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Forage sorghum is next chapter in the aquifer storyForage sorghum is next chapter in the aquifer story

Sorghum Focus: Conserve water and meet the needs of growing dairies with forage sorghum.

John Duff

January 14, 2025

3 Min Read
Corn field with dry land
FORAGE SORGHUM: Farmers facing water shortages may want to consider the emerging markets for forage sorghum from the nearby burgeoning dairy industry in the High Plains.Shelley E. Huguley

For decades, the High Plains have been a powerhouse of value-added agriculture, driving economic growth through its thriving cattle-feeding industry. This region, stretching from Lubbock, Texas, through Kansas and Nebraska, has long been synonymous with livestock production. And at the heart of this story lies grain sorghum, a crop as resilient as the farmers who grow it.

But as much as sorghum has shaped this region’s success, the High Plains face a crisis that demands our attention: water scarcity. 

The Ogallala Aquifer, the lifeblood of High Plains agriculture, is depleting at an alarming rate. Irrigation capacity in some areas has declined by more than 90%, forcing hard conversations about the future of farming and ranching here. To be clear, farmers are not to blame for this predicament. They're simply responding to economic signals, as any business would. When a bank note looms or bills pile up, the only option is to pump water and ensure the crop — or the cattle — survives. Yet if the High Plains are to maintain their status as an agricultural and economic dynamo, we must rethink how we use our most precious resource. 

Enter forage sorghum. Forage sorghum represents a practical, sustainable solution for cattle feeders and dairies facing water constraints. Compared with corn, forage sorghum requires significantly less water while delivering comparable feed value. Experts such as Jourdan Bell, Brent Bean and Steve Martin have written extensively about the crop's potential to reshape cattle rations on the High Plains in both farm and academic press over the past couple of years. 

Related:The 2024 sorghum crop showed resilience

Where irrigated corn silage often sees 20 inches of supplemental water per acre, forage sorghum often sees half that amount. In practice, the difference translates to fewer gallons pumped from the Ogallala, helping preserve the aquifer for future generations. What’s more, forage sorghum's deep root system and natural drought tolerance make it a reliable option in areas where irrigation capacity is already diminished. 

For cattle feeders, the benefits are clear. Not only does forage sorghum offer a water-smart alternative, but it also provides flexibility in meeting ration needs. Grain sorghum, sorghum silage and even distillers’ grains from sorghum ethanol plants are all viable options that make this crop a versatile powerhouse in livestock diets. 

The dairies taking root in the region also are paying attention. With forage sorghum's ability to produce high-quality silage on limited water, it's becoming an increasingly attractive option for dairies looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing productivity.

Related:Farmers’ voices in climate talks must be heard

Still, change is never easy. Transitioning to new practices and inputs takes time, effort and, often, a leap of faith. But the evidence is compelling: To secure the future of agriculture on the High Plains, we must embrace crops and strategies that make every drop of water count. 

Sustainability is a term I write about often, and I’ve heard from more than a few readers who tire of the topic. But the truth is, sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s about keeping farms profitable, rural communities vibrant and the High Plains thriving as a hub of agricultural innovation. 

Forage sorghum isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s a critical piece of the puzzle. By adopting water-smart practices like incorporating forage sorghum into livestock rations, we can extend the life of the Ogallala Aquifer and ensure that the High Plains remain a beacon of value-added agriculture for generations to come. The challenges we face are significant, but so are the opportunities. And just as sorghum has played a pivotal role in this region’s past, I have no doubt it will help write its next chapter. 

About the Author

John Duff

John Duff is founder of Serō Ag Strategies and serves as a consultant to National Sorghum Producers.

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