In 20 these lines were grown in small plots and screened for the right combination traits such as competitive yields and good stature. The goal of this project was to develop white sorghum varieties that will mature in North Dakota’s climate each year. In 2016 a collection of nearly 200 sorghum cultivars from around the world, sourced from the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), were tested at the Carrington Research Extension Center. This has presented an opportunity to improve the genetic resources for sorghum production in northern climates, in an effort to increase cropping options particularly in drought conditions. Grain sorghum testing has occurred periodically in North Dakota over the past several decades, but with few options that consistently perform between frost-free days, and with no sorghum breeding occurring in the northern half of the U.S. However, there are emerging food markets which may specifically target white sorghum hybrids for a variety of end-uses, many times taking advantage of its non-gluten profile. One of the more compelling reasons to consider sorghum is as a replacement for corn feed during extended drought conditions. But if you are considering commercial grain sorghum in this region, the shortest maturity hybrid will be the best option. So yes, sorghum can be grown in ND, keeping in mind that risk increases the farther north you go. The question becomes, “can grain sorghum be produced in North Dakota without assuming too much risk?” Fun fact, in the 1960s NDSU released three sorghum varieties. However, sorghum is very sensitive to frost and cool conditions. While the majority of sorghum production occurs in the central and southern U.S., expanded drought conditions have increased the attractiveness in other areas. Some growers mix grain sorghum with soybeans to produce a higher protein silage crop.Sorghum is a tropical grass species that has found a niche in the United States due in large part to high yield potential and drought tolerance. Sweet sorghum produces much higher forage yields than grain sorghum, but feed quality will likely be lesser because there is no grain. Grain sorghum may also be used as whole-plant silage, however another sorghum, sweet sorghum, was developed as a silage crop. Stubble with secondary growth must be pastured carefully because of the danger of prussic acid (HCN) poisoning. Both roughage and dropped heads are utilized. Pasturing cattle or sheep on sorghum stubble, after the grain has been harvested, is a common practice. The grain should be cracked or rolled before feeding to cattle this improves the portion digested. It is important to read the information on the bag tag to accurately calculate the number of acres each 50-pound bag will plant, based on projected seeds per acre. However, some sorghum varieties and hybrids which were developed to deter birds are less palatable due to tannins and phenolic compounds in the seed. Grain sorghum seed size is typically 14,000 to 16,000 seeds per pound, but can range from 9,000 to 22,000 seeds per pound. The grain is highly palatable to livestock, and intake seldom limits livestock productivity. When compared with corn on a per pound basis, grain sorghum feeding value ranges from 90% to nearly equal to corn. The grain has more protein and fat than corn, but is lower in vitamin A. Feed value of grain sorghum is similar to corn. In the United States, sorghum is used primarily as a feed grain for livestock. Worldwide, sorghum is a food grain for humans.
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