Kansas Strengthens Sorghum and Corn Trade With India, China

By Scout Nelson

Kansas agricultural organizations recently strengthened international trade relationships through missions focused on expanding export opportunities for the state's feed grain sector. The Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Sorghum, Kansas Corn, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture hosted a trade delegation from India.

During the visit, the delegation toured Kansas' sorghum, corn, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) industries. Participants learned about the full agricultural value chain, including crop production, ethanol manufacturing, livestock feed production, and grain export infrastructure.

The exchange highlighted growing opportunities for U.S. grain exports as India's poultry, dairy, aquaculture, and biofuel industries continue to expand. Industry leaders viewed the visit as an important step toward strengthening relationships between Kansas producers and international buyers.

Representatives from Kansas Sorghum, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, U.S. Corn Producers, and National Sorghum Producers met with the delegation throughout the tour. The effort supports ongoing initiatives to build long-term demand for U.S. sorghum and other feed grains in India.

Kansas agricultural leaders also participated in international outreach efforts abroad. On June 23, Kansas Sorghum CEO Adam York joined a trade mission to China alongside representatives from U.S. Corn Producers and the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council.

The delegation traveled to Shanghai, Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, meeting with animal protein industry stakeholders and grain buyers. The mission concluded with participation in the 2026 China Imported Grains & Feed Conference in Shanghai.

China continues to be a key export destination for U.S. sorghum. Industry leaders noted that imports of U.S. sorghum during the 2026 marketing year remain consistent with historical demand trends, reinforcing China's importance as a mature and reliable market for American grain producers.

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