Sorghum Smart Talk: Recent Episodes
United Sorghum Checkoff Program
Sorghum Smart Talk features useful information and provides credible resources relating to the sorghum industry to benefit sorghum growers and industry stakeholders.
Today on #sorghumsmarttalk, we have Sanders Barbee on to discuss her summer adventures from Morocco! Sanders was selected to participate in the IFYE international commodity leadership program for the sorghum industry and was able to experience a summer, immersed in international understanding with a focus on agriculture trade relations, specifically sorghum. Tune in today to hear all about her experience!
Today on #sorghumsmarttalk, Adam York takes the wheel to have a chat with Kristy Lewis & Grace Dennis of Quinn Snacks! Join along as we dive into this tasty sorghum based snack that is on a mission to add transparency back into our food system. Listen today!
Welcome Back to Sorghum Smart Talk! The Checkoff was recently at Kibblecon, hosted in Manhattan, KS and your Executive Director, Norma Ritz Johnson and Director of Ingredient Utilization, Zach Simon are here to tell you all about it! Listen in as they recap all the new technologies happening in the pet world that include sorghum as well as how sorghum, The Resource Conserving Crop™ is a great ingredient to have in your four-legged friend’s diet.
Today on #sorghumsmarttalk, John Duff and Florentino Lopez are joined by Reece Cannady with U.S. Grains Council! Tune in to part 2 of our Global Market Podcast as we dive into a macro view of world trade from a global perspective. Listen to the full episode now!
Today’s episode kicks off a three part series we will be diving into over global markets! John Duff takes the wheel as host today and is joined by Florentino Lopez and Shelee Padgett to discuss how important global markets are for sorghum and US commodities as a whole. Listen to the full episode today!
It’s that time of year! Leadership Sorghum Class V is concluding, which means we are launching the search for Class VI participants! Join Shelee as she brings on Deanna & Matt to discuss their experiences of leadership sorghum and why they took the leap to join.
For more information or to apply, visit https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/our-farmers/leadership-sorghum/
Today on #sorghumsmarttalk, we are bringing you an awesome episode, covering sorghum silage with Texas A&M agrilife extension & research associate professor and agronomist, Jourdan Bell! USCP Communications Manager, Hailey takes the driver seat to interview Jourdan over the importance of sorghum silage, why it matters, and why it could be a great fit for your farm. Tune in to the full episode today!
For more information, visit amarillo.tamu.edu
Jourdan Bell
806.341.8925
jourdan.bell@ag.tamu.edu
Today on Sorghum Smart Talk, USCP Tim Lust is joined by BHA Deputy Director for the Office of Field and Response Operations, Greg Olson, to discuss USAID, food aid, and how sorghum is a key player. Listen to the full episode today!
The 2022 sorghum planting season is here!! Today on Sorghum Smart Talk, our Communications Manager, Hailey, takes the wheel to interview special guest, Lucas Haag, the extension agronomist for K-State research and extension, to discuss sorghum planting, irrigation, and how to maximize your water use.
Find Lucas Haag on twitter - @lucasahaag
For more information, visit https://www.northwest.k-state.edu/agronomy/
Today we are bringing you the full audio from our learning center session “Finding the Sweet Spot: Combining Precision Agriculture and Conservation to Build a Sustainable and Diverse Farming Landscape”. Tune in as we discuss conservation practices targeted to increase an operation’s overall economic profitability and find that “sweet spot” for healthy farming landscapes!
Today on #sorghumsmarkttalk, John, Zach, and Tim take the driver seat as they dive into the basics of sorghum basis. Learn how basis works, how to read the numbers, and what to expect when the prices fluctuate. Tune in today!
This week is the second installment of our two part series highlighting our upcoming learning center session, “Finding the Sweet Spot”. Last week, we discussed the role that precision agriculture can play in implementing conservation practices and improving farm profitability. Today, farmers Andy Hineman & Nick McMichen join us to take a broad look at what sustainability means to them and how precision ag and profitability have influenced their own conservation experiences.
For more details on the Learning Center Session, visit https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/commodityclassic/
We are bringing you a bonus episode on #sorghumsmarktalk! John & Zach co-host today's episode and bring on Chris Hughes and Trenton Jones of White Energy to discuss what they do and how they are dedicated to creating clean energy for a clean future. Tune in today!
In the first installment of a two part series about our upcoming learning center session, “Finding the Sweet Spot”, we bring on our first guest, Dr. Mark McConnell, researcher and wildlife biologist at Mississippi State University, to dive into the role of precision agriculture in implementing conservation practices and improving farm profitability. Listen in now!
For more details on the Learning Center Session, visit https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/commodityclassic/
DeKalb has long been one of America's most well-known agricultural brands. The company is also a significant player in the sorghum seed business, owing to quality genetics and an outstanding team to support its growers. This week on Sorghum Smart Talk, DeKalb sorghum product manager Bryan Thomas joins to talk about the history of DeKalb and what the company has been up to lately.
