January 8, 2010

Sorghum Cropping Profitability Seminars Jan. 19-21

Methods for increasing efficiencies, reducing risk, and improving profitability will be the theme of this year Sorghum Cropping Profitability Seminars.

The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association (NeGSPA) and Grain Sorghum Board, with support from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, and Kansas State University Extension Service will be hosting seminars at three locations in southeast Nebraska January 19–21. Each day the program will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“There are new and exciting things happening within the sorghum industry,” says Don Bloss of Pawnee City, NeGSPA President. “The seminars are intended to share the latest news and production information to make sorghum production more profitable. Producers are always looking for ways to gain efficiencies and reduce risk while achieving top yields.”

“This program is designed to provide farmers information they can apply immediately to their operations,” adds John Dvoracek of Farwell, Chairman of the Grain Sorghum Board. “It also gives them a chance to offer input on the sorghum check-off program as each day includes a public forum hosted by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board.”

Included among the program speakers are:

• Al Dutcher, UNL extension state climatologist, with the weather outlook
• Alvero Cordero, sorghum specialist with the U.S. Grains Council
• Florentino Lopez, marketing director for the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, with an update on activities underway to expand foreign and domestic sorghum markets
• Jennifer Rees, Extension educator in Clay County, with results from research comparing water use among sorghum, soybean, and corn dryland production systems.
• UNL Extension educators who will discuss weed management in sorghum, including data on the effectiveness of newly registered  herbicides for sorghum. They will also address best management practices for atrazine, a widely used agricultural herbicide which is coming under attack by environmental groups.
• Paul Hay and Duane Lienemann, Extension educators in Gage and Filmore counties, respectively, with steps to assure a successful transition from CRP to crop production.
• Kraig Rooseboom, Kansas State University agronomist, will be on the Franklin program to discuss sorghum production fundamentals to achieve maximum yield. Information will also be available on the improved forage quality of brown midrib sorghum and management principles for herbicide tolerance in sorghum.

The noon meal will feature the traditional sorghum pancake feed with all the fixings. Agribusiness representatives will have exhibits to showcase new products and production/management information.

Registration at the door is $5, however, members of the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association will be admitted free.

Producers wanting more information are encouraged to contact their local Extension office or the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board/NeGSPA office at (402) 471-4276 or email: sorghum.board@nebraska.gov.

News Release
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board