Kansas Sorghum Looks to the Future with Global Trade Opportunities

Kansas sorghum farmers are stepping into an exciting new season of growth, trade, and opportunity. With harvest underway across the state, international buyers from around the world are taking a close look at Kansas sorghum as a competitive and versatile crop for food, feed, and fuel.

Recently, Adam York, CEO of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, shared insights into how Kansas sorghum is making its mark on the global stage through Export Sorghum 2025, a major international conference being held this week in San Antonio.

Sorghum’s Export Legacy

For decades, sorghum has been a staple export crop for the U.S., with Mexico as its largest historic market. Kansas “milo” has long been shipped directly south, creating strong trade ties across the border.

In recent years, however, China became the top buyer, creating strong demand that drove prices higher. Over the past nine months, though, Chinese buyers have largely stepped back from the U.S. sorghum market. That shift has pushed Kansas and national sorghum organizations to diversify their trade strategy, opening the door to new opportunities across the globe.

Building New Markets: From Vietnam to Africa

York explained that diversification is already paying off.

• Vietnam: A trade team from Vietnam recently visited Kansas to evaluate sorghum for use in swine and aquaculture feed. If successful, Vietnam could become a major buyer — up to 500,000 metric tons, or about 67 million bushels.

• Europe & the Mediterranean: Spain has already purchased 250,000 metric tons this year. Turkey, Morocco, and other Mediterranean nations are showing growing interest.

• Africa: Countries like Tanzania, Nigeria, and Kenya value sorghum for food products and brewing, aligning with cultural traditions.

• Latin America: Mexico, Colombia, and Peru remain steady buyers, continuing a long-standing relationship.

Even as China sits on the sidelines, York noted that Chinese livestock buyers are currently in the U.S. to see this year’s crop firsthand. With an abundant harvest and competitive prices, there’s optimism they may reenter the market.

Export Sorghum 2025: Why It Matters

The Export Sorghum conference brings together nearly 100 companies from 15 nations to learn about U.S. sorghum. Hosted by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, and partners like the U.S. Grains Council, the event serves as both an educational forum and a marketplace.

“This is about building relationships and educating new buyers,” York explained. “For some companies, this is their first exposure to sorghum. Once they understand its value and versatility, they see real opportunities — not just for their businesses, but for Kansas farmers as well.”

Challenges & Opportunities Ahead

While international demand is promising, York acknowledged that Kansas farmers face short-term challenges, particularly with storage. With strong crops in both corn and sorghum this year, grain elevators are under pressure to find space.

At the same time, the loss of China as a dominant buyer has weakened basis prices for sorghum, hitting farmers financially. The solution, York stressed, lies in creating new, stable markets that keep demand strong and prices competitive.

“Farmers need results,” he said. “That’s why we’re working directly with buyers — showing them the quality of Kansas sorghum and the opportunities it creates. At the end of the day, it’s about getting the crop sold in a way that benefits our producers.”

Looking Ahead

As Kansas farmers harvest what’s expected to be a good-to-excellent crop, the timing of Export Sorghum couldn’t be better. With international teams touring Kansas fields and meeting face-to-face with producers, the groundwork is being laid for lasting trade relationships.

From Vietnam’s first purchases to the return of traditional buyers like Spain and Mexico, Kansas sorghum is proving itself as a crop with global reach and local impact.

For more information about Kansas sorghum and farmer resources, visit ksgrains

orghum.org.