Sorghum State Podcast

Producer leadership sits at the center of this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast. Hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York sit down with Andy Hineman of Dighton, President of the Kansas Sorghum Producers Association, and Brant Peterson of Johnson City, Chairman of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, for a conversation on what it takes to lead from the producer's prospective. Hineman and Peterson discuss their operations and leadership roles and explain the distinct but complementary roles of KSP and the Commission, marking 50 years since the Association helped establish the commission structure in the 1970s. The two also revisit their shared start in Syngenta's Leadership at Its Best program and how checkoff dollars and policy decisions translate back to the farmgate.

In this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, host Maddy Meier takes listeners inside a recent outbound trade mission to China, where Kansas Sorghum and United Sorghum Checkoff Program leaders met directly with international customers to strengthen relationships, better understand market needs and create new opportunities for U.S. sorghum producers. Joining the conversation are Adam York, CEO of Kansas Sorghum; Florentino Lopez, independent agricultural consultant with Creando Mañana, LLC; and Kim Baldwin, McPherson-area sorghum producer and Chairwoman of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. Together, they discuss the importance of international market development and how conversations with global customers help create long-term demand for the sorghum Kansas farmers grow each year. During the mission, the delegation traveled across four Chinese cities, meeting with feed manufacturers, grain buyers and industry leaders before attending the 2026 China Imported Grains & Feed Conference in Shanghai. The group shares what they learned from customers, including what they value most about U.S. sorghum and how strong relationships continue to shape future market opportunities. The episode explores the history of U.S.-China trade relationships, the role of market development efforts and how trade missions help connect producers with customers around the world. Listeners will learn how conversations that happen thousands of miles away ultimately impact Kansas farms by helping maintain and expand demand for sorghum. To learn more about Kansas Sorghum’s market development efforts, research initiatives and programs supporting producers, visit ksgrainsorghum.org. To support the future of the sorghum industry, learn more about membership opportunities at sorghumgrowers.com/join.

What does it take to move groundbreaking research from the lab to the farm? In this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, hosts Maddy Meier and Sanders Williams sit down with Dr. Sarah Sexton-Bowser, managing director of the Center for Sorghum Improvement (CSI), to explore how the Center is helping shape the future of sorghum. From the Center's founding in 2016 to the launch of CSIP 2.0, Sexton-Bowser shares how farmer-driven priorities, strategic partnerships and targeted investments have positioned Kansas as a leader in sorghum innovation. Learn how CSI has helped bring traits to market that are now found in more than 60% of sorghum seed sold in the United States, delivered a threefold return on investment for farmers and secured a $1 million investment from the State of Kansas to advance the next decade of research. The conversation also looks ahead at the technologies that could transform sorghum production, including precision yield strategies, water-use efficiency through the Drop XL project, new computational research tools and expanding market opportunities beyond traditional uses. Whether you're interested in plant breeding, water-smart agriculture or the future competitiveness of sorghum, this episode offers an inside look at the research and collaboration driving innovation for Kansas growers and the entire sorghum industry.

On this special episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York sit down with Kansas Farm Service Agency Director David Schemm for an in-depth conversation on the issues shaping agriculture across Kansas in 2026. From drought concerns and market volatility to ARC and PLC decisions, disaster assistance programs and trade opportunities, Schemm breaks down what Kansas sorghum producers and rural communities need to know heading into the growing season. The episode also explores how FSA programs support beginning farmers, generational farm transition and the future of Kansas agriculture. Listeners will hear practical reminders on acreage reporting, farmers.gov tools, disaster program eligibility and the expanded farm safety net provisions impacting sorghum producers this year. Whether you’re a producer, agribusiness professional or simply interested in the future of Kansas agriculture, this episode delivers timely insight straight from the front lines of farm policy and program delivery.

In this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, the theme is sorghum demand and where it's headed on a domestic front, especially for food-grade varieties. Host Maddy Meier sits down with Sanders Williams, director of emerging markets, to discuss new opportunities shaping the future of sorghum and what her role looks like within the organization. Then, Rachel Klataske, senior director of business development for Nu Life Market shares how sorghum is making its way into school and institutional food programs, and what it takes to move grain from the farm gate to the cafeteria tray. Together, these conversations highlight the growing momentum behind sorghum as a versatile, domestically driven crop with real potential beyond traditional markets. Tune in to hear how these efforts are shaping the future of sorghum and what it means for the industry moving forward. Helpful Links: CSI Seminar Schedule: https://www.csisorghum.org/seminars Join KSP and NSP Today: https://sorghumgrowers.com/join/

