Grain sorghum is the bright spot among agricultural commodities right now said Kody Carson, Olton, Texas farmer and chairman of the National Sorghum Producers board of directors.
Carson was recently interviewed by Radio Oklahoma Agriculture Network Associate Farm Director and Editor KC Sheperd.
Sorghum is the silver lining in the commodity world, Carson said, due in part to increased trade with China.
There is a lot of interest in sorghum now, he said.
The west Texas farmer said many producers saw above average yields this year, despite pockets of drought in western Kansas and in his area between Amarillo and Lubbock.
Carson, who has served in various roles with other ag groups, said they all have a common goal to help the farmer.
We all have several eggs in our basket and try to do the best we can, he said.
The sorghum producers are very efficient with how they use checkoff dollars, Carson said.
We work in unity with others and we’re already working on the next farm bill, he said.
Carson said one thing his group has been working on is research on how sorghum fits in the overall demand picture.
Sorghum is a non-GMO gluten-free product and it fits a niche other grains don’t, he said.
It’s a crop that can sit and wait on rain with low inputs, he said.
If we can get some of the research dollars that have been spent on cotton and corn then there can be great strides made in improving sorghum, he said.
A lot of times sorghum has been treated as a stepchild crop and It hasn’t really gotten a fair shake, Carson said.
It’s a very versatile product that can be used in snacks, cereal, energy bars and other things, Carson said.
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