Nebraska farmers consider sorghum amid high corn costs and dry conditions

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — LINCOLN, Neb. — As Nebraska farmers face high input costs and dry conditions, some are considering sorghum as a viable alternative to corn.

Tracy Zink, a farmer from Indianola, is encouraging her peers to diversify their crops.

"Especially going into some especially dry conditions as well as financial uncertainty between markets between trade between our farm bill it's better to split your risks and make sure to get your combine out," said Zink.

The National Sorghum Producers Board is optimistic about sorghum's potential, highlighting its sustainability benefits. Amy France, chair of the national board noted, "fits that as a water-sipping crop. We see often where other crops can't produce sorghum can produce."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a $5 billion drop in grain income for American farmers this year, with a potential trade war adding to the uncertainty.

Tim Lust, CEO of the National Sorghum Producers, emphasized sorghum's economic advantages. "There's no doubt farm economics are not great right now and cost of production on a lot of crops that is generally something sorghum is a lower cost crop to put in," said Lust.

Sorghum supporters are also eyeing growth in the food sector, with interest in non-GMO, gluten-free grains. Lust mentioned, "We've seen that switch more and more of those products, Gerber baby puffs being a notable one that are sorghum based."

At the annual sorghum symposium, held this year at Raising Nebraska at the State Fair, attendees learned that sorghum acres in Nebraska have increased over the past five years. State Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton shared about her family's farm background and how her family had grown sorghum and corn. She mentioned productivity has increased dramatically as farmers grow more with less.

Despite the crop's lack of research compared to corn and soybeans, Zink remains optimistic.

"It's always good to root for the underdog," she said.