Kansas
Grain Sorghum NEWS 

 KGSPA NEWS

07-27-06--Zimmerman Reelected to Represent Sorghum Industry on US Grains Council

5-25-06--Growers Celebrate Garden City Ethanol Groundbreaking

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4-3-08--EPA Grants Label Allowing Lumax on Kansas Grain Sorghum
After a multi-year effort to add Lumax to the grain sorghum grower’s toolbox, the Environmental Protection Agency has labeled the pre-plant herbicide to be used on grain sorghum in Kansas and Nebraska. The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association thanked those who worked for approval of the label including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas State University and the National Sorghum Producers.

Lumax includes the active ingredient mesotrione and can be used as a pre-plant herbicide. EPA granted emergency exemptions allowing the use of Lumax on grain sorghum in Kansas in 2006 and 2007.

“Having Lumax labeled for use on sorghum in Kansas and Nebraska reduces the uncertainty you have when you are waiting for an exemption,” according to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Now that Lumax is labeled for grain sorghum in our state, our growers will be able to plan better when making their weed control decisions.”

Because grain sorghum is considered a minor crop, producers have a limited number of crop protection options.

“We’ve been working on getting a label for Lumax on sorghum ever since it was approved for corn. When EPA approved the label for Lumax, that was very good news for our sorghum producers who need pre-plant broadleaf weed control for their crop especially in cases where they are experiencing herbicide resistance issues,” White said. “As with all crop protection tools, we strongly encourage our growers to read and follow label instructions and restrictions.”

Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions.

Restrictions and Precautions include:
--Use Lumax only on Concep-treated grain sorghum seed.
--Do not apply to emerged grain sorghum.
--Do not apply to grain sorghum on coarse textured soils (i.e. sand, loamy sand or sandy loam).
--Apply Lumax to grain sorghum only. Lumax is not labeled for other types of sorghum.
--Minimize disturbance of the herbicide treated soil barrier during the planting process.
--Lumax is not approved for aerial application or application through any type of irrigation system.
--Do not harvest within 60 days of application.

The label information for Lumax and other information is available at the KGSPA website at www.ksgrains.com/sorghum

3-21-08--Greving, Short and Siefkes Elected to Grain Sorghum Commission
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced the names of producers from the central third of the state who were elected to the state’s five grain commodity commissions – corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat.

This was the third election cycle for districts four, five and six under the new law that privatized the commissions in July 2000. District Four commissioners represent north-central Kansas; District Five commissioners represent central Kansas, and District Six commissioners represent south-central Kanas.

Ballots were cast between January 15 and March 1 and were counted at the Kansas
Department of Agriculture on March 7. The newly elected commissioners will take office April 1 and will serve three-year terms.

Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Corn Commission
District four – Mike Brzon, who grows corn, soybeans, sorghum and wheat in Republic County. He currently serves on the Kansas Corn Commission and is a director on the U.S. Grains Council and Farmway Cooperative Inc. Brzon also is active in water issues in the Republican River basin in Kansas and Nebraska.

District five – Terry Vinduska, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa on a family farm in Marion County. He currently serves on the Kansas Corn Commission and is a member of the U.S. Grains Council, Kansas Farmers Union and Kansas Farm Bureau. Vinduska has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural technology from Kansas State University.

District six – Kent Moore, who grows corn, wheat and soybeans in Pratt County. He is a member of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, and he is on the board of directors for the Pratt County 4-H Foundation. Moore has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Kansas State University.

Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission
District four – William Greving, who grows corn, sorghum, wheat and hay in Phillips County. He currently is secretary-treasurer of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, serves on the board of the National Sorghum Producers and is a member of the Kansas Livestock Association, the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and the Kansas Corn Growers Association. Greving has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Fort Hays State University.

District five – Clayton Short, who grows corn, sorghum, wheat and soybeans in Saline County. He currently serves on the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and is a member of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Association and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Short has a bachelors degree in agriculture from Kansas State University.