I n this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, the team breaks down the latest developments shaping Kansas sorghum—from policy updates at the Statehouse to new research investments and global market engagement. Host Maddy Meier is joined by Adam York and Mindy Wells to cover what’s happening across the Sorghum State and what it means for growers right now. Adam shares a recap of key legislative activity as the Kansas session winds down, including Sorghum Day at the Statehouse, progress on ethanol tax credits, ongoing water policy discussions tied to the Ogallala Aquifer, and efforts to address large-scale grain theft. The conversation highlights how Kansas Sorghum Producers continues to advocate for growers and ensure sorghum remains part of critical policy conversations. Maddy and Mindy then dive into the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission FY2025 Annual Report, outlining how more than $1.2 million in checkoff investments supported research, promotion, and market development. They discuss the launch of CSIP 2.0—a $5 million collaborative research initiative with partners including Kansas State University and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program—and how those investments are advancing genetics, water efficiency, and crop resiliency. The episode also highlights a recap of international market development efforts, including the record-setting inbound trade mission hosted alongside the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council last fall, and previews upcoming educational opportunities through the Center for Sorghum Improvement Monthly Seminar Series, all highlighted in the Commission's FY2025 annual report . Links We Mentioned: KGSC’s FY2025 Annual Report: https://ksgrainsorghum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2025-KGSC-Annual-Report-1-2.pdf Reintroducing the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission Video: https://youtu.be/3TVUXAERf_M?si=EOnf4KJt6KibBlY4 CSI Seminar Schedule: https://www.csisorghum.org/seminars Join KSP and NSP Today: https://sorghumgrowers.com/join/

Each year, Kansas Sorghum welcomes fresh perspective through its Collegiate Fellowship Program, and 2026 is no exception. This month’s episode of the Sorghum State Podcast introduces 2026 Collegiate Food and Ag Policy Fellow Carson Rudd and Communications Fellow Mindy Wells, two Kansas State University students investing their time and talents into advancing Kansas sorghum. They share where they are from, what they are studying and how their campus involvement connects back to agriculture. Rudd also outlines key developments from the 2026 legislative session, including movement on the grain theft bill, higher ethanol blend incentives, and water and conservation investments. With the Legislature past the Turnaround deadline, the focus narrows as priority issues for sorghum growers continue moving through the process. Wells highlights outreach efforts on behalf of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, from conducting harvest interviews across the state to expanding digital communications and supporting events such as Sorghum Connection and the Women Grow the Farm conference. Together, alongside the Kansas Sorghum team, the fellows are helping tell the sorghum story in ways that connect producers, consumers and the next generation. Listen in for the full conversation.

Sorghum State Podcast host Maddy Meier sits down with Lanier Dabruzzi, Director of Nutrition and Food Innovation for the Sorghum Checkoff, to explore why sorghum is stepping into the spotlight. The conversation also highlights a major innovation: IQF (individually quick frozen) sorghum. From the market gap it fills to why foodservice and CPG (consumer packaged goods) teams are calling it a game-changer, they unpack what makes IQF sorghum uniquely flexible, and uniquely challenging, to work with. On the science front, Lanier shares details about a groundbreaking human clinical trial studying traditional white and sumac sorghum varieties. They discuss the health questions researchers aim to answer and how these insights could drive broader consumer recognition and farmer profitability. Tune in to hear what’s fueling excitement at the intersection of science, food, and agriculture—and why sorghum is one grain to watch.

This episode of The Sorghum State Podcast is packed with updates! Hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York explore the critical role of Oklahoma's Tulsa Ports in boosting efficiency for both bulk and value-added Kansas sorghum exports, proving that the Sorghum State is not so "land-locked" after all. You'll also hear more about a farm-to-fork collaboration as K-State student chefs learn about sorghum's potential, bringing the crop to premium plates. Plus, Adam and Maddy share details on the upcoming commodity commission elections in Districts 4, 5, 6, as well as for the upcoming Sorghum Connection Winter series, which returns to a community near you this December. -- Interested in getting involved? Join the KSP and NSP family today at a level that’s right for you: sorghumgrowers.com/join . For more information on the upcoming Kansas commodity commission elections, visit: https://ksgrainsorghum.org/filing-now-open-for-kansas-grain-sorghum-commission-candidates/ .

