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
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Lawmakers from Texas and Tennessee outline priorities for USMCA renegotiations, focusing on tariffs, China trade concerns, beef prices, and stability for U.S. agriculture.
The Action Aims to Lower Food Costs for Consumers and Strengthen the Supply Chain
Adequate transportation capacity exists, but fuel costs and soft river demand could widen basis risk.
Slightly higher sales amid shrinking acreage and inventories point to tighter supplies supporting catfish prices.
Tight storage could widen basis and limit marketing flexibility.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Chaley Harney, Executive Director of the Montana Beef Council, and Jonna Jones, Director of Marketing for Wentana, LLC, say it’s a great time for both cattle producers and beef consumers to celebrate one of America’s favorite proteins.
Don’t miss the buzz of this episode of Where the Food Comes From, airing this Friday at 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. only on RFD-TV!
Thu, 5/11 – 10 PM ET | 9 PM CT | 8 PM MT | 7 PM PT
Tue, 5/16 – 8 PM ET | 7 PM CT | 6 PM MT | 5 PM PT