Sorghum State Podcast

What does it take to move groundbreaking research from the lab to the farm? In this episode of the  Sorghum State Podcast, hosts Maddy Meier and Sanders Williams sit down with Dr. Sarah Sexton-Bowser, managing director of the Center for Sorghum Improvement (CSI), to explore how the Center is helping shape the future of sorghum. From the Center's founding in 2016 to the launch of CSIP 2.0, Sexton-B...

On this special episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York sit down with Kansas Farm Service Agency Director David Schemm for an in-depth conversation on the issues shaping agriculture across Kansas in 2026. From drought concerns and market volatility to ARC and PLC decisions, disaster assistance programs and trade opportunities, Schemm breaks down what Kansas sorghum pr...

In this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, the theme is sorghum demand and where it's headed on a domestic front, especially for food-grade varieties. Host Maddy Meier sits down with Sanders Williams, director of emerging markets, to discuss new opportunities shaping the future of sorghum and what her role looks like within the organization. Then, Rachel Klataske, senior director of business de...

I n this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, the team breaks down the latest developments shaping Kansas sorghum—from policy updates at the Statehouse to new research investments and global market engagement. Host Maddy Meier is joined by Adam York and Mindy Wells to cover what’s happening across the Sorghum State and what it means for growers right now.  Adam shares a recap of key legislative a...

Each year, Kansas Sorghum welcomes fresh perspective through its Collegiate Fellowship Program, and 2026 is no exception.  This month’s episode of the Sorghum State Podcast introduces 2026 Collegiate Food and Ag Policy Fellow Carson Rudd and Communications Fellow Mindy Wells, two Kansas State University students investing their time and talents into advancing Kansas sorghum. They share where they...

Sorghum State Podcast host Maddy Meier sits down with Lanier Dabruzzi, Director of Nutrition and Food Innovation for the Sorghum Checkoff, to explore why sorghum is stepping into the spotlight. The conversation also highlights a major innovation: IQF (individually quick frozen) sorghum. From the market gap it fills to why foodservice and CPG (consumer packaged goods) teams are calling it a game-ch...

This episode of The Sorghum State Podcast is packed with updates! Hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York explore the critical role of Oklahoma's Tulsa Ports in boosting efficiency for both bulk and value-added Kansas sorghum exports, proving that the Sorghum State is not so "land-locked" after all.  You'll also hear more about a farm-to-fork collaboration as K-State student chefs learn about sorghum's po...

This month on the Sorghum State Podcast, Maddy Meier and Adam York dive into all things sorghum market advancement, starting with the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission’s FY26 budget. From supporting research and education to wrapping up the original Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program (CSIP), the Commission is keeping Kansas growers equipped for today while investing in tomorrow’s innovations....

Sorghum State Podcast  co-hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York guide listeners through a milestone moment for the next decade of sorghum improvement in Kansas: the acceleration of the  Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program  (CSIP 2.0). Together, they trace the history of the farmer-led initiative from 2016 and explore how it leverages resources for sorghum improvement  while opening up the effort  o...

Welcome back to the Sorghum State Podcast! Hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York bring listeners The State of the Sorghum State . From a $5.8 million public-private investment earlier this spring into the Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program (CSIP)—advancing research in drought tolerance, nutrient efficiency, and forage yield through 2036—to growing international interest in U.S. sorghum for pet foo...

Confidence grows with action In part two of our special series on Women’s Leadership in the Sorghum Industry. Host Maddy Meier is back with Amy France (National Sorghum Producers), Kim Baldwin and Macy Mueller (United Sorghum Checkoff Program), Kelsey Baker (Kansas Sorghum Producers), and Verity Ulibarri (U.S. Grains Council).  This powerhouse panel picks up right where we left off on the importan...

In this special two-part series, Sorghum State Podcast host Maddy Meier shines a spotlight on a few of the many inspiring female leaders within the sorghum industry: Amy France, Chairwoman, National Sorghum Producers; Kim Baldwin and Macey Mueller, Board Members, United Sorghum Checkoff Program; Kelsey Baker, Treasurer, Kansas Sorghum Producers; and Verity Ulibarri, Chairwoman, U.S. Grains Council...

Big opportunities are emerging for U.S. sorghum in India! In Part 2 of this deep-dive episode of The Sorghum State Podcast, Reece Cannady (USGC) joins Maddy Meier & Adam York to further discuss India’s ethanol blending mandate & grain supply; the 5 million metric tonne market potential; and how farmer investments are driving export growth. Don’t miss this look into global sorghum markets &...

