Investing In Grower Profitability

The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission (Commission) drives the profitability of Kansas growers by investing in sorghum promotion, cutting-edge research, and market development. Created by the State of Kansas under K.S.A. 2-3002, our mission centers on the sound stewardship of financial resources to ensure sorghum remains a long-lasting, sustainable, and profitable crop for the “Sorghum State.”

View KGSC Bylaws

How the Checkoff Works

USDA established the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) in 2008 under the federal Commodity Research and Information Act of 1996. The Commission is a qualified state organization (QSO) eligible to receive federal sorghum checkoff dollars; there is no state sorghum checkoff in Kansas.

The national sorghum checkoff assessment is six-tenths of one percent the market value of a bushel of grain sorghum at first point of sale, The Commission operates through these assessments or “passback funds” from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, which empowers growers to leverage collective resources to:

  • Develop New Markets: Expanding domestic and international demand.
  • Fuel Innovation: Funding research that improves crop performance.
  • Ensure Integrity: Operating under USDA Agricultural Marketing Service oversight to guarantee fiscal accountability.

Sorghum Demand and Local Impact

As drought tolerance and versatility become increasingly critical, grain sorghum demand continues to rise. The Commission supports diverse market pathways, including:

The Center for Sorghum Improvement: Partnering with Kansas State University to advance crop genetics and field performance.

Ethanol Feedstock: Enhancing sorghum’s value for Kansas renewable fuel producers.

Food-Grade Innovation: Supporting leaders like Nu-Life Market in Scott City, a national pioneer in FDA-standard, gluten-free sorghum products.

Board Leadership

A board of 12 sorghum growers leads the Commission, ensuring that every investment aligns with the priorities of the Kansas producer. Peers elect these leaders to serve three-year terms, maintaining a leadership structure that remains accountable to the farmers it serves. View the current board leadership here.