Milo Matters: An NSP Podcast

In this episode of Milo Matters, host Eric Washington sits down with Tanner Antonick, commercial lead for Warner Seeds, to discuss the company's next chapter following its acquisition of the Sorghum Partners brand, germplasm portfolio and sorghum assets from S&W Seed Company. Antonick explains how the combined research, breeding and molecular capabilities are expanding Warner Seeds' pipeline, including DT2 trait development, earlier application flexibility with FirstAct herbicide and the PF trait aimed at reducing prussic acid risk in forage sorghum. The conversation also explores what growers and dealers can expect for 2027, how private-label partnerships can broaden access to regionally adapted genetics, and why producer-led advocacy matters to seed companies and the broader sorghum industry. Milo Matters is presented by Case IH, an NSP industry partner and the premier sponsor of the podcast.

In this episode of Milo Matters, we sit down with David Drinnon, General Manager of Nufarm North America Seeds and a member of the National Sorghum Producers Board of Directors, to discuss the people, partnerships and innovations driving the sorghum industry forward. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience, David shares his journey from Richardson Seeds to leading one of the industry's most recognized seed platforms.

From the importance of sorghum seed production to the value of strong industry partnerships, this conversation explores how collaboration between growers, seed companies and organizations like National Sorghum Producers helps strengthen the future of the crop. We also discuss how seed innovation continues to evolve and what growers can expect from the next generation of sorghum genetics.

David also reflects on his recent trade mission to China and Mongolia, sharing firsthand insights into global markets, the importance of maintaining international relationships and why trade remains a critical piece of the sorghum industry's success.

Whether you're interested in seed innovation, market development, advocacy or the future of sorghum, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the opportunities ahead for growers and the industry as a whole.

In this episode of Milo Matters, we sit down with Dr. Scott Staggenborg and Shane Halfmann from Advanta Seeds to talk about the innovations shaping the future of sorghum production.

From advancements in hybrid development to the rollout of the igrowth system, this conversation breaks down how new genetics and production tools are helping growers improve weed control, protect yield potential and adapt to rising input costs.

We also dive into what's happening in the field right now, including key agronomic considerations for the season, shifting market dynamics and why sorghum continues to stand out as a resilient, low-input crop in uncertain conditions.

Plus, we explore how Advanta's global footprint and research investment are driving new solutions for U.S. growers and what's coming next in the sorghum pipeline.

Whether you're making planting decisions or just looking to stay ahead of the curve, this episode delivers practical insights you can use on your operation.

This week on Milo Matters, we sit down with Bryan Thomas of DEKALB, a valued industry partner of National Sorghum Producers, to talk about pushing sorghum yields to the next level.

Bryan shares his background in agriculture, DEKALB's approach to performance-driven sorghum genetics and how innovation continues to equip growers for today's production challenges. We also dive into the National Sorghum Yield Contest and why it remains such a powerful platform for showcasing what's possible in the field.

Strong yields don't happen in isolation. They're built through research, management and the partnerships that support growers every step of the way. This episode highlights how DEKALB's commitment to sorghum, and its partnership with NSP, helps move the industry forward.

If you care about yield, innovation and collaboration that delivers results, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Ethanol plays a critical role in America's fuel supply—but what does that mean for sorghum growers? In this episode of Milo Matters, Eric Washington sits down with ethanol policy expert John Duff to break down what ethanol is, why it lowers fuel costs, and how sorghum fits into today's and tomorrow's energy markets. The conversation covers year-round E15, export growth, and what emerging policies like the 45Z clean fuel tax credit could mean at the farm gate. A practical, plain-language discussion on one of the most important demand drivers for U.S. sorghum.

Welcome to the launch of Milo Matters, the new podcast from National Sorghum Producers, created to bring farmers, industry partners, and policymakers timely conversations about the issues shaping sorghum today.

In our first episode, NSP CEO Tim Lust kicks things off with a look at where the industry has been, where it's headed, and how sorghum's 70th anniversary sets the stage for a milestone year. Tim reflects on early days at NSP, major policy wins, emerging opportunities in global markets, and why the future has never been brighter for sorghum producers.

Whether you're a longtime grower or new to the crop, this episode sets the tone for what Milo Matters will deliver—clear insight, real stories, and a direct line to the people moving the sorghum industry forward.

In this engaging episode of Sorghum Smart Talk: Policy Edition, Episode #019, join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of sorghum policy and its pivotal role in shaping the agricultural landscape. Delve into the annals of history with our NSP CEO, Tim Lust, a visionary who has championed sorghum policy since the early '90s. Unearth the impactful moments that have defined our industry, culminating in where we stand today. With the anticipation of the upcoming farm bill, we'll provide an insightful glimpse into the path forward. Moreover, meet our dynamic new policy analyst, Sydney Lundberg, and explore her pivotal role in deciphering economic and market factors that will drive future sorghum policy. This episode is your compass to navigate the rich history, promising future and our mission to advocate for sorghum farmers. Sponsored by Richardson Seeds.

For more information and to explore the backdrop of our topics, visit: https://sorghumgrowers.com/our-impact/

This story originally appeared as the Editor's Desk in the Summer 2023 Issue of Sorghum Grower magazine.

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2023 Issue of Sorghum Grower magazine.

This story originally appeared in the Summer 2023 Issue of Sorghum Grower magazine.