This month on the Sorghum State Podcast, Maddy Meier and Adam York dive into all things sorghum market advancement, starting with the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission’s FY26 budget. From supporting research and education to wrapping up the original Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program (CSIP), the Commission is keeping Kansas growers equipped for today while investing in tomorrow’s innovations. Maddy and Adam also recap the Sorghum Connection Field Day Series, which brought more than 170 attendees across three Kansas locations together for hands-on demos, ag insights, and farmer-to-farmer learning. Even if you missed the summer events, the Winter Series is coming in December, offering more chances to get boots-on-the-ground insights straight from the experts. Finally, Maddy and Adam take listeners global, covering recent trade team visits from nearly 15 countries and the 2025 Export Sorghum Conference in San Antonio. From ethanol plants and research plots to family farms and consumer products, these delegations got a firsthand look at what makes Kansas sorghum a standout commodity, from livestock feed to renewable fuels. These efforts aren’t just showing the world the value of Kansas sorghum, they’re creating new opportunities for growers in the global marketplace.

Sorghum State Podcast co-hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York guide listeners through a milestone moment for the next decade of sorghum improvement in Kansas: the acceleration of the Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program (CSIP 2.0). Together, they trace the history of the farmer-led initiative from 2016 and explore how it leverages resources for sorghum improvement while opening up the effort over the past 16 months to bolster the program into the future—with enhanced backing from leaders in Topeka. Listeners will hear from four producer leaders shaping the future of the crop: Brant Peterson, Stanton County; Kevin Kniebel, White City; Shane Ohlde, Palmer; and Andy Hineman, Dighton. These producers break down how CSIP 2.0 fits into long-term challenges and innovations with benefits of the investments returned directly to rural Kansas economies and water savings. From behind-the-scenes association strategy at the Kansas Statehouse to boots-on-the-ground farming insights from the fields of Kansas, this episode explores why this milestone matters to producers—and how Kansas Sorghum today helps lead the charge for the next generation of sorghum producers tomorrow. -- Interested in getting involved? Join the KSP and NSP family today at a level that’s right for you: sorghumgrowers.com/join

Welcome back to the Sorghum State Podcast! Hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York bring listeners The State of the Sorghum State . From a $5.8 million public-private investment earlier this spring into the Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program (CSIP)—advancing research in drought tolerance, nutrient efficiency, and forage yield through 2036—to growing international interest in U.S. sorghum for pet food, momentum is building, where a recent trade team traveled to Kansas to evaluate sorghum’s potential as a high-value ingredient in global pet nutrition. Add to that sorghum’s rising profile in school meals and the return of the Sorghum Connection field days this August, and it’s clear Kansas sorghum is stepping into the spotlight this summer. -- Find more details on the 2025 Sorghum Connection Field Day series here .

Confidence grows with action In part two of our special series on Women’s Leadership in the Sorghum Industry. Host Maddy Meier is back with Amy France (National Sorghum Producers), Kim Baldwin and Macy Mueller (United Sorghum Checkoff Program), Kelsey Baker (Kansas Sorghum Producers), and Verity Ulibarri (U.S. Grains Council). This powerhouse panel picks up right where we left off on the importance of collaboration across organizations—from navigating trade disruptions to celebrating collective wins, the conversation highlights the resilience, strategy, and leadership that’s moving the sorghum industry forward. -- Learn more at www.ksgrainsorghum.org, and be sure to stay connected with us by following us (@KansasSorghum) on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates and industry news.

In this special two-part series, Sorghum State Podcast host Maddy Meier shines a spotlight on a few of the many inspiring female leaders within the sorghum industry: Amy France, Chairwoman, National Sorghum Producers; Kim Baldwin and Macey Mueller, Board Members, United Sorghum Checkoff Program; Kelsey Baker, Treasurer, Kansas Sorghum Producers; and Verity Ulibarri, Chairwoman, U.S. Grains Council and former Sorghum Checkoff Chairwoman. In part one, these women reflect on the unique perspectives they bring to the table as female leaders in agriculture. From navigating industry-wide challenges to building strong connections between state and national sorghum organizations, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real talk. Stay tuned for part two! Learn more at www.ksgrainsorghum.org, and be sure to stay connected with us by following us (@KansasSorghum) on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates and industry news.

Big opportunities are emerging for U.S. sorghum in India! In Part 2 of this deep-dive episode of The Sorghum State Podcast, Reece Cannady (USGC) joins Maddy Meier & Adam York to further discuss India’s ethanol blending mandate & grain supply; the 5 million metric tonne market potential; and how farmer investments are driving export growth. Don’t miss this look into global sorghum markets & farmer-led expansion! -- 📲 To stay connected, follow us @KansasSorghum on social platforms or visit our website at www.ksgrainsorghum.org . #Sorghum #AgExports #Ethanol

In this special deep-dive episode of The Sorghum State Podcast, hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York explore the growing opportunities for U.S. sorghum in India with Reece Cannady, U.S. Grains Council Regional Director for South Asia. The conversation covers: India’s ethanol blending mandate and its impact on grain supply The market potential for U.S. sorghum—how big is 5 million metric tonnes? How the U.S. Grains Council, Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, and industry partners are building relationships to expand exports Key takeaways from last fall’s Indian trade delegation visit to Kansas Future goals for U.S. sorghum in India and what they mean for American producers The episode also highlights 65 years of the U.S. Grains Council’s work and the vital role of farmer-led organizations in market expansion! 🎧 Listeners will gain valuable insights into the future of U.S. sorghum in one of the world’s largest emerging markets. Learn more at www.ksgrainsorghum.org 📲 Follow @KansasSorghum on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates and industry news.

