University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

August 11, 2006

Sorghum test plot field day Sept. 6 near Gilead

The 2006 Sorghum Hybrid Test Plot Field Day will be Wednesday, September 6 at the Brad Coordsen farm near Gilead. The event will start at 5 p.m. with a tour of the Hybrid Test Plot, which is located 1 mile east of Gilead at the intersection of Hwy. 136 and Hwy. 53.

The hybrid demonstration plot is sponsored annually by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association, UNL Extension, the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board and participating seed companies.

“We’ll have representatives from the commercial seed companies on hand to discuss field performance of their plot entries,” said James Vorderstrasse, NeGSPA Director and Plot Coordinator. “Farmers will be able to see and compare hybrids for themselves.”

“The plot tour is being held in conjunction with the Great Plains Sorghum Research Conference, so there will be many sorghum researchers and industry people also in attendance,” Vorderstrasse added. “This is a great opportunity for farmers to talk to the scientists about their research needs for sorghum.”

A pork chop dinner, featuring sorghum brownies for dessert, will be served at 7 p.m. The evening program will include an address by Dr. Bruce Maunder, Research Consultant for National Sorghum Producers, as he presents a history of sorghum production/advancement and research needs for the future. Dr. Maunder spent his professional career as a sorghum breeder for DEKALB Genetics where he directed their worldwide sorghum research effort and released more than 150 commercial sorghum hybrids.

“National and Nebraska GSP [Grain Sorghum Producers] have been successful in securing nearly $4 million for expanded research efforts to improve sorghum hybrids and advance industrial and value-added uses for the crop,” Vorderstrasse said.

“Current research programs supported by the Association are focused on bringing new weed control technology to sorghum and we’ll have experts on hand to share information about the concept.”

The event will also include a yield guessing contest and door prizes.

News Release
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board

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Copyright 2006 by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. All rights reserved.
Published by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Cooperating with the counties and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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