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
The inverted Choice-Select spread is not a strong warning sign in today’s tighter, higher-quality beef market, according to new analysis from Terrain.
Based on USDA data compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, pork exports increased by six percent in March compared to the previous year, while beef exports weakened overall.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney joins us to discuss geopolitical trade tensions, energy market volatility, and what global shifts could mean for U.S. agriculture exports.
New trade access, tariff concerns and international negotiations are reshaping the global beef market.
Ohio farmer Chris Gibbs joins us to discuss planting progress, weather conditions, and how geopolitical tensions are clouding his growing season outlook as input concerns continue to escalate.
This case could influence how much leverage grain shippers have when a preferred rail outlet is blocked or priced too high.

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:

Global soybean competition is moving deeper into crush capacity, logistics, and value-added product control.
CME Group’s Fred Seamon joins us to break down the drop in farmer sentiment, discuss the role of input costs and global factors, and share his outlook for the ag economy ahead.
Cotton margins improved slightly, even as fertilizer and fuel costs rose due to the Strait of Hormuz disruption linked to the Iran war.
Flour milling demand stayed generally steady, but total wheat grind remained slightly softer year over year.
U.S. export inspections turned in another strong corn week.
The latest developments point to shifting export routes, higher congestion risk, and continuing cost pressure for grain, fertilizer, and energy shipments.
Agriculture Shows
Farm Monitor shines a light on Southeastern agriculture and is the only weekly news and information program dedicated to Georgia’s largest and most important industry: agriculture.
Check out FFA Today, a fun and fast-paced show featuring fascinating stories about amazing kids and unique agriculture industries.
Farmweek is broadcast from Mississippi, one of the South’s most geographically diverse states. The Magnolia State’s most important resource is its people—and about a fourth of the state’s population hold jobs tied to agriculture.
“DocTalk” with host Dr. Dan Thomson will be teaming up with practitioners around the country to tackle issues with your livestock.