The checkoff program for sorghum is relatively new but has already proven to be effective in spurring new investment in sorghum research and in the development of new markets.

For the first time this year, Alta Seeds will offer a herbicide resistant sorghum created through traditional plant breeding. Other varieties are in the pipeline and will be coming soon.

Producers who would like to take a key role in helping develop the future of shorghum while serving their industry have a unique opportunity to serve.

OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: Sorghum producers have an opportunity for making a difference in their industry by serving on the United Sorghum Checkoff Board.

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board will have four positions become vacant in December 2016, with two of those positions available to Kansas sorghum growers.  There is also one Oklahoma seat and one Texas seat. 

As organizations in Kansas certified to nominate producers to serve on the Board, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association and Kansas Farm Bureau, collectively, are searching for sorghum producers interested in appointment to the United Sorghum Checkoff Board.  The term for these seats will expire at the Board’s winter meeting in December 2019.

In accordance with the program rules, persons interested in being nominated must be a sorghum producer and need to complete and submit USDA’s Form AD-755 – Advisory Committee Membership Background Information, and the Nominee’s Agreement to Serve Form along with a cover letter outlining their interest to serve on the USCP Board.  Application forms may also be accessed on USDA’s website at: www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketingprograms by selecting the “Sorghum Program.”

For consideration for support by the three Kansas Certified Producer Organizations, completed applications must be received at the office of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association ([email protected]) or the Kansas Farm Bureau ([email protected]) office by 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 22.