U.S. Sorghum Crop Earns No. 1 Grade Again

Consistent sorghum quality supports strong export demand potential.

LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — U.S. sorghum quality remained strong in the 2025/26 marketing year, with the crop meeting U.S. No. 1 grade standards for the seventh consecutive year — reinforcing its reliability in global feed and grain markets.

According to the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, the annual Sorghum Harvest Quality Report showed the crop exceeded minimum grading requirements across key quality measures. The report is based on 102 samples collected from major export regions and analyzed to reflect aggregate national quality.

Quality metrics remained consistent. Total damage averaged just 0.1 percent, with no heat damage detected. Protein levels came in at 11.6 percent, starch at 72.8 percent, and oil content at 3.5 percent. Tannins — a key concern for some buyers — were again absent from all samples.

Strong and consistent quality supports U.S. sorghum’s position in export markets, particularly as buyers look for predictable feed grain supplies.

The report also highlights the role of standardized testing and transparency in maintaining confidence among international customers.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Consistent sorghum quality supports strong export demand potential.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
As we start the new year, let’s take a look at some of the legislative items from 2023 affecting agriculture that will continue to play out in the political area for months to come.
Both imports and exports are moving through the Panama Canal at a slower pace as the ag industry continues to deal with drought-related restrictions.
The FAO Food Price Index for October 2023 is out. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?
The failure of a grain elevator can cause large problems for farmers and for the local community it serves. A farmer who knows their rights and where they stand if an elevator fails can be in a better position than those farmers who aren’t as well informed. That is the topic of today’s blog post by RFD-TV Legal Contributor Roger A. McEowen.
A recent news story involving a group of farmers in Mississippi reveals the potential downside of selling grain under a deferred payment contract. The risk of deferred payment ag commodity sales and what can be done for protection—that is the topic of today’s blog post.
The USDA’s latest crop forecast for corn and soybean production will impact U.S. producers as well as make an impact on global trade.

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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

K-State’s Dr. Gregg Ibendahl breaks down the impacts of the Middle East ceasefire on energy markets and input costs, and what farmers should watch in the weeks ahead.
CME Group Executive Director of Ag Research Fred Seamon discusses the recent rise in farmer sentiment highlighted in the March Ag Economy Barometer report.
Faster approvals could speed projects, but may face scrutiny.
Coal-based ethanol could weaken long-term export demand for corn-based fuels.
Data centers may compete with farms for key resources.
New wage rules improve accuracy but may still raise labor costs.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
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!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.