Sorghum Industry Applauds Large Crop Forecast

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is celebrating a new USDA forecast that estimates farmers will plant 7.3 million acres of the grain this year, a 24% increase from last year.

“We have long known that U.S. sorghum’s potential is tremendous, whether as a solution in crop rotations that adds value for farmers or as a resource-conserving, versatile product for end-users worldwide,” said Norma Ritz Johnson, Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director. “U.S. sorghum farmers are ready to meet growing global demand for sorghum, and that is evidenced by this amazing growth in acreage.”

USDA raised its forecast for sorghum production to 454 million bushels, up from its August prediction of 409 million and last year’s total of 373 million. Sorghum Checkoff CEO Tim Lust said the updated projection, combined with strong yield, should make the 2021 crop the most valuable ever, worth over $2.7 billion.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

It is encouraging to see such an uptick in interest for sorghum. We have noticed over the past two years that the efforts of sorghum producers through their checkoff are paying large dividends, especially overseas. But now it seems that sorghum production is also being boosted by demand right here in the U.S. as a mainstay in some feed programs and as a cover crop. Either way, demand is increasing, thus, pushing production to new highs as well. Congratulations to the sorghum industry. If you have sorghum producers in your dealership’s market area – let them know you would like to visit with them about their success and what AgPack has to offer.