MISSION

The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Development, Utilization and Marketing board, through the Grain Sorghum Resources Act, is charged with the responsibility to develop, carry out, and participate in programs of research, education, market development, and promotion aimed at enhancing the economic well-being of the grain sorghum industry. To the extent applicable, the Board's duties and responsibilities shall include:

1.      To develop and direct any grain sorghum development, utilization and marketing program. Such program may include a program to make grants and enter into contracts for research, accumulation of data, and construction of ethanol production facilities;

2.      To prepare and approve a budget consistent with limited receipts and the scope of the grain sorghum commodity program;

3.      To adopt and promulgate reasonable rules and regulations;

4.      To procure and evaluate data and information necessary for the proper administration and operation of the grain sorghum commodity program;

5.      To employ personnel and contract for services which are necessary for the proper operation of the program;

6.      To establish a means whereby any grower of grain sorghum ahs the opportunity, at least annually, to offer his or her ideas and suggestions relative to board policy for the coming year;

7.      To authorize the expenditure of funds and contracting for expenditures to conduct proper activities of the program;

8.      To bond the treasurer and such other persons necessary to insure adequate protection of funds;

9.      To keep minutes of its meetings, and other books and records, which clearly reflect all of the acts and transactions of the board, and to keep these records open to examination by any grower-participant during normal business hours;

10. To prohibit any funds collected by the board from being expended directly or indirectly to promote or oppose any candidate for public office or to influence state legislation. The board shall not expend more than 25% of its annual budget to influence federal legislation; and

11. To make refunds for overpayments of fees according to rules and regulations which may be adopted by the Director of Agriculture pursuant to this sections.

The program developed by the Grain Sorghum Board can be divided into five general categories:

1.      Market Expansion (Foreign and Domestic);

2.      Research:

3.      Publicity and Producer Education;

4.      Federal Government Affairs; and

5.      Administration

Outline of

Programs - Objectives – Methods

I.        Program: Market Expansion - Foreign and Domestic

Objective: Increase worldwide demand and market share for U.S. grain sorghum

Methods of Accomplishment:

A.     Support of the overseas market development efforts of the U.S. Grains Council to provide technical assistance, market information and trade servicing to buyers/users of U.S. grain sorghum.

B.     Evaluate U.S. trade policies and their effect upon, or relationship to, market development opportunities for grain sorghum.

C.    Work with the national and Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association to address sorghum industry issues (i.e., changes in grain quality standards, federal legislation affecting sorghum producers, administrative rules adversely affecting domestic sorghum markets.)

D.    Coordinate and sponsor foreign trade teams to Nebraska.

E.     Support programs designed to promote ethanol production, food processing, and commercialization and use of non-food industrial products made from agricultural commodities.

II.   Program: Research

Methods of Accomplishment:

A.     Support and evaluate the sorghum research programs conducted through the University of Nebraska and other public and private institutions.

B.     Promote the development of new food and industrial products utilizing grain sorghum. 

C.    Maintain communication with the Industrial Ag Products Center to monitor and provide input to the development and commercialization of ag products for industrial uses.

D.    Publish and distribute educational and nutritional information to producers and users of grain sorghum as new research findings become available.

E.     Coordinate efforts with the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Service to bring timely production, management and marketing information to producers.

F.     Work with the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission to conduct a joint research symposium to review research activities, share information and to identify research needs for the future.

G.    Work with National Grain Sorghum Producers Association in the establishment and coordination of an industry oversight committee to provide input and direction for the sorghum industry and to set priorities for research, promotion and educational programs.

H.     Work with the University of Nebraska administration to identify the research needs of the grain sorghum industry and to establish a closer working relationship in securing more resources to finance sorghum-related research.

     III.   Program: Publicity and Producer Education

Objective: Create a public awareness concerning U.S. grain sorghum exports and related industry issues and develop a program of education for producers and ag leaders about the sorghum checkoff program.

Methods of Accomplishment:

A.     Publish and distribute Sorghum Scene newsletter and Annual Report;

B.     Conduct public and producer awareness campaigns regarding program activities (i.e., Husker Harvest Days, district producer meetings, news releases, radio advertising campaigns, etc.)

C.    Develop educational materials and programs relating to the grain sorghum industry and the checkoff program and how funds are invested (i.e., brochures, slide show, etc).

    IV.    Program:  Administration

Goal: Establish a program for long-range development of staff efficiency and awareness in carrying out the administrative functions and programs/objectives of the board.

Methods of Accomplishment:

A.     Maintain liaison with the National Grain Sorghum Producers Association relative to farm program policies endorsed and promoted for the benefit of the industry;

B.     Monitor and take action through letters and other communication to agencies or congressional representatives on administrative decisions and rule-making changes that may impact the sorghum industry (i.e., EPA, FAS, FGIS, FCIC, Department of Transportation, etc.);

C.    Maintain liaison with the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association and support their activities to educate congressional leaders on the needs of the grain sorghum industry and its value to the Nebraska and U.S. economy;

D.    Work with leaders of the University of Nebraska, the corn industry, and other agricultural groups to identify farm program needs unique to Nebraska agriculture and develop a means to communicate those needs to Congress.

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