More than 400 registered participants from 20 countries gather in Lubbock to advance sorghum
LUBBOCK, Texas (September 22, 2026) — More than 400 researchers, producers and industry leaders from 20 countries gathered Sept. 14-18 for the 2026 Global Sorghum Conference, sharing research and market opportunities that could help U.S. farmers grow a more competitive crop and reach more customers.
Hosted by Texas Tech University in partnership with the Global Sorghum Association, the conference brought the global gathering to the United States for the first time. The United Sorghum Checkoff Program supported the event as a platinum sponsor and highlighted producer-funded work to improve sorghum and expand its use.
“U.S. sorghum producers need a crop that performs in their fields and markets that reward them for growing it,” said Tim Lust, CEO of the Sorghum Checkoff. “This conference brought together the people working on both. Sharing research and building relationships across countries can help us move promising ideas into farmers’ hands and create more demand for their crop.”
Water availability and sorghum’s drought tolerance shaped discussions throughout the week. Researchers explored how genetics, breeding and crop management can help sorghum maintain productivity under heat and limited water, challenges familiar to producers across the U.S. Sorghum Belt.
Research presentations examined ways to improve sorghum genetics, forage quality and crop performance, with a focus on helping producers manage limited water and meet the needs of food, feed and fuel customers.
Sorghum silage drew attention for its potential to expand demand from dairies and other livestock operations. Improvements in forage quality, digestibility and processing could help livestock producers make greater use of sorghum while creating additional opportunities for growers.
“Sorghum already gives producers an advantage when water runs short. Our job is to build on that strength and improve the crop’s value at harvest,” said Dr. Ethan Triplett, director of crop improvement for the Sorghum Checkoff. “Silage could change the scale of opportunity for sorghum. Better genetics and feed quality can help more dairies and livestock operations put the crop to work, creating demand closer to the farm.”
Market discussions also examined ethanol’s growing importance as a dependable domestic outlet for sorghum and opportunities across biofuels. Strengthening demand at home can give producers more marketing options and help the industry manage changes in export demand.
Food and nutrition sessions connected research with opportunities on grocery shelves and restaurant menus. Experts included Texas Tech’s Naima Moustaid-Moussa, the checkoff’s Lanier Dabruzzi, Chef Chase Obenchain and Clint White, and Cob Foods’ Jessica Davidoff. Discussions covered sorghum’s role in nutrition, consumer interest and incorporating the grain into cuisine and new food products.
Attendees also tasted sorghum throughout the week. The Sorghum Cuisine International Dinner featured dishes reflecting culinary traditions from around the world, while Obenchain’s culinary workshop demonstrated ways to use sorghum on the menu. These experiences gave participants a firsthand look at the grain’s versatility and its potential to reach more consumers.
The Sorghum Improvement Conference of North America (SICNA) joined the global conference this year. Its graduate student oral contest and celebration breakfast highlighted emerging researchers and recognized contributions to sorghum improvement, connecting the next generation of scientists with the industry their work will support.
Friday’s tours took attendees into sorghum fields and to a dairy that uses sorghum to feed its cows, connecting the week’s discussions with commercial production and livestock nutrition.
Australia will host the next Global Sorghum Conference in 2029, continuing the international exchange of research and ideas to improve the crop and expand its markets.
