Sorghum is an efficient crop in the conversion of solar energy and more drought-tolerant than other crops such as corn and soybeans. Monsanto continues to research and develop new hybrids to fit growers’ needs.
Through conventional breeding, Monsanto is able to improve the following in sorghum:
- Improved crop yield
- Quality characteristics
- Drought tolerance
- Desirable agronomic traits
- More broadly adapted hybrids
Do you still want to learn more about sorghum? Well, you’re in luck.
Did You Know?
- The first known record of sorghum in the United States comes from Ben Franklin in 1757, who wrote about its application in producing brooms.
- In the United States, South America and Australia sorghum grain is used primarily for livestock feed and in a growing number of ethanol plants.
- Sorghum produces the same amount of ethanol per bushel as comparable feedstocks and uses one third less water.
- Sorghum is a good fit for a many different types of ethanol production including traditional starch-based, sugar-based and cellulosic ethanol production.
- A significant amount of U.S. sorghum is also exported to international markets where it is used for animal feed and ethanol.
- Sorghum has recently appeared in food products in the U.S., because of use in gluten-free food products.
- Syrup is made from sweet sorghum.
- Sorghum is also used for building material, fencing, floral arrangements, pet food and brooms.
