Sorghum may be best known as a livestock feed crop, but industry leaders say the grain’s future increasingly includes consumer food products, renewable fuels and efforts to help feed people around the world.
During a recent interview, National Sorghum Producers Chairwoman Amy France said the industry continues to promote sorghum’s versatility, pointing to expanding uses ranging from gluten-free foods and biofuels to international food assistance programs.
France, a western Kansas farmer, highlighted the role sorghum is playing in the Food for Peace program, which provides U.S. commodities to countries facing food insecurity. She said about 400,000 bushels of sorghum were recently shipped to Africa through the program, a significant development after a period when no sorghum was moving through the initiative.
“For sorghum, that’s three to five percent of our exports,” France said, adding that helping people in need reflects the values of many farm families.
France expressed support for plans to permanently house Food for Peace within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, noting that the program originally operated there before being administered elsewhere. She said USDA is a natural fit because of its direct connection to farmers and agricultural markets. The farm bill remains in limbo but does have support of the Kansas congressional delegation to move Food for Peace to USDA.
Beyond humanitarian assistance, France said sorghum’s potential as a consumer food ingredient is drawing increasing attention. The grain is naturally gluten-free and is being studied for possible human health benefits.
France pointed to ongoing research at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln examining sorghum’s impact on human health. While growers are optimistic about the grain’s nutritional value, she said formal research results could help expand consumer awareness and open new market opportunities.
Industry advocates also continue to emphasize sorghum’s role in renewable fuel production. France noted that while most consumers associate ethanol with corn, sorghum is also used as a feedstock for ethanol and other biofuel products.
Interest in sorghum has grown because of its adaptability and drought tolerance, qualities that have become increasingly important as farmers face more weather extremes. Interviewers noted the crop’s potential in food products, livestock feed, biofuels and crop rotation systems.
At the same time, France said growers continue working to expand both domestic and international demand. Sorghum exports remain a critical part of the market, and producers are pursuing additional opportunities in countries including Vietnam, Malaysia and India while maintaining relationships with long-term customers.
France called on Congress to provide certainty through a new five-year farm bill with E15 and trade development priorities included.