District six – Dennis Siefkes, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and wheat in Stafford County. He is a member of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, the Stafford County Farm Bureau and the Great Bend Cooperative Association, and a past member of the Kansas Corn Commission. Siefkes has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture mechanization from Kansas State University.

Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Soybean Commission
District four – Steve Clanton, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat in Ottawa County. He currently serves on the Kansas Soybean Commission. He has been involved in many organizations, including the local extension and soil conservation board and the Kansas Soybean Association. He is a past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Clanton has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Kansas State University.

District five – Harold Kraus, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans and wheat in Ellis County. He has served on the Kansas Soybean Commission since 1999, is a member of Kansas Farm Bureau and is a voting member of the National Biodiesel Board. Kraus has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Kansas.

District six – Jerry Wyse, who grows wheat, corn, grain sorghum and soybeans in Reno County. He currently serves on the Kansas Soybean Commission and is past president and CEO of Kauffman Seeds Inc. Wyse has an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Hesston College.

Commissioners-Elect for the Kansas Wheat Commission
District four – Steve Clanton, who also was elected to the Kansas Soybean Commission.
He grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat in Ottawa County. He currently serves on the Kansas Soybean Commission. He has been involved in many organizations, including the local extension and soil conservation board and the Kansas Soybean Association. He is a past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Clanton has a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Kansas State University.

District five – Dean Stoskopf, who grows wheat, grain sorghum and alfalfa, and has a cow-calf herd in Barton County. He currently is finishing his second term on the Kansas Wheat Commission, he is a past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and is a current member of Kansas Farm Bureau. Stoskopf has a degree in agriculture from Kansas State University.

Distinct six – Scott Van Allen, who grows sorghum and wheat in Sumner County. He is a past president and current member of the Sumner County Farm Bureau. Van Allen has also been on Kansas Farm Bureau’s wheat advisory board for the past two years. Van Allen is a graduate of Clearwater High School.

Commissioner-Elect for the Kansas Sunflower Commission
There were no candidates for commissioner in districts four, five and six. Commissioners will be appointed by the Kansas Sunflower Commission.

2009 Election Will Cover Western Third of State
Corn, grain sorghum, soybean, sunflower and wheat growers in the western third of the state can expect to receive information by mail this fall outlining the 2009 election procedure.

District one includes Cheyenne, Decatur, Graham, Norton, Rawlins Sheridan, Sherman and Thomas counties.

District two includes Gove, Greeley, Lane, Logan, Ness, Scott, Trego, Wallace and Wichita counties.

District three includes Clark, Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Hamilton, Haskell, Hodgeman, Kearny, Meade, Morton, Seward, Stanton and Stevens counties.

Grain growers who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the commissions must collect on an official petition form 20 signatures from eligible voters to be included on the 2009 ballot. Official petition forms will be available through the Kansas Department of Agriculture or one of the grain commodity commissions.

No more than five signatures from any one county will be used to qualify a candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and have been growing corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat during the last three years. The filing deadline for candidates is November 30, 2008.