Today on #sorghumsmarttalk, our very own Norma Ritz Johnson takes the wheel to discuss the changes to the marketing efforts with a team approach and a new staff member addition to fully capitalize on sorghum’s versatility.
Regenerative Agriculture has been established for as long as mankind has been practicing agriculture however it is receiving a renewed focus with principals that center around sustainability & conservation when it comes to farming. Tune in today as we bring on Ethan Miller, USCP Board member and Central, Missouri Farmer who implements regenerative agriculture practices on his farm, to talk about his experience in implementing these practices and how they can benefit you and your farm.
Have you dreamed of seeing the world and learning a new culture? Do you have a passion for agriculture? This week on #sorghumsmarttalk we bring on Ken Gordon with IFYE to discuss the grant recently approved by USCP to fund one participant in the IFYE international commodity leadership program for the sorghum industry! Tune in to learn more about this international exchange experience and how YOU can apply today!
Our nation is dotted with sorghum farmers from Kansas, to Texas, to the Dakotas, to New Mexico and everywhere in between. Leadership sorghum is a program that was developed to connect those farmers to establish lifelong connections & friendships. This week, our Director of Emerging Markets & Grower Leader Development, Shelee Padgett takes the wheel & interviews Leadership Sorghum Class Two graduate, Lance Russell. Tune in to the full episode today!
Zach Simon hosts this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk & brings on a familiar guest, Sarah Sexton-Bowser! Sarah has been on our podcast before, but we wanted to highlight her amazing work with the Center for Sorghum Improvement! Dive in as we discuss how she and her team develop discoveries into viable products that can make an impact into new technologies for farmers along with data driven decision making that is innovating the future of sorghum. Listen to the full episode now!
John Duff is back with another invigorating episode all about the grain market! Tune in as we bring John Miller, founder of Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, Inc. In this episode, we discuss factors affecting the grain market and strategies for managing risk on the farm. Listen to the full episode now!
Dive in with Dr. Brent Bean as he drives us into sorghum & new seed technology with special guest, Scott Staggenborg from S&W Seed Company! In this episode, they discuss research updates, breeding, current trends, and more. Listen to the full episode now!
Our very own Norma Ritz Johnson takes the driver seat to interview native Kansan and Executive Director of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Producers Association, Jesse McCurry. In this episode, they discuss all things KANSAS Sorghum, the purpose & mission of the Kansas commission, this year’s crop, and more. Listen to the full episode now!
Executive Vice President, John Duff returns to the Sorghum Smart Talk podcast to discuss KansCAT in the final installment of the series. In this episode, John brings on Sorghum Checkoff CEO, Tim Lust to discuss overarching conservation & sustainability issues & why they are important. Tune in to the full episode to learn more!
Sorghum Checkoff Sustainability Director Kira Everhart-Valentine returns to Sorghum Smart Talk this week to visit with Nebraska sorghum producer Tracy Zink. Tracy discusses her journey before the farm, why she began producing sorghum, and what sustainability means to her and her farm. Tune in to learn more about why producers like Tracy are choosing sorghum for sustainability.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with former Sorghum Checkoff Board Chairwoman and current U.S. Grains Council At-Large Director Verity Ulibarri. She looks back on her time with the Sorghum Checkoff and discusses what she has learned this past year on the USGC Board of Directors. Tune in to learn more about Verity and her re-election campaign to the U.S. Grains Council Board.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. We discuss the role that farmers play in the production of ethanol, and what we as consumers can do to make a change in the world we live in. To learn more about ethanol and how to make a change visit https://getbiofuel.com/fuelbeyond/.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with the new United Sorghum Checkoff Program Board Chairman Kent Martin. From Alva, Oklahoma, Martin runs a diverse crop operation while also managing an international consulting business. Tune in to learn more about Martin’s family, his business and journey back to the farm.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Sorghum Checkoff Director of Agronomy Brent Bean, Ph.D., to discuss last-minute planting considerations. To learn more about fertilizer recommendation, hybrid selection considerations and suggested seeding rates, listen in before you hit the field for #Plant21.
This week, we have Sorghum Checkoff Market Development Director Doug Bice on the podcast. Bice speaks about sorghum’s role in the consumer foods space and a new partnership between sorghum, pork and pulses called Powerful Pairings. To learn more about an emerging market for U.S. sorghum, listen in!
This week we visit with Brandon Lipps, former deputy undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about hunger and food insecurity. Brandon explains how sorghum, and other American-grown commodities, could be the answer to hunger in the U.S. and around the world. Listen in to learn more about government programs, how these programs feed our neighbors and how American commodities could benefit.
