The Kansas Department of Agriculture hosted three trade missions earlier this summer, sharing the benefits of grain sorghum with delegates from China. Kansas ranks first nationally in grain sorghum production, with nearly 200 million bushels totaling over $755 million in production in 2014. In total, the crop contributes $1.29 billion to the Kansas economy annually, directly employing or supporting 8,998 jobs in the state.
“China entered the U.S. market in 2012 and became the largest importer in just one year. Hosting the Chinese delegates in Kansas was an honor. Our farmers should be proud of the quality sorghum that is grown in the state,” stated Suzanne Ryan, International Trade Director at KDA.
Each of the missions focused on the interests of the three visiting groups, including a trade team interested in distiller’s grain and sorghum, a team of swine producers and a merchandiser team with interest in sorghum. Visiting teams learned about the benefits of sorghum and trade opportunities by participating in workshops, visiting Kansas farms and touring inspection and processing facilities.
Kansas farmer and Sorghum Checkoff Board member, Adam Baldwin from McPherson, Kansas, hosted the merchandiser team. “The export market has obviously improved sorghum grower profitability. Growers, naturally, may have concerns about the sustainability of these markets. Seeing these trade teams come and visit Kansas and express their satisfaction with our product gives me confidence in our export market for the foreseeable future.”
The trade missions were hosted by KDA, the Sorghum Checkoff and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission. The swine producer team and merchandiser trade team missions were sponsored through partnership with the U.S. Grains Council.
The KDA serves farmers and agribusinesses, enhancing economic growth of the agriculture industry by expanding markets for Kansas agricultural products through trade and export opportunities. Dickinson County farmer Gregg Sexton also had the opportunity to host one of the trade groups and reflected that, "sorghum is one of the mainstays on our farm," Sexton said. "It is exciting to see an increasing appetite on the world market for the products Kansas farmers take pride in growing."
For more information on Kansas international trade, please contact Suzanne Ryan, Suzanne.Ryan@kda.ks.gov or 785-564-6704.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Effingham woman killed Friday in Atchison wreck
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack
Atchison man involved in fatal NW MO crash
One injured in Nemaha Co wreck
Wetmore man arrested on child sex-related charge
Walnut Township Treasurer removed; votes unofficial until canvass
Rural Horton man arrested on multiple drug charges
Street lights to be discussed at Monday city meeting
Meteorologist Spencer: Geometric Watch means electronic disruptions
Two file to challenge local legislator
USD 430 Board accepts resignations, approves new hires
TX man to stand trial on charges in fatal Jackson Co crash
Local judge files for re-election
Atchison in running for national fireworks honors
Truck fire at CGB facility in Falls City
BC's Pate remembered by students, college family
Bridge work begins Wed in Doniphan Co
LATEST STORIES
U.S. 36 work in Doniphan Co to impact motorists
Senator Ricketts staff to visit Falls City and Auburn
Richardson County Sheriff provides updates to Commissioners
Services set for Effingham woman killed in crash
Marshall Co Commissioner files for re-election
Contested races in Tuesday Primary Election in Nebraska
One hospitalized, one jailed, after Atchison attack