2-6-08--DuPont Crop Protection and KSU Research Foundation Partner To Commercialize Sorghum Herbicide Tolerant Traits (KSU News release)
WILMINGTON, Del. – DuPont and Kansas State University Research Foundation have signed an agreement giving DuPont exclusive commercialization rights to two new herbicide-tolerant traits in sorghum.
The new traits, developed by Kansas State University researchers, include an ALS-herbicide-tolerant trait and an ACCase-herbicide tolerant trait. Both traits will provide growers with new, more flexible post-emergence herbicide options for grass control in sorghum with no restrictions on export marketing.
Growers will benefit from new herbicide solutions developed with the unique blends technology from DuPont Crop Protection for use on sorghum with the new ALS-tolerant trait. Seed companies will have the opportunity to sub-license both traits from DuPont.
“Our partnership with Kansas State will allow us to deliver solutions for grass and broadleaf weed control in sorghum that have never before been available,” said James C. Collins, vice president and general manager – DuPont Crop Protection. “We are pleased to work with Kansas State researchers as we continue to deliver products that increase grower productivity.”
“One of the greatest challenges sorghum growers have faced over the years is control of weeds in the crop,” said Forrest Chumley, K-State Research and Extension associate director for research. “To solve the problem, we needed to work with a company, such as DuPont, that has optimal herbicide chemistry, access to good crop genetics, and the willingness to make the innovation available broadly. This is a huge step for sorghum production.”
Growers currently rely on pre-emergence grass herbicides that require rainfall for activation. These treatments can be inconsistent, especially in the High Plains where annual rainfall frequently is limited. The new ALS-tolerant and ACCase-tolerant traits will provide sorghum growers with post-emergence grass and broadleaf weed control options needed for more versatile application timing. The new traits, developed using conventional methods, will also allow growers greater rotational flexibility to sorghum from other crops.
The traits were developed by K-State agronomy researchers including Kassim Al-Khatib and his former colleague Mitch Tuinstra (currently at Purdue University).
K-State’s Chumley said the effort was made possible by strong support from the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission and the National Grain Sorghum Producers.
“Through their checkoff dollars, sorghum farmers have provided steady support for research and educational programs aimed at improving this important crop. It’s nice to see this payoff for sorghum farmers,” he said.
Kansas has long been the leading state in grain sorghum production, accounting for nearly half of the U.S. crop. The United States is the world’s largest producer of grain sorghum at about 300 million bushels per year. In 2006, grain sorghum sales pumped $487 million into the Kansas economy, according to the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. The latest projections by the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service indicate that Kansas growers produced about 212 million bushels of grain sorghum in 2007.
The mission of the Kansas State University Research Foundation is to promote, encourage and aid scientific investigation, research and technology transfer at Kansas State University to return the greatest advantage to the creators, K-State and the general public.
DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food, building and construction, communications, and transportation.
 

12-20-07--Energy Bill Ensures Strong Biofuels Future for Kansas
Kansas corn and grain sorghum growers cheered the signing of H.R. 6, the energy bill this week. The bill includes a 36 billion gallon Renewable Fuels Standard by 2022. 15 billion gallons of that RFS will be grain based ethanol, creating a strong foundation for ethanol production in Kansas. The remainder of the RFS will be met by other biofuels including cellulosic ethanol.

The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) both supported passage of the bill. The Kansas ethanol industry currently provides a market for 117 million bushels of corn and grain sorghum. The state’s corn and sorghum growers produced 710 million bushels of grain this year.

“If you want to see the opportunity for cellulosic ethanol to move forward, you need to maintain a strong grain-based ethanol industry,” according to Jere White, executive director of KCGA and KGSPA. “When the president signed this bill into law, it provided needed stability for the future of ethanol and other biofuels.”

The Energy Bill had strong bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate. Senators Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback both voted in favor of the Energy Bill. On the house side three of our four representatives voted for the Energy Bill. Representatives Jerry Moran, Dennis Moore and Todd Tiahrt all supported the bill. Second District Representative Nancy Boyda voted against the Energy Bill.

“Kansans are fortunate to have a senators and representatives who understand the importance of renewable fuels to the economy of our state,” White said. “The ten ethanol plants in Kansas are having a dramatic impact on rural development in Kansas. This industry is bringing jobs and economic activity to communities across the state and has created a strong and stable market for our grains. At the same time, these plants are producing a clean, renewable refined fuel that adds to our fuel supply and stabilizes prices we pay at the pump.”

The bill also includes provisions that will advance E85, 85 percent ethanol fuel, including a provision that prohibits franchise agreements from restricting the sale of renewable fuels.

Kansas currently has 10 plants in operation that produce 329 million gallons of ethanol, creating a market for about 117 million bushels of corn and grain sorghum. Ethanol blended fuels are available across the state of Kansas as E10 for use in all gasoline powered vehicles; and 28 stations now offer E85 fuel for flexible fuel vehicles. For more information on ethanol and locations of E85 fueling sites, visit www.ksgrains.com.