On this edition of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Sorghum Checkoff International Market Development Director Florentino Lopez. He discusses commodity availability on a global scale and what these conditions could potentially mean for American sorghum farmers. To learn more about Florentino’s perspective on what marketing sorghum could look like for the next several years, tune in.
On this week’s episode, we visit with Dan O’Brien, an extension agricultural economist at Kansas State University. Dan is a long standing friend of Sorghum Smart Talk and we are excited to have him back on the podcast to discuss the recently released USDA prospective planting and WASDE reports. Tune in to learn more about marketing grain sorghum in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 marketing years amid historically bullish price and basis.
On this week’s installment of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Sorghum Checkoff Director of Agronomy Brent Bean, Ph.D., to discuss waxy sorghum. Bean breaks down what makes waxy sorghum unique from grain sorghum, potential market opportunities and offers advice to growers who may be interested in growing waxy varieties. He wraps up the episode with last-minute consideration for the 2021 growing season, covering mostly fertilization options. Listen in!
On this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, Corteva Strategic Account Manager Russell French discusses sorghum seed availability as growers begin to finalize planting decisions in northern Texas. Russell provides growers with planting considerations, hybrid selection and what the particular weather patterns could mean for seed supply. Tune in!
On this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Sorghum Checkoff Sustainability Director Kira Everhart-Valentin, Pheasants Forever Chris McLeland and Kansas sorghum farmer Garrett Love to talk about the sustainable relationship between sorghum operations and upland game bird populations. To learn more about this upcoming partnership from the perspective of our checkoff, a conservation group and a sorghum farmer, tune in! We might be a little biased—but this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Resources:
https://pheasantsforever.org/
https://quailforever.org/
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2020/12/17/for-love-of-the-land/
On this installment of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with the newest edition to the Sorghum Checkoff, Norma Ritz Johnson. After working for the Lubbock community for over a decade, Norma started serving as the checkoff’s executive director earlier this year. She brings a culmination of prior sorghum experience, expansive leadership capabilities and industry rapport to the Sorghum Checkoff’s team. We are excited to welcome Norma to the team—we hope you are, too!
We had Dave White from the 9B Group on this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk. Dave works for a benefit corporation focused exclusively on improving public health through agricultural channels. For Dave's insight into proposed climate initiatives and what could be expected in the sustainability space, tune in.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Daniel Sell—better known as Farmer Dan. Daniel describes his family’s farming operation in the Texas Panhandle, his experience on social media and how he advocates for agriculture to diverse audiences. To learn more about Dan and his online presence, listen in!
On this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Policy Director Patrick Wade about his role on the agricultural technical advisory committees for trade and what free trade could mean for American sorghum producers. To learn more about emerging market opportunities, the potential for existing market expansion and what is on the docket for trade policy, listen in.
We kick off 2021 with Sorghum Checkoff CEO Tim Lust on the year’s first installment of Sorghum Smart Talk. Sorghum just closed out one of the most exciting years to date, and the industry is looking forward to all the new things 2021 could bring. Lust discusses price, basis, exports, markets and more. You don’t want to miss this one!
As 2020 comes to a close, the Sorghum Checkoff welcomes 2021 with open arms. On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Sorghum Checkoff Past Chairman Craig Poore from Alton, Kansas. Craig shares how his operation fared in 2020, reflects on his time with the Sorghum Checkoff and what he looks forward to in 2021 for the sorghum industry.
On this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Miranda Barrett from Texas’ Coastal Bend. Barrett talks about her journey from a nurse in Houston, Texas, to a farmer in South Texas. She reflects on how her role has changed since she arrived on the farm, and what she is looking forward to in the future. Tune in!
We visit with Sorghum Checkoff Agronomy Director Brent Bean, Ph.D., on this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk. Bean advises growers to consider the area’s projected weather forecast, different hybrids and the application of new technologies. Listen in to learn more!
On the final episode of a three-part series looking at sorghum in 2021, we have Tom Christiansen from Foresight Brokerage, LLC, on to talk about what could be on the horizon for coarse grains—specifically sorghum—in the upcoming season. He discusses risk management, global demand and what farmers can be to protect themselves from market volatility.
On the second episode of our three-part series covering sorghum markets, we visit with a very special guest. This week, we talked with Paul Huang of Jun Jie Agricultural Trading Company, the largest Chinese importer of U.S. sorghum. Paul discusses the need for American sorghum in recovering, emerging and strengthening Chinese markets, and says, “if you can grow it, we will buy it.” Listen in!
On the first installment of a three part series covering all things sorghum markets, we visit with Dr. Dan O’Brien from Kansas State University. O’Brien breaks down how the 2020 season went, predicts how the 2021 season will go and encourages farmers to act now. Listen in!