In this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, we’re kicking off 2025 with exciting updates from Kansas and beyond! Join hosts Maddy Meier and KSP's 2025 Collegiate Food and Ag Policy Fellow, Andrew Le, as they dive into: 🎙️ Andrew’s journey from Wichita, Kansas, into ag policy and his role with Kansas Sorghum 💡 Kansas Governor Kelly’s $1M proposal for the Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program and its potential to transform water-efficient sorghum research 📈 National ag updates, including Brooke Rollins' nomination as Secretary of Agriculture and USDA’s climate-smart biofuel guidelines 🗓️ A preview of upcoming events like the Kansas Sorghum Producers Annual Meeting and the 2025 Kansas Commodity Classic. Remember, you can RSVP here: https://kscorn.com/kansascommodityclassic/ Tune in now and let’s grow together in 2025! 🎧

Welcome back to the Sorghum State Podcast! Join hosts Maddy and Adam as they highlight key moments from the past year, such as KSP’s advocacy work in Washington D.C., the launch of the Sorghum Connection series, and the Commission’s involvement in critical global trade events like the U.S. Grains Council’s Export Exchange. Learn about the exciting future of sorghum research with the appointment of Dr. Terry Felderhoff as the new lead researcher at Kansas State University, and discover how Kansas sorghum is making waves in new international markets like India. As staff and board leadership look ahead to 2025, there are even more opportunities to expand the reach and success of Kansas sorghum, and things are just getting started. -- Be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming events like the Kansas Sorghum Producers Annual Meeting and the Kansas Commodity Classic. RSVP here . Interested in becoming a member of Kansas Sorghum Producers and National Sorghum Producers? Find a membership that's right for you today at this link .

In this episode, Adam and Maddy explore the incredible benefits of sorghum as a healthy and sustainable food ingredient. Join them as they chat with Lanier Dabruzzi from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, who shares her passion for promoting this versatile grain within the U.S. food supply. Lanier highlights sorghum's nutritional advantages, its inclusion in the USDA's Food Buying Guide, and how it's making its way into school meals through innovative farm-to-school programs. The trio goes on to discuss the rising consumer awareness among health-conscious families and the rediscovery of sorghum by older generations. Tune in to hear about recent promotional successes, including a media event in New York City that caught the attention of Martha Stewart Living magazine, and learn about exciting partnerships, like the collaboration with Jennifer Garner’s Once Upon a Farm, which launched a line of sorghum baby puffs. Discover how consumer demand is shaping sorghum production and why connecting with organizations like the Sorghum Checkoff is crucial for businesses looking to tap into this growing market. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of sorghum and its role in creating a more sustainable food future! -- Read the Martha Stewart Living magazine article featuring sorghum here . Learn more about sorghum's addition to the USDA's Food Buying Guide. Interested in sorghum curriculum resources? You can find those right here .

Welcome to the Sorghum State Podcast, your go-to source for all things Kansas sorghum, brought to you by Kansas Sorghum Producers! In this episode, host Maddy Meier and co-host Adam York explore the latest trends shaping the future of the sorghum industry. They kick off with highlights from the recent Export Exchange conference and a collaborative mission with the Kansas Corn Commission and U.S. Grains Council. Plus, don’t miss important updates on the National Sorghum Yield Contest—entries are open until November 26th! Hear firsthand harvest updates from two of our dedicated commissioners, Jon Berning and Kevin Harris, as they share insights from the field. Maddy and Adam also recognize the Kansans named to Leadership Sorghum Class Seven, cultivating the next generation of industry leaders. Wrapping up, they provide details on how to stay connected and informed about Kansas grain sorghum. Tune in now for valuable insights and updates that matter to you! For more resources, visit us at www.ksgrainsorghum.org . -- Enter the National Sorghum Yield Contest today! Find out more details on the upcoming Eastern tier of commodity commission election deadlines here . Subscribe to the Kansas Sorghum Leader Join KSP and NSP today!