LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — A new multi-institutional effort led by the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center aims to identify the genetic traits that make sorghum one of the most stress-tolerant bioenergy crops in U.S. agriculture.
These photos are from an ARPA-E event hosted by Danforth, the Department of Energy, and the University of Arizona. At the time, this was the world’s largest robot conducting research on sorghum as an enhanced biofuel crop. (2025)
Tony St. James
Backed by a $2.5 million DOE grant, the three-year project focuses on how sorghum responds to drought, heat, and other environmental pressures — knowledge that could expand production into resource-limited regions without competing with food crops.
Researchers will analyze natural genetic variation, gene networks, and molecular responses across diverse sorghum lines grown in sharply contrasting field environments in Missouri and Arizona. High-resolution, sensor-based phenotyping, remote sensing, GeoAI tools, and gene-editing methods will be used to link plant genetics to field performance, including oxidative stress biomarkers and morphological changes.
The project unites teams from the Danforth Center, the University of Arizona, and Saint Louis University, pairing plant genetics with advanced sensing systems that capture how sorghum responds across entire growing seasons.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Stronger sorghum genetics could enhance the resilience of bioenergy crops and broaden production options for growers in harsher climates.
Dr. Mark Svoboda with the National Drought Mitigation Center discusses a new global drought report and resources to help operations increase drought resilience.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
“A government shutdown impacts all Americans and has serious consequences, including for farmers. It just adds additional uncertainty, disrupts critical services.”
Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
With core input inflation still hovering high, growers and retailers should plan pricing and promotions with tighter margins in mind — target early sales, leverage bundle deals, and secure logistics ahead of peak Halloween demand.
The U.S.-China summit raises hopes for stronger exports and reduced barriers, but U.S. ag players should remain strategically cautious until concrete volumes and certifications materialize.
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
The goal of “Where the Food Comes From” is as simple as its name implies — host Chip Carter takes you along on the journey of where our food comes from — and we don’t just mean to the supermarket (though that’s part of the big picture!). But beyond where it comes from, how it gets there, and all the links in the chain that make that happen.
Join markets specialist Scott Shellady, better known as the Cow Guy, as he covers the market-close, breaking down headlines that drive the commodities and equities markets with commentary from respected industry heavyweights.