National Sorghum Producers Executive Vice President John Duff and Sorghum Checkoff Market Development Director Doug Bice co-host this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk to discuss pet food with Kansas State University Research Professor Greg Aldrich, Ph.D. The trio tackles the nutritional benefits of sorghum in campion animal formulations, how the pet food industry has changed in the past six months and what might be around the corner for sorghum in pet foods.
Sorghum Checkoff Sustainability Director Kira Everhart-Valentin joins us on Sorghum Smart Talk to chat about sustainability, conservation and potential industry partnerships. Everhart-Valentin explains that sorghum is well positioned to take advantage of both current and future initiatives, what the sustainability space may look like in a few years and what the Sorghum Checkoff is doing across the industry to promote sorghum’s sustainable properties.
With sorghum harvest creeping further north, we have Kooper Kutter Product Development and Marketing Manager Alan VanNahmen on this week’s episode to discuss their ARRO conversion. VanNahmen explains that ARRO is making sorghum harvest fun again by converting a corn head to cut sorghum and other agronomic crops. To learn more about their kits, how the conversion works and how you can get one—or a few—on your farm, listen in!
This week's Sorghum Smart Talk features Nu Life Market President Earl Roemer. Earl is a fifth generation farmer from Scott City, Kansas, who has always been interested in value-added agriculture opportunities. This interest led him to create Nu Life Market, a sorghum-based food company providing both bulk and retail products to consumers. To learn more about the company’s start, Roemer’s market projections and what the future of consumer foods may look like, tune in!
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we get to know United Sorghum Checkoff Program Chairman Craig Poore. Poore, hailing from Stockton, Kansas, manages a diversified agronomic operation and cow-calf program. Learn more about Poore’s family, his involvement with the sorghum industry and his take on the American agriculture.
At the Sorghum Checkoff, we are so grateful for our farmer leaders and all they do to advance the checkoff’s mission and vision. On behalf of the sorghum industry, we thank you!
With exciting export activity in the Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, we thought it would be fitting to have Bryce Wilde from Lyford, Texas, on to discuss the Port of Brownsville’s potential impact on the grain trade in South Texas. Wilde describes his operation, their decision to install on-farm storage and their role with West Plains LLC and Brownsville’s port. Sorghum farmers in deep South Texas now have the option to move grain to a port that offers full functionality in close proximity, leveraging their ability to create profit.
This week, we visited with Sorghum Checkoff Agronomy Director Brent Bean, Ph.D., and Crop Improvement Director Justin Weinheimer, Ph.D., about the sorghum industry’s battle with the sugarcane aphid. When these pests appeared in 2015, they created the perfect storm to be extremely detrimental to the domestic sorghum supply. Thanks to the Sorghum Checkoff's work in conjunction with private industry, public institutions and the sorghum supply chain, the industry was able to recover in a big way and farmers are more effectively managing the pest. Learn more about how far we have come in combating the sugarcane aphid on this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk!
On this week’s Sorghum Smart Talk episode, we are joined by Sorghum Checkoff board members to discuss their recent elections to the U.S. Grains Council’s board of directors. Jim Massey from Robstown, Texas, talks about his service as the new sorghum sector chair and Verity Ulibarri from eastern New Mexico speaks about being elected as an at-large board member. The pair emphasizes the importance of leadership at every level, how leadership influences markets and what producers can do to get involved.
Cargill Sorghum Product Line Manager Bob Vanderloo talks about the importance of market consistency, sorghum demand and grain trading on this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk. Vanderloo urges producers to take advantage of markets created by checkoffs, trade associations and federal agencies to create profit and avoid market volatility. Tune in to learn more about meeting international sorghum customer’s expectations!
On this edition of Sorghum Smart Talk, we have Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez on to discuss the Sorghum Checkoff’s recent initiatives to expand into Asian markets. Lopez dives into Vietnamese aquaculture, Chinese liquor and Indian market penetration. To learn more about the regulatory process of getting into these countries, the impact it could have on domestic grain demand and future Sorghum Checkoff initiatives, listen in!
We visited with AgBiTech Technical Agronomist Brock Welch on this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk. AgBiTech is a global leader and innovator in biological pest control solutions. Topics of discussion include the company’s background, technologies and global applications. To learn more about AgBiTech’s commitment to sorghum growers, listen in!
On this week’s edition of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visited with John Miller, owner of Southwest Agribusiness Consulting, Inc., to discuss the recently released acreage report and what it means for farmers and the grain market. Topics of discussion include risk management, marketing considerations and ways farmers can take advantage of current market conditions. To learn more about marketing your grain sorghum, tune in!
https://www.agconsult.net/
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Sorghum Checkoff Crop Improvement Director Justin Weinhiemer, Ph.D., about new herbicide tolerance technologies in sorghum followed by Advanta’s North America Business Director Barry Lubbers who talks about their product -- igrowth™. In this two-part episode, we discuss Sorghum Checkoff efforts to bring this new technology to growers, and we dive deeper into Advanta’s seed product launched this summer. To learn more about the technologies, stewardship and what you can expect from Advanta in the future, listen in to this week’s episode!
