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
Farmers with unpaid Hansen-Mueller grain should verify delivery records immediately and file indemnity claims quickly, as coverage rules differ sharply by state.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen reviews the history of the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule and outlines how shifting definitions across multiple administrations have created regulatory confusion for landowners.
According to November’s Cattle on Feed Report, Nebraska now leads the nation in cattle feeding as tighter supplies continue to reshape regional market power and long-term price dynamics.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Read the full press release published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Lily Pryer’s passion shows how National FFA members are making an impact in classrooms and communities all across Rural America.
A look at the legislative year ahead as lawmakers return to Washington with a slate of trade concerns to tackle in 2026—from new Chinese tariffs on beef imports to the USMCA review this summer.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.