The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association will share office space and staff, thanks to a new cooperative agreement.

The KGSPA has shared staff and office space with the Kansas Corn Growers Association for several years.

"Corn and sorghum are both feed grains with our main customers being livestock, ethanol and exports. Because of our shared customers and issues, this has been a good fit," according to KGSPA President Greg Shelor of Minneola. "The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission offered an opportunity to bring both of our sorghum groups under one roof."

"Grain Sorghum has several traits and characteristics that allow it to excel in the tough Kansas water and heat stressed environments," said KGSC Chairman Clayton Short "I look forward to working together with the association, commission and all Kansas growers to improve profitability of grain sorghum."

Discussions between the leaders of the two groups began in January and resulted in a contractual arrangement in which the KGSC will be the administrator of the two organizations.

KGSC Chairman Clayton Short of Assaria said the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association and Commission are joining efforts to improve production and profitability for Kansas growers.

"I expect this partnership to function as a very efficient group with joint staff, focused research projects, and provide a unified voice for sorghum growers," Short said. "Grain Sorghum has several traits and characteristics that allow it to excel in the tough Kansas water and heat stressed environments. I look forward to working together with the association, commission and all Kansas growers to improve profitability of grain sorghum."

Bonds between KGSPA and KCGA to remain strong
While KGSPA will no longer share staff with the Kansas Corn Growers Association, KCGA President Bob Timmons of Fredonia said the bonds between the two organizations will remain strong.

"KGSPA has been a part of our family for many years, and while they are leaving our office, we plan to continue to work with them on issues that affect both corn and sorghum farmers," Timmons said.

Sorghum checkoff funds are administered by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, the federal checkoff program authorized through USDA. Through this program, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission receives checkoff funds for research, market development, promotion and education. The association was established by Kansas grain sorghum growers to represent members in legislative and regulatory issues. The commission and association will continue to have separate boards and budgets.

The two groups will share staff. Jill Barnhardt, Administrator of the commission, will serve as Executive Director for the association. The commission and association address is 795 22nd Rd NW, Lebo, KS. The phone number is 785-477-9474.