There are very few combinations that make as much sense as quail, pheasants and sorghum. On this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s Ryan Heiniger and Chris McLeland to discuss what role sorghum plays in wildlife conservation. To learn more about this collaboration, tune in to this week’s episode.
https://www.pheasantsforever.org/
https://quailforever.org/
In this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we welcome two new staff members to Team Sorghum, Kira Everhart-Valentine and Clint White. The Sorghum Checkoff recently launched an initiative to increase market value for growers by positioning sorghum as a sustainable solution for food, feed and energy sectors that serves the global community and its needs for nutrition and environmental health. The board also named Kira Everhart-Valentin as the organization’s first sustainability director.
Additionally, the Sorghum Checkoff recently hired Clint White as Director of Communications. White will be responsible for the planning, development and implementation of all Sorghum Checkoff communications, both externally and internally.
To learn more about the new team members, visit https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2020/06/03/team-sorghum-strengthens-communications-department/ and https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2020/03/30/uscp-launches-sustainability-initiative-hires-sustainability-director/.
Over the last couple of years, the sorghum industry overall has renewed a focus on conservation and sustainability. The National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) plays a critical role in that, and this podcast is the first in a series to discuss this effort and farming practices that promote conservation and sustainable practices.
Sorghum Checkoff Board Director Shayne Suppes traveled to Japan to promote U.S. sorghum to the emerging Japanese market. Suppes reconnected with Asian buyers he met during Export Sorghum, an exclusive, one-day educational seminar for grain buyers from around the world, while promoting American grain with particular focus on food-grade varieties. The expedition was coordinated by the U.S. Grains Council. Listen to this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk to hear the details and successes from Suppes.
Adam Schindler, sorghum farmer from Reliance, South Dakota, and USCP board member, and National Sorghum Producers representative Linsey Ogden, joined us on this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk to discuss their recent mission to East Africa coordinated by the U.S. Grains Council focusing on food aid market opportunities. These efforts could have potential for U.S. sorghum farmers to help feed the world while also gaining a market opportunity for their crop. Listen in to learn more about their excursion and ongoing market development for sorghum in food aid.
In this special episode we sit down with eight Leadership Sorghum class members and alumni to hear about their experiences in the program and how it has impacted them. The Leadership Sorghum program has graduated 59 farmers from 13 different states and numerous alumni are involved in state and national organizations to date.
If you are interested or know someone who would be a good candidate for Leadership Sorghum Class V, contact Shelee Padgett at shelee@sorghumcheckoff.com or visit sorghumcheckoff.com/LeadSorghum for more information.
Leadership Sorghum Class is a program designed to foster the next generation of sorghum leaders. The program exposes members to various aspects of the sorghum industry from basic and applied research to international marketing. Through both hands-on and classroom-style education, participants gain an understanding of how sorghum moves through the value chain, how checkoffs and interest organizations interact on behalf of the industry and what the future holds for the crop. The program also provides professional development training and networking opportunities.
Team Sorghum would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In this special seasonal episode we visit with Terry Swanson, a farmer and rancher from Walsh, Colorado, and National Sorghum Producers past chairman. Swanson has been involved in sorghum industry leadership at the state and national levels and shares his experiences with us in those roles. He also shares his family’s Christmas traditions, reasons to be thankful and his optimism for 2020, putting 2019 behind us.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we talk with Tom Martin about his business, Milo Insulation. Based out of Tulia, Texas, the company sources its product locally by direct contracting with sorghum farmers throughout Texas to make chemical-free, economically responsible insulation products. Be sure to tune into this week’s episode to learn more about Martin’s passion for sorghum in the industrial industry.
Milo Insulation website: https://www.miloinsulation.com/
Milo Insulation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MILO-Insulation-706984663054415
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we chat with JB Stewart from Keyes, Oklahoma, to learn more about him, his operation and how he and his family celebrate the holiday. JB was the National Sorghum Producers Chairman from 2014-2015. Tune into our special Thanksgiving episode of Sorghum Smart Talk as we discuss Turkey Day traditions and count our blessings in agriculture.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with California grain crop farmer Tara Beaver to discuss mental health and her social media campaign surrounding the subject, #MentalHealthMonday. Mental health in rural America and in agriculture is becoming an increasingly important topic. Beaver said social media acts as a platform to show others they are not alone, in and outside of agriculture. If you are interested in engaging in #MentalHealthMonday follow @beavervineyards on Instagram.
