GRAIN
MARKETS
SORGHUM
IN HIGH DEMAND
By Florentino Lopez United Sorghum Checkoff Program
Market demand for sorghum remains very strong for the 2016-2017 marketing year . Robust global markets , domestic markets and research investments to improve producer profitability are helping to elevate interest in sorghum at home and across the globe .
Global exports
The export market has been a valuable marketplace for producers in recent years , and the current year should continue in that direction . Sorghum had a record year in 2014-2015 with exports of 365 million bushels , which represented 84 percent of the total production of sorghum that year . Then , in 2015- 2016 , 311 million bushels of sorghum were exported , representing 52 percent of the total product . So far in 2016-2017 , the U . S . has exported 133 million bushels , which represents 29 percent of the total product — and that ’ s only six months into the marketing year . Sorghum producers can feel confident that market demand is high . Yes , the overall price has changed , but the key is the knowledge and understanding that demand still remains strong , which will help with profit potential for sorghum grain .
China continues to be the leading export market for the U . S ., though demand in China is expected to decrease slightly in 2016-2017 . Last year , China imported 98 percent of the total U . S . sorghum exports . As the positive message about sorghum ’ s attributes spreads worldwide , purchases of U . S . sorghum are increasing in the countries of Mexico , Ethiopia , India and Sudan , while Taiwan , South Africa , Pakistan and Peru continue their commitment in purchasing this product . The U . S . is the top exporter of sorghum
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