12-9-07--E85 Fuel Now Available at 28 Kansas Stations
Not too long ago, drivers of flexible fuel vehicles were lucky to find a handful of Kansas fuel stations that carried E85, 85 percent ethanol fuel. Today, motorists can find E85 in 28 stations across Kansas, with more on the way.

The newest stations are located in Arkansas City, Burlington, Oakley, Parsons, Thayer and Topeka.

“Our association staff drives flexible fuel vehicles. Thanks to the increase in the number of E85 stations, we can now drive on E85 fuel no matter where we go in Kansas,” according to Sue Schulte, communications director for the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association.

While E85 fuel has many benefits, most drivers notice the price first.

“There are so many reasons to use E85 fuel. It is domestically produced ethanol, made from corn and grain sorghum. It burns cleaner and is better for the environment. But it is the price that is attracting the most attention right now. At 40 to 60 cents below regular unleaded, E85 fuel is a great deal,” Schulte said.

While there is a drop fuel economy for E85 fuel because ethanol contains a lower energy content, KCGA and KGSPA staff have not found the dramatic decreases in fuel economy that is reported by some sources.

“We’ve been using E85 in flexible fuel vehicles for year, and while we see about a small loss in fuel economy, the price of the fuel will normally more than make up for that difference,” Schulte said. “If you live near an E85 station, it will be worth your time to check your owners manual to see if you have a flexible fuel vehicle.”

E85 is 85 percent ethanol fuel that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) that operate on any combination of gasoline and ethanol up to 85 percent ethanol. There are over 6 million FFVs on the road today.

For a complete list of E85 stations in Kansas, visit the Kansas Ethanol website at www.ksgrains.com.

11-9-07--November Crop Estimate Shows 45% Increase for Kansas Feed Grains
45 percent. That’s the increase in Kansas Corn production over last year’s crop, according to Kansas Agricultural Statistics monthly crop production estimates. Ag Statistics boosted the 2007 Kansas corn crop estimate to 500.4 million bushels, 45 percent over last year’s harvest of 345 million bushels. The estimate is 7 million bushels over last month’s estimate thanks to an increase in expected yield to 139 bushels per acre.
 
45 percent is also the increase for Kansas grain sorghum this year. Ag statistics increased its estimate by 4 million bushels over last month’s guess. The November estimate is at 210.6 million bushels which is 45 percent more than last year’s harvest of 145 million bushels. The November yield estimate is 81 bushels per acre, compared to 58 bushels per acre in 2006. The yield estimate is also 3 bushels per acre higher than the October estimate.
 
Combined feed grain production for Kansas now stands at 711 million bushels of corn and sorghum, compared to a combined 2006 feed grain harvest of 490 million bushels.
 

8-27-07--Kansas Corn and Sorghum Growers Applaud Announcement of Abengoa’s Conventional and Cellulosic Ethanol Plant Project
A new ethanol plant project that would make both grain based ethanol and cellulosic ethanol will be good for Kansas and its agriculture industry, according to corn and sorghum growers. Abengoa Bioenergy announced on Aug. 23 that it would build a hybrid ethanol project that would feature an 85 million gallon grain-based ethanol plant and a 30 million gallon cellulosic ethanol plant. Abengoa officials pointed to the unique synergy between the two ethanol processes. Leaders of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association agree.

“Conventional ethanol has created a good market for my grain sorghum. The cellulosic ethanol would be made from the crop residue, like sorghum and corn stalks, and that can create an additional revenue stream for growers,” KGSPA President Greg Shelor of Minneola said.

Cellulosic ethanol can also be made from grasses, forage sorghums and other cellulosic materials.

“There is a lot of interest in some of the forage sorghum varieties that would produce a very large amount of material for cellulosic production,” he said. “Obviously sorghum producers are following that closely.”

Abengoa officials have said they would place a strong emphasis making sure the right amount of crop residue remains in the fields because it is in their best interest for growers to continue to use the best agronomic and conservation practices.