Links:
Tara Beaver Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavervineyards/?hl=en
Tara Beaver YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8EMCmT9cXLFYVQ9OIIJGg
Beaver Vineyards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beavervineyards/
Beaver Vineyards Website: https://www.beavervineyards.com/
Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/
This week on Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) Director Daniel Neenan. We discuss resources such as rescue programs and safety training designed specifically for agriculturists. Neenan expresses how important farm safety is and encourages certain precautions be taken to ensure the farmer’s and family’s well being.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with Jim Massey, a sorghum farmer from Robstown, Texas, and the Vice Chairman for the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors. Massey recently went on a mission to Spain with the U.S. Grains Council to evaluate market potential and how conditions could potentially create an opportunity for increased exports of U.S. sorghum into the country.
In this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with Chairman of the National Sorghum Foundation Larry Lambright. We discuss the Foundation and scholarship opportunities for active university students interested in studying agriculture and, more specifically, the sorghum industry. Lambright’s passion for agriculture and long-time service to sorghum, including time at DEKALB and Chromatin, has led him to his current role as foundation chairman where he mentors youth in the industry.
To learn more about the foundation and scholarship opportunities, visit the National Sorghum Foundation website at https://sorghumgrowers.com/foundation-scholarships/.
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we talk with Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy, LLC in Oakley, Kansas. Western Plains Energy is an ethanol plant that direct contracts with several farmers to supply their grain. Listen in to hear how both parties may benefit from the arrangement.
http://wpellc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/westernplainsenergy
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with Mike Baker. Baker is a sorghum farmer from Trenton, Nebraska, serving as chairman for the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board and on the National Sorghum Producers Legislative Committee. Baker has cultivated a successful operation through dynamic marketing and his willingness to experiment with different agronomic techniques. Tune in to learn more about Baker’s operation.
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board website: http://www.sorghum.nebraska.gov/
National Sorghum Producers website: https://sorghumgrowers.com/
In this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with John Williams. Williams farms in Enfield, Illinois, and serves on the National Sorghum Producers Legislative Committee on behalf of the sorghum industry. Williams joins us to discuss his investment in marketing strategies on his operation and the pet food market he is able to take advantage of with his grain sorghum. These factors led Williams to implementing on-farm storage and bagging capabilities, giving him more control over the price of his grain.
Links:
https://sorghumgrowers.com/leadership/
On this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with Jeff Zortman. Zortman is a sorghum farmer from Fowler, Kansas, and a newly appointed Sorghum Checkoff board director. Zortman produces food grade sorghum on his operation, branching out into the consumer food industry. Following a detailed marketing plan and consumer trends has allowed Zortman to increase profitability on his operation.
http://www.richardsonseeds.com/
http://grainberry.com/
In this week’s episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we talk with Stephen Bigge, a sorghum farmer from Stockon, Kansas, and Chairman of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission. Tune in as we discuss the importance of a dynamic marketing plan, seeking emotionally uninvested marketing advice and how these factors have contributed to the success and profitability of his operation.
Stephen Bigge’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/biggefarms
Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission website: https://ksgrainsorghum.org/
Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission Twitter: https://twitter.com/kssorghum
In this episode we spoke with Joe Kelley of United Ag in El Campo, Texas, about Export Sorghum 2019 and the success of the event since its inception. Kelley has participated in Export Sorghum each year since 2014 and has seen results by gaining customers. Listen in to hear more about how the Sorghum Checkoff uses Export Sorghum to drive market development and consumer demand for U.S. sorghum.
In this week’s episode we sit down with Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN. Harris-Pincus is a nutrition communications specialist and registered dietitian. We discuss how sorghum has influenced her career as a dietitian and why she is passionate about the grain. With experience as an author, speaker, spokesperson, corporate consultant and dietary industry, Harris-Pincus is a wealth of knowledge on all things nutrition and communications and has advocated on behalf of the Sorghum Checkoff for several years.
Links:
Nutrition Starring You Website: https://nutritionstarringyou.com/
Nutrition Starring You Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NutritionStarringYou/
Lauren Harris-Pincus’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenpincusrd/?hl=en
Lauren Harris-Pincus’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/laurenpincusrd?lang=en
In this episode we chat we the Kim and Adam Baldwin, farmers and ranchers from McPherson County in Kansas. On their operation, the Baldwins raise wheat, corn, soybeans, grain sorghum and cattle. In addition to helping manage the farm, Kim runs a blog, Alive and Well in Kansas, and is a member of the CommonGround™ Kansas team. Through consumer education, the Baldwins exemplify what it means to be an agricultural advocate.
Kim Baldwin’s Twitter:
https://twitter.com/kimraybaldwin
Kim Baldwin’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kimraybaldwin/
Alive and Well Kansas’ Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Aliveandwellinkansas/
Kim Baldwin’s Blog
https://aliveandwellinkansas.wordpress.com/tag/kim-baldwin-blog/
CommonGround Kansas Website
https://www.commongroundks.com/
In this episode, we visit with Adam York, the new Director of Programs for Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. Coming from an agricultural and legislative background, York will use his previous life experiences to help Kansas Grain Sorghum continue move the needle for growers through promotion, research and networking.
