NSP Announces 2023 Sorghum Yield Contest Winners

LUBBOCK, Texas (Dec. 12, 2023) — National Sorghum Producers is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 National Sorghum Yield Contest, including Bin Buster awardee Chris Santini from Stewartsville, New Jersey, securing the contest’s highest yield at 221.75 bushels per acre.

“The winners of the 2023 sorghum yield contest are extended warm congratulations by National Sorghum Producers,” NSP Board of Directors Chairman Craig Meeker said. “Despite a demanding season with weather highs and lows, remarkable top-tier yields are evident nationwide. We applaud the winners and eagerly anticipate honoring them at the 2024 Commodity Classic in Houston.”

Noteworthy yields are spotlighted across three distinct divisions spanning from the eastern to western U.S. regions, along with an overarching food grade champion. In the 2023 National Sorghum Yield Contest, first place honors go to:

  • Bibb and Nighswonger Partnership from Comanche County, Kansas, in the Irrigated West division, achieving a yield of 218.64 bushels per acre – Dekalb DKS44-07;
  • Howard DeShong from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in the Irrigated East division, achieving a yield of 168.34 bushels per acre – Pioneer 84G62;
  • David Knoll from Charles Mix County, South Dakota, in the Dryland Tillage West division, achieving a yield of 183.32 bushels per acre – Pioneer 89Y79;
  • Santino Santini from Warren County, New Jersey, in the Dryland Tillage East division, achieving a yield of 221.06 bushels per acre – Pioneer 85P58;
  • Mark Bloss from Pawnee County, Nebraska, in the Dryland No-Till West division, achieving a yield of 181.00 bushels per acre – Pioneer 84P72;
  • Chris Santini from Warren County, New Jersey, in the Dryland No-Till East division, achieving a yield of 221.75 bushels per acre – Pioneer 85P58;
  • and JnL Farms from Appanoose County, Iowa, securing victory in the Food Grade division with a yield of 139.56 bushels per acre – Richardson G37.

“This year’s contest results underscore the enduring resilience of sorghum,” Meeker added. “While drought significantly impacted numerous growers this season, we take immense pride in the overall achievements of the industry and commend these growers for their exceptional yield accomplishments.”

The national and state winners will receive further recognition in March 2024 during the Commodity Classic in Houston.

Four Hall of Fame winners will also be recognized for having achieved at least three wins at the national level. They include:

  • Jeffrey Barlieb – New Jersey, Warren County
  • David Knoll – South Dakota, Hyde County
  • Chris Santini – New Jersey, Warren County
  • Santino Santini – New Jersey, Warren County

For a comprehensive rundown of the NSP National Sorghum Yield Contest’s national, state, and county outcomes, or learn more about the contest, please visit sorghumgrowers.com/yield-contest.

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NSP represents U.S. sorghum producers and serves as the voice of the sorghum industry coast to coast through legislative representation, regulatory representation and education. To learn more about NSP, visit www.sorghumgrowers.com.