Aug. 20, 2010

Sorghum growers can view and compare hybrid performance and visit with commercial representatives at the 2010 Sorghum Field Day Sept. 8 at Blue Hill. The event starts at 5 p.m. with a tour of the Hybrid Demonstration Plot three miles south of Blue Hill.

The plot is sponsored annually by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association (NeGSPA), UNL Extension, the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board, participating seed companies, and agribusiness. This year’s sponsorship also includes the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.

“We’ll have representatives from the commercial seed companies on hand to discuss their plot entries,” said Kenneth Herz, NeGSPA director and plot coordinator. “Farmers will be able to see and evaluate field performance for themselves.”

“Sorghum is often grown in areas where water is limited due to its ability to be more water efficient,” said Jennifer Rees, UNL extension educator and one of the speakers. “This project, funded by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board, is a side-by-side comparison study to quantify and demonstrate water uptake by three different crops – corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum. The data gleaned from the project will help us understand crop water use under normal rainfall conditions.”

A dinner, featuring sorghum cookies for dessert, will be served at 6:30 p.m. The evening program will include remarks by Bill Greving of Prairie View, Kan., chair of the Board of Directors of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. He’ll provide an update on the national sorghum checkoff.

“The checkoff officially began in July 2008,” Herz said. “Producers will have the opportunity to hear firsthand what the program has accomplished and their plans for the future to improve the profitability of sorghum producers.”

Site Location

• From Blue Hill go 3 miles south on Highway 281, then ½ mile east on Highway 4
• From Lawrence go 9 ½ miles west on Highway 4

More Information

For more information on the tour, contact the Nebraska Sorghum Board at (402) 471-4276 or sorghum.board@nebraska.gov