Kansas Grain Sorghum Twitter
https://twitter.com/kssorghum
Kansas Grain Sorghum Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kansassorghum/?hl=en
Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ksgrainsorghum
Kansas Grain Producers Association
https://www.facebook.com/kansas.sorghum/
Kansas Grain Sorghum Website
https://ksgrainsorghum.org/
In this episode we sat down with Trevor McKeeman, CEO of HitchPin, and Evan Stone with Agrellus to discuss different tools available for today's growers. HitchPin and Agrellus are two of the many apps available to farmers and serve as ecommerce market platforms designed to connect farmers, industry and suppliers.
Hitch Pin Twitter
https://twitter.com/HitchPin_Ag
HitchPin Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/HitchPin/
Agrellus Twitter
https://twitter.com/AgrellusFarm
Agrellus Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/agrellus.farm/
Agrellus Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/agrellusfarm/
HitchPin Website
https://www.hitchpin.com/
Agrellus Website
https://www.agrellus.farm/#/home
In this episode, we visit with Dale Artho, sorghum farmer in Wildorado, Texas, and former NSP board member, and Patrick Wade with Texas Sorghum Producers about their positions on the USDA trade advisory committees, Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee (APAC) and Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC). With Artho and Wade on these committees, the sorghum industry has opportunity for input on trade issues.
Read more about the USDA trade advisory committees:
https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-advisory-committees
In this episode we visit with Rural Media Group’s Markets Editor John Jenkinson. John is known for his roles on RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 on SiriusXM. John grew up on his family farm in Southwest Kansas where they grow sorghum as well as other crops, and remains involved in the operation today.
Don't forget to subscribe to the show to stay in the loop and get updates on future episodes! Rate us, and leave a review to let us know what you think.
Follow John Jenkinson on Twitter: @JohnJenkinson2
Follow RFD-TV on social here:
Facebook: /OfficialRFDTV
Twitter: @OfficialRFDTV
Instagram: @rfdtv
Follow RURAL RADIO Channel 147 on social here:
Facebook: RURALRADIO147
Twitter: @RURALRADIO147
Instagram: @RURALRADIO147
In this episode we had the opportunity to speak with Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor about the state of the ethanol industry. Prior to joining Growth Energy, Emily served as Vice President of Communications for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and as the Executive Director of the CHPA Educational Foundation.
Topics included the importance of E15 fuels, ethanol exports and Growth Energy’s efforts on behalf of the industry. As the largest market for sorghum in the U.S., ethanol and renewables fuels move forward as a steady and important industry for sorghum producers.
Growth Energy Twitter: https://twitter.com/GrowthEnergy
Growth Energy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrowthEnergy/
Growth Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growthenergy/?hl=en
Don't forget to subscribe to the show to stay in the loop and get updates on future episodes! Rate us, and leave a review to let us know what you think.
In this episode we visit with Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Florentino Lopez about sorghum’s growth potential in the aquaculture industry. The potential for sorghum use in aquaculture nutrition
programs could create a new market opportunity for U.S. producers. Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. agriculture industry and is rising in popularity globally in countries like
China, which represents nearly 70 percent of global fish and shellfish production. With the expanding aquaculture industry, there is an accelerated interest in discovering plant-based dietary sources like sorghum. Read more here.
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In this episode we visit with Jeff Miller of ForeFront Agronomy, LLC to discuss sorghum irrigation management. Miller discusses different tools he helps growers use and adopt to maximize their water when irrigating sorghum and other crops.
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In this episode we visit with the Meeker family to celebrate Father's Day! Craig farms in Wellington, Kansas, with his father and uncle, and together they discuss the value of a multigenerational farm. The Meekers make farming responsibly a priority to maintain a sustainable operation for future generations. Craig is also on the National Sorghum Producers board of directors.
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The Sorghum Checkoff is closing another season with NASCAR driver Austin Wayne Self and his managing partner AM Racing. Listen to NASCAR driver and sorghum advocate, Austin Wayne Self, from the track recently at Texas Motor Speedway.
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Late planting with grain sorghum could provide farmers opportunity. As wet conditions persist for farmers across the U.S., producers calculating options as major crop plant deadlines loom can listen to our special episodes this week on "Sorghum Smart Talk" about insurance considerations.
