Producers Address China Pullback, Big Crop at Export Sorghum 2025

With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (RFD-TV) — With U.S. sorghum exports to China down nearly 70 percent this marketing year and USDA projecting a 402 million bushel crop—17 percent larger than last year—industry leaders gathered in San Antonio for Export Sorghum 2025.

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Texas Sorghum, Kansas Sorghum, and industry partners organized the event to connect producers with new global buyers and highlight opportunities beyond China.

More than 130 producers, exporters, government officials, and international delegations attended the three-day program. Sessions covered sorghum grades and standards, sustainability, supply chain reliability, and uses in livestock and pet food. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined to underscore export opportunities. Structured business-to-business meetings linked buyers directly with U.S. companies, while tours across the sorghum belt showcased production and logistics from farm to port.

The event underscored the Checkoff’s role in diversifying markets and securing future demand for sorghum.

Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: With China’s pullback, U.S. sorghum producers must broaden their export markets. Building connections now could help stabilize prices and demand for the upcoming larger crop.
Related Stories
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
Ag industry leaders and lawmakers are urging continued support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing strong export growth, supply chain integration, and economic benefits for U.S. farmers ahead of the pact’s July review.
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor that the Farm Bill is an important piece of legislation and one that she feels “really good about.”
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins told RFD-TV’s Kirbe Schnoor that trade is unpredictable, and that President Trump is committed to making America’s producers part of that conversation.