A lot of the fields around here seem to be growing grain sorghum. Any Ag types know why?

[NNadir]

I've seen a lot of fields planted with it in Northern Mercer and Southern Hunterdon county.

Most of the time around here people grow corn.

[Tetrachloride]

1. China demand is up. I add my own predictions that even without China that

sorghum production in the US generally rise in the coming years.

[Irish_Dem]

8. Yes, China uses sorghum to make its favorite liquors, and drinking is up due to the pandemic.

So China demand is high. I suppose if alcoholism becomes a problem in China, Beijing may cut back on alcohol production, but for right now they probably see it as a reasonable opiate for the masses during trying times.

The Chinese middle class continues to rise in terms of prosperity and I think the market for alcoholic beverages will remain high.

And yes even without China, sorghum seems to be a new go to crop.

[dweller]

2. Molasses ?

The grain is also a superfood … it also pops like corn, just teeny tiny popcorn ..

✌🏻

[Irish_Dem]

3. Sorghum is heat and drought resistant. It is a good rotational crop, corn grows better

with sorghum rotation.

Farmers might be getting a better price for sorghum than corn.

Or if the farmers are planting feed corn, perhaps they are switching the cows to sorghum.
Internet says dairy cows produce more milk on sorghum.

Internet also says sorghum is becoming more popular with consumer and emerging markets.

I am not an Ag type, so don't know the answer. Just guessing.

Hopefully someone will answer this question.

If you know a farmer, stop by and ask him or his wife.

[marble falls]

5. Farming has tons of talent. Every farmer at one time or another has been outstanding their field.

[Irish_Dem]

9. Often the farmers let their cows be the ones outstanding in their field.

[3Hotdogs]

6. Increase in dairy production is not involved in this.

The bottom is out of the dairy market.

[Irish_Dem]

7. Maybe that is why they are switching from feed corn to sorghum.

If they are selling off the dairy stock, they don't need to feed the cows any more.

[marble falls]

4. There's money in it?