Spring Outlook for Kansas Sorghum

In 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/