| Since July 1, 2020: | The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board continues to maintain its basic programs of market development, research, producer & consumer education and federal legislative affairs. The Grain Sorghum Boards international marketing is done through the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and while attending trade missions. International markets development programs are vital to sorghum producers since about 75% of the U.S. sorghum crop is exported. Key international customers include China, Mexico and Japan. Every year, 15% to 25% of the national checkoff funds collected from Nebraska sorghum farmers gets sent back to the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board to assist with improving the sorghum industry through research, promotion and education. Growth in food uses for sorghum creates new, high-value demand. The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board continues their in-state promotion efforts of sorghum for food uses. Educational programs include publication and distribution of recipes, enhanced visibility via social media, etc. Sorghum is gaining awareness and popularity among professional chefs, nutritionists and the healthy consumer. In the last few years, Sorghums use in pet food, primarily dog and cat foods, has been on the rise as the companion animal industry demands high-quality ingredients to incorporate into their formulations. Sorghum processes well into pet food applications and is environmentally friendly. Sorghum is now being utilized by 15 pet food companies in more than 150 products. For human consumption, mainstream brands are adding sorghum to their list of ingredients every year. Producer education efforts include sorghum hybrid demonstration plots, field days, educational seminars, research conferences and farm shows. Board support is also provided through funding or goods and services to other educational and leadership development programs such as the Nebraska FFA, Nebraska Ag Youth Institute, Classroom visits, Ag Day Promotions, and Ag Safety Camps. Program funds invested in federal legislative issues primarily relate to the Farm Bill and Crop Insurance Program and are conducted in collaboration with and through the National Sorghum Producers. Close communication is also maintained with USDA and the EPA and cooperators relative to conservation programs as they impact sorghum farmers. In 2023, National Sorghum Producers (NSP) announced a Climate Smart Commodities Grant by the USDA that will allow NSP to compensate farmers for environmentally friendly practices they utilize in the production of sorghum. The grant is designed as an inset program for biofuels that highlights the eco-friendly aspects of progressive farmers and aims to reward farmers for being good stewards of their land while also providing opportunities for the development of low carbon programs. Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board has been working closely with National Sorghum Producers to find farmers for this $47 Million grant. The Board has also voiced their continued support for the Renewable Fuels Standard and Sustainable Aviation Fuel along with any growth that will contribute to rural economic development and job creation. |