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.
President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
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.
New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
