Sorghum yields exceeded expectations across Missouri this year, but fewer seed companies participated in variety trials due to budget constraints, officials said. Mark Wieberg, senior research specialist and coordinator of the University of Missouri’s Variety Testing Program, told Farm Progress interest in grain sorghum, or milo, is growing among farmers. “It’s probably the crop we get the most questions about,” he said. The program, which is self-funded through company entry fees, faces financial uncertainty when participation drops. “If we don’t get enough entries, we don’t get enough money to cover costs,” Wieberg said. Sorghum does not attract the same investment as corn or soybean trials, making continued testing a challenge. This year, trials included 10 varieties at four Missouri locations. Columbia yielded nearly 170 bushels per acre, with all varieties producing more than 140 bushels per acre. Wieberg said the strong results highlight sorghum’s potential, even as funding pressures persist for the program.
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