Board Of Directors

About the United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board of Directors

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is led by a board of directors composed of 13 U.S. sorghum farmers.

The board makeup includes:

• Five seats for the largest sorghum-producing state.
• Three seats for the second-largest sorghum-producing state.
• One seat for the third-largest sorghum-producing state.
• Four at-large national positions.

How does a farmer become a board member?

To become a member of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program board of directors, a farmer must first be nominated by a Certified Producer Organization (CPO) and then appointed by the USDA’s Secretary of Agriculture.

List of Certified Producer Organizations (CPOs) and Qualified State Organizations (QSOs).

USCP Board Member Eligibility

A person is eligible to be nominated for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program board of directors if they are a U.S. sorghum grower. The Sorghum Checkoff prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and, where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.

Representation and nominations to the board are outlined in the Sorghum Promotion, Research, and Information Order; Final Rule in Establishment of Representation and Nominations. As outlined in these provisions, CPOs and the Secretary of Agriculture have the ultimate authority and responsibility of submitting and approving nominations to the board. As such, the Sorghum Checkoff serves in an advisory capacity in providing information and education to potential leaders, as well as CPOs.

USCP Board Member Expectations

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program board of directors is charged with the task of identifying the most pressing issues facing the sorghum industry and working to develop solutions to improve the industry.

The board of directors also works to implement its strategic model, which involves a dynamic relationship between demand and productivity enhancements that will allow for increased producer profitability, which can result in acreage increases.

As a board member, you will:

• Attend three meetings per year (6-15 days).
• Receive reimbursement for travel costs.
• Help direct how assessment money is spent.
• Protect the industry’s reputation.
• Collaborate and network with stakeholders and board members from across the sorghum industry.
• Develop personal leadership and communication skills.
• Serve on committees within the board to focus on industry priorities.

For More Information

For more information on how you can become involved as a United Sorghum Checkoff Program board member, visit SorghumCheckoff.com, or contact the Sorghum Checkoff office at 4201 North Interstate 27, Lubbock, Texas 79403, 800-643-8727 (toll free), 806-687-8727.

You can also contact the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Office of Outreach at 202-690-0487 to find out how you can get involved on commodity research and promotion program boards.

Download the brochure: Represent the Industry You Love: Shape the future of the sorghum industry as a United Sorghum Checkoff Program board member.