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Champions for the Sorghum Industry

The Sorghum Promotion, Research and Information Order was approved by USDA in May 2008 and began collecting assessments on July 1, 2008. On July 1, 2023, the United Sorghum Checkoff Program will proudly celebrate its 15th anniversary. This milestone marks a decade and a half of relentless dedication to advancing sorghum genetics, expanding market opportunities, conducting impactful research, promoting education and raising consumer awareness. Throughout the years, the program has made significant contributions to the sorghum industry, benefiting both farmers and consumers alike. This anniversary serves as a testament to the program’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its pivotal role in shaping the future of sorghum.

Read the full press release here 

Paying Homage to the First Board of Directors

  • Earl Roemer – Scott City, Kansas
  • Dale Artho – Wildorado, Texas
  • Jeff Casten – Quenemo, Kansas
  • The late Troy Skarke – Claude, Texas
  • The late Bill Kubecka – Palacios, Texas
  • Bill Greving – Prairie View, Kansas
  • Louise Rigdon – Blackwell, Oklahoma
  • Greg Shelor – Minneola, Kansas
  • Jerry Van Zee – Platte, South Dakota
  • Stewart Weaver – Edmonson, Arkansas
  • James Vorderstrasse – Hebron, Nebraska
  • The Late Gary Kilgore – Chanute, Kansas
  • The late Billy Bob Brown – Panhandle, Texas

scroll for some of the
checkoff’s Biggest Wins

July 1, 2008

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.

First Leadership Sorghum Class

The Sorghum Checkoff launched the first Leadership Sorghum Class to cultivate the next generation of leaders.

2018 – record export of bushels to china

U.S. sorghum reached the billion-bushel export mark to China.

double haploid technology initiation

in 2017, double haploid technology was introduced into sorghum breeding. 

2021 – Another record breaking export year

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.

The Sorghum Checkoff commits to reveal the potential and versatility of sorghum through increased shared value