By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission (Commission) has approved its Fiscal Year 2026 budget, which begins on October 1, 2025. The total budget of $1,564,912.00 will be allocated toward research, market development, farmer and consumer education, and crop promotion to support the sorghum industry across the state.
“This has been an especially tough year for sorghum growers,” said Commission leadership. “As the Commission continues to hear from many in the industry about current market dynamics, we remain focused and determined to enhance profitability for Kansas farmers. Through our investments, our organization is working to diversify demand domestically and abroad. Sorghum can meet both the market and agronomic needs of Kansas farms, like mine in Southwest Kansas, and the Commission continues to invest in market outcomes to help conserve water, such as updating sorghum processing options to support livestock feeding and collecting data to exhibit sorghum’s ability to extend and preserve the High Plains Aquifer.”
The approved allocations for the upcoming fiscal year are:
- Research: $853,946.00
- Market Development: $195,701.00
- Information, Communications, and Education: $260,265.00
- Administration, Program Development, and Services: $255,000.00
Commission leaders emphasized the dual focus on addressing immediate challenges while pursuing long-term opportunities. “The Commission is working hard to remedy the short-term issues while keeping an eye on the many opportunities the future will bring. Our 2026 budget reflects the Commission’s steadfast commitment to strengthening the sorghum industry in Kansas.”
Additionally, the Commission completed its final installment toward its initial $2 million obligation for the Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program (CSIP). Initiated in 2016, CSIP has accelerated genetic improvements in sorghum through matching funds and research collaborations.
“Our partnership with CSIP is a testament to what is possible in sorghum crop improvement,” said Adam York, Commission administrator. He highlighted that completing the $200,000 investment toward CSIP 1.0 has set the stage for CSIP 2.0, which will advance sorghum research through 2036.
Through these investments, the Commission continues to position Kansas sorghum as a vital crop for profitability, sustainability, and innovation.
Photo Credit:istock-mailson-pignata
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Sorghum, Government & Policy