There is more than just corn when it comes to feed and opportunities for sorghum are growing, says Florentino Lopez, executive director of the United Sorghum Checkoff program who spoke about sorghum utilization trends at last week’s Export Exchange 2016, a conference sponsored by U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) every other year for international buyers of corn, sorghum, barley and ethanol co-products.
Lopez says sorghum compares to corn in price and offers an alternative to farmers looking for economic opportunities. It has nutritional value similar to corn in feed grains for poultry, swine, ducks and beef. However, it also offers a lower iodine quantity that creates a whiter, firmer fat, as well as a lower phosphorus levels that are good for the environment. Sorghum is also used to make ethanol and as a food ingredient. As an ancient, gluten-free grain, sorghum is a good fit for current food market trends.
In addition, sorghum is also being sought after in China. In the past two years China has shifted U.S. exports from Mexico to Asia. From 2014 to 2015 the export market grew from about 40 percent of the total crop to 55 percent.
The United Sorghum Checkoff is also launching a new website, www.simplysorghum.com, aimed at consumers. The site currently offers ideas for using the product in healthy meals, and will soon include information about pet food as well.
Learn more by listening to Lopez’s presentation here: Florentino Lopez, United Sorghum Checkoff
2016 Export Exchange Photo Album