Additional Resources:
Agronomy Tips Page
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/for-farmers/agronomy-tips
Markets Overview Page - For market related questions
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/market-opportunities/markets-overview/
NSP News Release - Late Planting with Grain Sorghum Could Provide Farmers Opportunity
https://sorghumgrowers.com/2019/05/29/late-planting-with-grain-sorghum-could-provide-farmers-opportunity/
Sorghum Management Following a Wet Winter and Spring
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2019/04/08/sorghum-management-following-a-wet-winter-and-spring/
Preemergence Weed Control
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2018/03/08/successful-grain-sorghum-production-requires-effective-pre-emergence-weed-control/
Fertilizing Grain Sorghum
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2019/03/11/fertilizing-grain-sorghum/
Seeding Rate
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2017/01/09/sorghum-seeding-rate/
Sorghum Checkoff Connections Directory
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/connections-directory/
Late planting with grain sorghum could provide farmers opportunity. As wet conditions persist for farmers across the U.S., producers calculating options as major crop plant deadlines loom can listen to our special episodes this week on "Sorghum Smart Talk" about agronomic considerations.
Additional Resources:
Agronomy Tips Page
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/for-farmers/agronomy-tips
Markets Overview Page - For market related questions
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/market-opportunities/markets-overview/
NSP News Release - Late Planting with Grain Sorghum Could Provide Farmers Opportunity
https://sorghumgrowers.com/2019/05/29/late-planting-with-grain-sorghum-could-provide-farmers-opportunity/
Sorghum Management Following a Wet Winter and Spring
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2019/04/08/sorghum-management-following-a-wet-winter-and-spring/
Preemergence Weed Control
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2018/03/08/successful-grain-sorghum-production-requires-effective-pre-emergence-weed-control/
Fertilizing Grain Sorghum
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2019/03/11/fertilizing-grain-sorghum/
Seeding Rate
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/news-and-media/newsroom/2017/01/09/sorghum-seeding-rate/
Sorghum Checkoff Connections Directory
https://www.sorghumcheckoff.com/connections-directory/
Sorghum Checkoff Quarterly Report
2nd Quarter
Jan.-March 2019
Time Stamps:
00:10 - Welcome - Florentino Lopez, Executive Director
02:35 - Communications Direct - Jennifer Blackburn, External Affairs Director
05:45 - Crop Improvement - Justin Weinheimer, Crop Improvement Director
13:55 - Market Development - Doug Bice, Market Development Director
24:10 - Renewables - John Duff, Renewables Program Director
28:34 - From the Field - Brent Bean, Director of Agronomy
32:10 - Regional Update (East Region) - Brent Crafton, Regional Director
38:40 - Regional Update (Texas) - Shelee Padgett, Regional Director
41:06 - Regional Update (Kansas) - Zach Simon, Regional Marketing Director
45:10 - Conclusion - Shalin Pinkerton, Communications Manager
Today we honor the fallen and thank those who have served our country on this episode of Sorghum Smart Talk. Listen in as we discuss the SAVE farm program with Josh and Julia Debes from Hoisington, Kansas, as well as crop outlook for their region this year.
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In this episode we visit with Team Sorghum interns past and present. National Sorghum Producers and the Sorghum Checkoff are shaping tomorrow's leaders and investing in the next generation of agricultural advocates. Listen in to hear about their unique experiences and opportunities.
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In this episode we discuss a career in agriculture media with Tyne Morgan, host of the U.S. Farm Report. Tyne gives us some great insight on her college experience and the value of internships. She also presents her opinion on the use of social media and the importance of family.
Tyne began broadcasting at the young age of 16 and has never looked back. Listen in as she tells her story!
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In this episode we visit with Dan O'Bien, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. O'Brien gives an update on sorghum exports, current prices, basis, how trade negotiations are affecting these and marketing options farmers can utilize in this market situation.
O'Brien's extension and applied research efforts have been in the areas of grain and bioenergy market analysis, irrigated and dryland cropping systems and crop enterprise profitability. Read his full bio here.
Celebrate Mother's Day with Team Sorghum on this episode as we visit with Amy France of Marienthal, Kansas. Amy is an NSP board director and is passionate about raising her family on the farm.
Listen in as we discuss Amy's advocacy efforts and how she uses her experience as a mother to relate to those outside of agriculture.
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In this episode we visit with Ross Ramsey, executive editor and co-founder of the Texas Tribune. Topics of discussion include the value of rural communities, education and school finance, property taxes, eminent domain and water issues.
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In this episode we visit with Martin Hawver of Hawver's Capitol Report, a well-known news service in Kansas. Hawver discusses rural revitalization in western Kansas, demographics and western Kansas representation, property taxes, access to broadband in rural communities and a variety of other current topics.
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In this episode, we spoke with Nate Blum, new Executive Director for the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. Blum recently transitioned into the role following Barb Kliment who retired after over 30 years of service to the industry.
Blum discusses the recent flooding in Nebraska, plans for the future and why he is passionate about his new position with Team Sorghum.
You can learn more about the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board on their Facebook page or on Twitter.
Don't forget to subscribe to the show to stay in the loop and get updates on future episodes! Rate us, and leave a review to let us know what you think.