The Abengoa said the Hugoton plant will be the first cellulosic ethanol plant in the U.S. . The development of the cellulosic ethanol industry will help America meet its goals for producing domestic renewable energy, according to KCGA President Bob Timmons, Fredonia.

“It’s exciting to see companies beginning to move forward in developing cellulosic ethanol plants,” Timmons said. “Our country is setting some aggressive goals for renewable fuels, and cellulosic ethanol will play a big role in meeting those goals.”

Timmons said corn growers see cellulosic ethanol as a new opportunity for those involved in agriculture.

“Some people automatically assume that as a corn grower, I would not be interested in cellulosic ethanol production,” Timmons said. “Whether you’re selling your grain, your stover or both to an ethanol plant, that is a benefit to you as a farmer. Cellulosic ethanol won’t replace conventional ethanol, it will complement it.”

Kansas now has 9 ethanol plants that use 96 million bushels of corn and sorghum to produce over 270 million gallons of ethanol per year. Those ethanol plants are operating in Garden City (2 plants), Russell, Phillipsburg, Campus, Garnett, Colwich, Atchison and Leoti. Plants in Pratt, Hayne near Liberal, Lyons, Scandia and Goodland are under construction. Other plants are in various stages of planning. Visit www.ksgrains.com for more information on Kansas ethanol, KCGA and KGSPA.
 

June 7, 2008

Lumax now can be used on sorghum until June 30

TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to extend until June 30 the Section 18 emergency exemption for Lumax herbicide use on Kansas grain sorghum. 

An earlier emergency exemption allowed Lumax to be used until June 15.  Sorghum growers may now use it until June 30. 

"Given the planting delays many farmers experienced due to ongoing wet weather, we asked that the deadline to use Lumax be extended from June 15 to June 30," said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky. 
 
When applied according to label directions – and after proper activation – this herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and annual grasses (excluding shattercane) in grain sorghum.  The controlled weeds include triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-resistant

Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. 

The emergency exemption does outline special conditions for Lumax use on sorghum. Users must have the label at the time of application, and they must accept responsibility for failure to perform and for crop damage.  Applicators can access the label online at www.farmassist.com.  For those who do not have Internet access, their retailer will help them through the process.

The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association asked the Kansas Department of Agriculture to apply for the exemption, and it was originally granted until June 15, 2007.

Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.

The exemption has several conditions which include:

• Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has  7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
• Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
• A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
• Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules
• June 7, 2008

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  Lumax now can be used on sorghum until June 30
  
  TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to extend until June 30 the Section 18 emergency exemption for Lumax herbicide use on Kansas grain sorghum.
  
  An earlier emergency exemption allowed Lumax to be used until June 15. Sorghum growers may now use it until June 30.
  
  "Given the planting delays many farmers experienced due to ongoing wet weather, we asked that the deadline to use Lumax be extended from June 15 to June 30," said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky.
   
  When applied according to label directions – and after proper activation – this herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and annual grasses (excluding shattercane) in grain sorghum. The controlled weeds include triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-resistant
  Palmer amaranth and waterhemp.
  
  The emergency exemption does outline special conditions for Lumax use on sorghum. Users must have the label at the time of application, and they must accept responsibility for failure to perform and for crop damage. Applicators can access the label online at www.farmassist.com. For those who do not have Internet access, their retailer will help them through the process.
  
  The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association asked the Kansas Department of Agriculture to apply for the exemption, and it was originally granted until June 15, 2007.
  
  Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.
   
  The exemption has several conditions which include:
  Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has  7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
  Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
  A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
  Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules
   

  ---

  April 27, 2007--
  EPA Grants Exemption Allowing Lumax on Kansas Grain Sorghum
  The Environmental Protection Agency approved a specific exemption that will allow the use of Lumax, a pre-plant herbicide to be used on grain sorghum in Kansas. Lumax includes the active ingredient mesotrione.
   
  “This is good news for sorghum producers who need pre-plant broadleaf weed control for their crop especially in cases where they are experiencing herbicide resistance issues,” according to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers were able to use Lumax last year through an emergency exemption.”
   