In this special deep-dive episode of The Sorghum State Podcast, hosts Maddy Meier and Adam York explore the growing opportunities for U.S. sorghum in India with Reece Cannady, U.S. Grains Council Regional Director for South Asia. The conversation covers: India’s ethanol blending mandate and its impact on grain supply The market potential for U.S. sorghum—how big is 5 million metric tonnes? How the...

In this episode of the Sorghum State Podcast, we’re kicking off 2025 with exciting updates from Kansas and beyond! Join hosts Maddy Meier and KSP's 2025 Collegiate Food and Ag Policy Fellow, Andrew Le, as they dive into: 🎙️ Andrew’s journey from Wichita, Kansas, into ag policy and his role with Kansas Sorghum 💡 Kansas Governor Kelly’s $1M proposal for the Collaborative Sorghum Investment Program...

Welcome back to the Sorghum State Podcast!  Join hosts Maddy and Adam as they highlight key moments from the past year, such as KSP’s advocacy work in Washington D.C., the launch of the Sorghum Connection series, and the Commission’s involvement in critical global trade events like the U.S. Grains Council’s Export Exchange.  Learn about the exciting future of sorghum research with the appointment...

In this episode, Adam and Maddy explore the incredible benefits of sorghum as a healthy and sustainable food ingredient. Join them as they chat with Lanier Dabruzzi from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, who shares her passion for promoting this versatile grain within the U.S. food supply. Lanier highlights sorghum's nutritional advantages, its inclusion in the USDA's Food Buying Guide, and how...

Welcome to the Sorghum State Podcast, your go-to source for all things Kansas sorghum, brought to you by Kansas Sorghum Producers! In this episode, host Maddy Meier and co-host Adam York explore the latest trends shaping the future of the sorghum industry. They kick off with highlights from the recent Export Exchange conference and a collaborative mission with the Kansas Corn Commission and U.S. G...

This installment of the Sorghum State Podcast the latest on the Farm Bill expiration and industry efforts to secure a new and strengthened bill for America's farmers. But wait, there's more! This episode features a groundbreaking segment: AI Explores Sorghum. Adam and Maddy explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence in promoting sorghum and educating the public about this versatile crop.  Be...

With the Sorghum Connection field day series under wraps, Kansas Sorghum staff look ahead to a jam-packed schedule to the months ahead: hosting in-bound trade teams; grassroots winter summits focused on producer profitability; and annual association meetings. Tune in today! KSP and NSP Membership Form Local Water Consult Meetings Schedule National Sorghum Yield Contest

Meet the newest Team Sorghum member on the latest episode of the Sorghum State Podcast! Kady Figge serves as the United Sorghum Checkoff Program's communications manager. In today's episode, she shares how her passion for agriculture and community engagement guided her from Northeast Kansas to Lubbock, Texas.

After a short hiatus, Adam and Maddy bring exciting news to their listeners: Amy France of Scott City, KS, has been named Chairwoman of National Sorghum Producers! Be sure to tune in to this week's episode to hear how leadership opportunities await sorghum growers across Kansas. Join KSP and NSP today: https://sorghumgrowers.com/join/ Apply for Leadership Sorghum (Applications due Sept. 13, 2024):...

As summer heats up, Adam and Maddy dive into the latest sorghum news on the Sorghum State Podcast. This week’s episode recaps the Kansas Sorghum Association’s recent D.C. Fly-In, where leadership advocated for sorghum growers. Listeners will also learn about the outcomes of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission officer elections and upcoming deadlines for commissioners seeking the Eastern Tier Crop...

Be sure to tune into today's episode of the Sorghum State Podcast to find out what a jam-packed summer entails for both Kansas Sorghum staff and grower leaders.  First, Adam and Maddy offer a quick recap of the state legislature as they enter their Interim Session. Then, we'll shift gears to discuss new proposed rules for crop protection tools –– essential information to keep your sorghum operatio...

Kansas Grain Sorghum leaders have been focused on water conservation more than ever. Tune into today's episode to hear about our takeaways from Senate Ag roundtable events; local Water Consult meetings; and how sorghum's water-saving traits can impact farmers as well as research. PBS NewsHour Episode featuring KGSC Chair, Brant Peterson The Sorghum Checkoff: Chinch Bugs Emerging in Sorghum 2024