National Sorghum Producers Leadership Development Next Leaders
About Leadership Development

Developing the Next Sorghum Leaders

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP) is developing the next-generation of leaders for the sorghum industry with its Leadership Sorghum program.

  • Program Mission: Leadership Sorghum seeks to develop the next-generation of leaders for the sorghum industry.
  • Program Objectives: Recruit new leadership and prepare participants interested in pursuing leadership roles within the sorghum industry. Expose participants to and educate them about the sorghum industry.

Apply Today for Leadership Sorghum!

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is now accepting applications for Leadership Sorghum Class VII, a program designed to cultivate the next generation of sorghum leaders.

Apply Today
Leadership Sorghum

About The Program

National Sorghum Producers Leadership Development What Youll Gain

What You'll Gain

Throughout the program, Leadership Sorghum class members are exposed to various aspects of the sorghum industry from basic and applied research to international marketing. Through both hands-on and classroom-style education, participants will gain an understanding of:

  • How sorghum moves through the value chain
  • How checkoffs and interest organizations interact on behalf of the industry
  • What the future holds for the crop

The program also provides professional development training and networking opportunities.

Leadership Sorghum

Program Details

The United Sorghum Checkoff Program is now taking applications for Leadership Sorghum Class VII. Apply here!

  • Program Eligibility

    As stated in the USDA-approved Leadership Sorghum criteria, eligible participants must be (1) farmers actively engaged in sorghum production and (2) citizens of the U.S.

  • Time Commitment and Schedule

    Leadership Sorghum requires five trips over 14 months, totaling 15 days. Applicants must agree to attend all sessions except in the case of family illness or emergency.

    Session I: In the Boardroom – Lubbock, Texas – December 10-12, 2024
    Theme: In the boardroom, connecting with leaders

    Session II: Broader Horizons – Denver, Colorado – March 2-4 2025
    Theme: Commodity Classic, event created by farmers for farmers

    Session III: From the Ground Up – Kansas – September 9-11, 2025
    Theme: Exploring the seed industry, public and private research 

    Session IV: Global Markets – New Orleans, Louisiana – December 1-3 2025
    Theme: Connecting your farm to global markets

    Session V: Graduation & Government Policy Impacts – Washington, DC – February 2026
    Theme: Education and the democratic process

    For any questions, contact Shelee Padgett, shelee@sorghumcheckoff.com

  • Program Expenses

    USCP covers expenses for travel, lodging and meals based on USDA per diem requirements.

Leadership Sorghum

The Results

National Sorghum Producers Leadership Development Grass Roots

Building Grassroots

Leadership Sorghum prepares sorghum farmers to be an advocate for sorghum and agriculture on a local, regional and national platform.

To date, Leadership Sorghum has resulted in 87 farmers from 16 different states. Leadership Sorghum alumni are more involved in state and national organizations and committees as a result of the program.

National Sorghum Producers Leadership Development Industry Gains

Industry Gains

Leadership is vital to the success of any industry, and Leadership Sorghum provides the necessary resources to lead our industry in the future.

The first three classes of the Leadership Sorghum program has facilitated growers from 16 states who all bring different perspectives to the sorghum industry, including their cropping systems and their own farming operation structure.

Leadership Sorghum highlights the Sorghum Checkoff by showcasing where producers’ dollars are being invested and the level of synergy that exists within the sorghum industry.

Leadership Sorghum Testimonials

Featured Participants

BakerMike
“…I have enjoyed being surrounded by motivated, like-minded producers. The whole experience has been refreshing to me…”

“Leadership Sorghum has provided me the ability to expand my horizon in the sorghum industry. I have enjoyed presentations from seed geneticist, plant breeders, U.S. Congressman, international grain buyers and many more experts in their fields. Without being a part of this group, I would have never had the pleasure of doing this. The other 14 class members have been one of the most enjoyable parts of Leadership Sorghum. Being able to talk about different farming practices, marketing and much more has been great. I have enjoyed being surrounded by motivated, like-minded producers. The whole experience has been refreshing to me."

- Mike Baker | Class I | Trenton, Nebraska
MartinKent
“…I think that as farmers we need to be more engaged in our production, informing the public and in leadership…”

“I think that as farmers we need to be more engaged in our production, informing the public and in leadership. I think this type of program is essential to building more understanding, more leadership and as farmers doing a better job of promoting our business to the public."

- Kent Martin | Class II | Carmen, Oklahoma
WyrillJesse
“If you grow sorghum you should know every part of the business. This program will show you from breeding all the way to getting it to another country. It is a very exciting process to learn everything.” - Jesse Wyrill | Class II | Kirwin, Kansas
LevinJosh
“… I feel sorghum has a successful future not only on our farm, but all throughout the country…”

“Leadership Sorghum gave me a whole new understanding of sorghum, not only in our industry but also as a consumer. I learned about many different uses for sorghum, and also the important role that biomass sorghum and sweet sorghum have in our society as an energy and fuel source. I feel sorghum has a successful future not only on our farm, but all throughout the country since it is a drought tolerant and water sipping crop. It will always be a profitable crop in our farming rotation."

- Josh Levin | Class I | Kensington, Kansas

Browse Program Photos