Sorghum Smart Talk

In this special episode we sit down with eight Leadership Sorghum class members and alumni to hear about their experiences in the program and how it has impacted them. The Leadership Sorghum program has graduated 59 farmers from 13 different states and numerous alumni are involved in state and national organizations to date.

If you are interested or know someone who would be a good candidate for Leadership Sorghum Class V, contact Shelee Padgett at [email protected] or visit sorghumcheckoff.com/LeadSorghum for more information.

Leadership Sorghum Class is a program designed to foster the next generation of sorghum leaders. The program exposes members to various aspects of the sorghum industry from basic and applied research to international marketing. Through both hands-on and classroom-style education, participants gain an understanding of how sorghum moves through the value chain, how checkoffs and interest organizations interact on behalf of the industry and what the future holds for the crop. The program also provides professional development training and networking opportunities.

Team Sorghum would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! In this special seasonal episode we visit with Terry Swanson, a farmer and rancher from Walsh, Colorado, and National Sorghum Producers past chairman. Swanson has been involved in sorghum industry leadership at the state and national levels and shares his experiences with us in those roles. He also shares his family's Christmas traditions, reasons to be thankful and his optimism for 2020, putting 2019 behind us.

On this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we talk with Tom Martin about his business, Milo Insulation. Based out of Tulia, Texas, the company sources its product locally by direct contracting with sorghum farmers throughout Texas to make chemical-free, economically responsible insulation products. Be sure to tune into this week's episode to learn more about Martin's passion for sorghum in the industrial industry.

Milo Insulation website: https://www.miloinsulation.com/

Milo Insulation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MILO-Insulation-706984663054415

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we chat with JB Stewart from Keyes, Oklahoma, to learn more about him, his operation and how he and his family celebrate the holiday. JB was the National Sorghum Producers Chairman from 2014-2015. Tune into our special Thanksgiving episode of Sorghum Smart Talk as we discuss Turkey Day traditions and count our blessings in agriculture.

On this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with California grain crop farmer Tara Beaver to discuss mental health and her social media campaign surrounding the subject, #MentalHealthMonday. Mental health in rural America and in agriculture is becoming an increasingly important topic. Beaver said social media acts as a platform to show others they are not alone, in and outside of agriculture. If you are interested in engaging in #MentalHealthMonday follow @beavervineyards on Instagram.

Links:

Tara Beaver Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beavervineyards/?hl=en

Tara Beaver YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8EMCmT9cXLFYVQ9OIIJGg

Beaver Vineyards Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beavervineyards/

Beaver Vineyards Website: https://www.beavervineyards.com/

Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

This week on Sorghum Smart Talk, we visit with National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) Director Daniel Neenan. We discuss resources such as rescue programs and safety training designed specifically for agriculturists. Neenan expresses how important farm safety is and encourages certain precautions be taken to ensure the farmer's and family's well being.

On this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with Jim Massey, a sorghum farmer from Robstown, Texas, and the Vice Chairman for the Sorghum Checkoff board of directors. Massey recently went on a mission to Spain with the U.S. Grains Council to evaluate market potential and how conditions could potentially create an opportunity for increased exports of U.S. sorghum into the country.

In this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with Chairman of the National Sorghum Foundation Larry Lambright. We discuss the Foundation and scholarship opportunities for active university students interested in studying agriculture and, more specifically, the sorghum industry. Lambright's passion for agriculture and long-time service to sorghum, including time at DEKALB and Chromatin, has led him to his current role as foundation chairman where he mentors youth in the industry.

To learn more about the foundation and scholarship opportunities, visit the National Sorghum Foundation website at https://sorghumgrowers.com/foundation-scholarships/.

On this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk, we talk with Derek Peine, CEO of Western Plains Energy, LLC in Oakley, Kansas. Western Plains Energy is an ethanol plant that direct contracts with several farmers to supply their grain. Listen in to hear how both parties may benefit from the arrangement.

http://wpellc.com/

https://www.facebook.com/westernplainsenergy

On this week's episode of Sorghum Smart Talk we visit with Mike Baker. Baker is a sorghum farmer from Trenton, Nebraska, serving as chairman for the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board and on the National Sorghum Producers Legislative Committee. Baker has cultivated a successful operation through dynamic marketing and his willingness to experiment with different agronomic techniques. Tune in to learn more about Baker's operation.

Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board website: http://www.sorghum.nebraska.gov/

National Sorghum Producers website: https://sorghumgrowers.com/