Leadership from the Nation's Grain Sorghum Leaders
In recent years, Kansas has become recognized as the leading producer of grain sorghum. In 1998, Kansas growers produced over 50 percent of the nation's grain sorghum.

This year, Kansas' projected production of 248.2 million bushels is expected to account for 40 percent of the nation's crop.

In addition to being a leading producer, Kansas also produces leaders for grain sorghum.

Eight Kansas growers hold leadership positions with the National Sorghum Producers' Board of Directors. KGSPA President Leo Bindel of Sabetha, is the NGSP's Vice President of Legislative Affairs. Other Kansas members on the NGSP board are: Jeff Filinger, Cuba; John Ratzlaff, Moundridge; Dwayne DeTar, Coffeyville; Jeff Casten, Quenemo; Stanley Schmitz, Seneca; Donald Rome, Garden City, and Greg Graff, Marienthal.

Kansas Sorghum Production
In 1998, Kansas farmers grew more than half the nation's grain sorghum. Kansas has become the annual leader in U.S. grain sorghum production. This year, the state is expected to produce more than 40 percent of the nation's grain sorghum crop.

1999 HOT Topics
Ag Appropriations
KGSPA successfully lobbied for passage of Congress' farm assistance plan. While KGSPA applauded the President's signing of the bill, the association called for Congress to address issues like sanctions reform to provide long-term solutions to low agriculture prices. "Our government has shut us out of many export markets by imposing unilateral sanctions to punish countries. U.S. farmers pay the price of these actions," KGSPA President Leo Bindel said.

K-State Genome Research
Kansas State University researchers have made several breakthroughs in producing genetically modified grain sorghum to develop pest resistance and stress tolerance. The K-State project has evolved as the front runner in the national race to develop a reliable and reproducible transformation system in sorghum. The research is funded by the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission. It will probably take several years before the public release of GMO sorghum seed.

Grain Storage Tax Exemption
KGSPA lobbied for a grain storage sales tax exemption that was passed by the Kansas Legislature and is in effect for the 1999 calendar year. The exemption applies to commercial and on-farm storage. "Any measure that will encourage the construction of additional grain storage is very positive," KGSPA President Bindel said. For information, contact the Kansas Department of Revenue at 785-296-0222.

Ethanol
With California's phase-out of the fuel oxygenate MTBE, clean-burning ethanol is poised to take its place. California is a potential market for over 200 million bushels of corn and grain sorghum. KGSPA is working to secure this and other new markets for ethanol.

KGSPA State Leadership
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association has a nine-member board, with members representing the nine crop reporting districts of Kansas. The board members are elected by KGSPA members at the association's annual meeting of the KGSPA. This year's annual meeting will be held November 29 at the Salina Holiday Inn.

The association office is located in Garnett, a farming community located in east-central Kansas.

KGSPA is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers, headquartered in Lubbock, Texas. Members of KGSPA also belong to the national organization.

KGSPA represents growers in state and national legislative and regulatory issues. The association also provides market development, promotions, communications and education services for the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission.

KANSAS COMMODITY CLASSIC­­NOVEMBER 30­­SALINA
Here's One Event You Won't Want to Miss . . . and It's FREE!
Get the latest scoop on state and national ag policy; biotech, marketing, and what's going on at the KCBOT at the 999 Kansas Commodity Classic Tuesday, November 30 at the Salina Bicentennial Center. Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Jamie Clover Adams will open the annual convention of the Kansas corn, grain sorghum and wheat growers associations. The popular Kansas Commodity Classic Trade Show will be featured throughout the day. Participants will also enjoy breakfast, lunch and an ice cream break.

Speakers and topics include:

Kansas Agriculture
Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, Jamie Clover Adams

Managing Markets and Risk-A Grower Perspective
Ken Rulon, Rulon Enterprises

National Ag Policy: Evolution in the New Millennium
Senator Sam Brownback (invited)

A Look at Kansas City Board of Trade Deliveries
KCBOT and CFTC Panelists

Biotech Y2K-What Every Grower Should Know, Panel Discussion

KGSPA Annual Meeting: Nov. 29 The Annual Meeting of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday, November 29 at the Salina Holiday Inn.

All KGSPA members are invited and encouraged to attend and participate.

Grower Water Quality Efforts Continue
KGSPA is completing a grower resource guide for Best Management Practices, funded by a grant from EPA through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

"The guide is a folder with best management practices, Kansas water information and other information that will help growers properly handle their crop protection tools," KGSPA Director of Communications Sue Schulte said. "By using a folder format, we can send updates and additions to growers as needed."

The resource guide will be first sent to growers in the Kansas Lower Republican basin, but the association plans to eventually distribute the publication to growers across the state

Kansas Atrazine BMPs
Checkoff, association, industry, university and state entities worked together in developing these BMPs for the good of agriculture and the environment.

1. Incorporate atrazine into the top 2 inches of soil
2. Use early pre-plant applications-fall or early spring application (New labeling allows fall application)
3. Use split applications of atrazine
4. Reduce soil-applied atrazine application rates
5. Use postemergence atrazine applications
6. Use reduced soil-applied application rates followed by a postemergence atrazine application
7. Use alternative non-atrazine herbicides or non-chemical methods
8. Use integrated pest management strategies
9. Establish vegetative and riparian buffer strips
10. Band herbicides at planting or cultivating
11. Use proper atrazine rates, mixing, loading and disposal practices
12. Use conservation practices and structures