U.S. sorghum as a sustainable energy source and functional feed ingredient in aquaculture, swine and poultry nutrition programs. Brent also manages regional development for the Eastern United States at the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. He graduated from the College of Agricultural Sciences at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and has served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve.
Shelee Padgett
Director of Emerging Markets & Grower Leader Development
Fredericksburg, TX
About Shelee Padgett
As the Director of Emerging Markets & Grower Leader Development, Shelee Padgett is part of the marketing development team as well as manages Leadership Sorghum, various sorghum education programs and the regional relations program. She grew up in a small town in central Texas where her family owned and operated a fertilizer company. Shelee received her bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications from Texas Tech University and master’s degree at Texas State University.
Zach Simon
Director of Ingredient Utilization & Pet Food
Colwich, KS
About Zachary Simon
Zachary Simon grew up in South Central Kansas, with a rich history in farming as a fifth-generation farmer. His family homesteaded in Kansas in 1890 where his uncles continue to farm the land. Zach always knew he wanted to continue his family’s work through farming and other agricultural pursuits. After he graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agronomy, Zach worked as an assistant scientist for a Kansas State sorghum breeding program. He also served as an agricultural agent in Sedgwick County for Kansas State Research and Extension before coming to the United Sorghum Checkoff Program as regional marketing director.
Lanier Dabruzzi, MS, RD, LD
Director of Nutrition & Food Innovation
Norcross, GA
About Lanier Dabruzzi
In her role as Director of Nutrition & Food Innovation, Lanier helps to increase the use of sorghum in the US food supply through innovation, marketing and education. In addition, she manages nutrition research focused on sorghum’s role in human health. Dabruzzi received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern California in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and her Master of Science degree from the University of Tennessee in Nutrition Science. As a Registered Dietitian, she has served on boards of both the National Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics and Georgia Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. Lanier has worked in agriculture for nearly 15 years; having worked with dairy, almond and beef commodities.
Ethan Triplett
Crop Improvement Director
Lubbock, TX
About Ethan Triplett
As the Crop Improvement Director, Ethan Triplett leads efforts to enhance sorghum genetics, improve production sustainability and advance sorghum’s competitive advantage. His work focuses on identifying early-stage partnership opportunities, ensuring sorghum remains a leading choice for producers and industry stakeholders. Ethan holds a Ph.D. in crop physiology from Texas Tech University and B.S. and M.S. degrees in plant science from West Texas A&M University. A native of Canyon, Texas, he has extensive experience in plant breeding, entomology and plant physiology, specializing in sorghum trait discovery and the mechanisms of host-plant resistance. Ethan is passionate about sorghum research and dedicated to advancing scientific innovation to strengthen the future of sorghum production. His expertise in plant science and commitment to practical application drives his efforts to support producers and further sorghum’s role as a competitive and resilient crop.
Alli Gonzales
Administrative Coordinator
Lubbock, TX
About Alli Gonzales
Alli is the administrative manager, she brings a wealth of finance and administrative experience to USCP. With 18 years of experience in finance and administration, Alli’s proficiency in managing operations and numbers is invaluable. Having grown up in the Central Coast of California surrounded by farming and agriculture, Alli has a deep-rooted connection to the industry through her family’s involvement in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Kady Figge
Communications Manager
Lubbock, TX
About Kady Figge
As the Communications Manager, Kady is responsible for content development, social media and carrying out the planning, development and implementation of Sorghum Checkoff communications. Kady’s background is deeply rooted in agriculture. Raised in a small town in Northeast Kansas, she spent much of her time on her family’s registered Angus cattle operation. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and Journalism from Kansas State University. She also graduated with a secondary major in Global Food Systems Leadership with a concentration in Community Engagement, and minors in Agricultural Sales and Animal Sciences & Industry.
Kara Petty
Compliance Director
Lubbock, TX
About Kara Petty
As the compliance director, Kara Petty will oversee and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry standards. In this role, she will ensure that all programs and initiatives comply with relevant laws and regulations. Kara holds degrees from Texas Tech (B.S), and Texas A&M Commerce (M.S). A native of Tulia, Texas, just north of Lubbock, her previous role was serving as the Delta County Ag/NR Extension Agent for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, in Delta County. She also previously served as an Agrilife Extension agent in Childress County as well as in shipping and invoicing with Plains Cotton Cooperative Association. Her previous roles with Agrilife included working with producers, preparing, presenting, and evaluating educational programs in row crops, natural resources, livestock, rangeland and pasture, and youth development.
Our Brand Partners
We offer a cooperative branding program – Sorghum: The Smart Choice® – to help companies promote sorghum to customers. Want to become a brand partner? Here’s how.