  The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association had requested that the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) apply for the exemption. KDA received a specific exemption for Lumax this week from EPA. KDA is responsible for making sure the conditions of the specific exemption are met. The exemption is in effect until June 15, 2007 (extended to June 30).
   
  Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.
   
  The exemption has several conditions which include:
   
  *Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has a 7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
   
  *Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
   
  *A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
   
  *Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules.
   
  For more information, contact KGSPA at 800-489-2676.
  
  Steps to Access the Lumax on Sorghum Indemnified Section 18 (Kansas)
  Access to the Indemnified Label
  1. Go to the http://www.farmassist.com website
  2. If first time user, then register as a new user.  Click o the "I accept" button.
  3. On the left side of the screen select Products then Syngenta Crop Protection then Special Labels
  4.  At the top of the ensuing screen, click the "here" (If searching for indemnified labels, click here.)
  5. Click the Section 18 box, select Kansas, select Lumax
  6. Click the Submit button near the bottom.
  7. On the next window you should see information on the Section 18. Then click on sorghum.
  8. Final step is to accept the terms and conditions of the indemnified label by clicking on the “I accept” button. Now the label will be available for viewing and printing.
  Note: If you have trouble getting the label, make sure you did not miss Step 4. If you still have difficulty, then call the Syngenta Customer Resource Center at 1-866-796-4368 (option 2).
   

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  4-20-07
  Kansas Sorghum Producers Welcome Return of MiloPro 4L Herbicide
   
  After being off the market for several years, MiloPro 4L, is once again available to Kansas grain sorghum growers. For over a decade, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) and National Sorghum Producers (NSP) have worked to return this important preemergent weed control chemical to the grower’s toolbox.
   
  The product, which contains the active ingredient propazine, has received a section 3 conditional label. The section 3 label is a conditional label for three years while the manufacturer Albaugh Inc. and the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) work with the Environmental Protection Agency to document water safety in certain areas of the Sorghum Belt.
   
  “This is important for our sorghum producers in Kansas,” according to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers need options when controlling weeds,” he said. “It is an important accomplishment to have the use of MiloPro again.”
   
  White is chairman of the Triazine Network, a nationwide coalition of state and national commodity and farm organizations, as well as hundreds of individual farmers who have been instrumental in ensuring the growers concerns were considered in the regulatory effort. The special review is coming to an end with a positive outcome for growers who use triazine herbicides like atrazine, simazine and propazine.
   
  In 2006, EPA released a tolerance assessment for propazine which led to its actions to issue a label allowing the use of propazine on grain sorghum. KGSPA submitted comments in favor of the propazine tolerance assessment.
   
  “Propazine is one of the triazine herbicides that can be of great use to grain sorghum producers. Few crop protection tools have been made available for grain sorghum because of relatively small acreages,” KGSPA stated in its comments to EPA. “A label for the use of propazine on grain sorghum would be a positive step forward for our producers.”
   
  NSP CEO Tim Lust said that sorghum growers have expressed interest in using MiloPro 4L again.
   
  “Producers have continued to ask us over the years to bring this product back to the market. We are excited to communicate that this product is available again for producers who are looking to add sorghum back into their crop rotations.”
   
  Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association represents sorghum growers in regulatory and legislative issues. KGSPA is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers. Visit www.ksgrains.com for more information.
   
  
   

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5-14-07--Corn and Sorghum Growers Applaud New Kansas Renewable Fuels Standard

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius has signed legislation that will give a 6.5 cents per gallon tax credit to fuel retailers who meet a Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) beginning in 2009. The legislation will play a major role in increasing the use of ethanol-blended fuels and biodiesel in Kansas. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association supported the creation of an RFS.

“While Kansas is becoming an increasingly influential player in the biofuels industry, the use of biofuels in our state lags behind. It makes sense that our state would encourage the use of these homegrown fuels,” KCGA and KGSPA stated in joint testimony in support of the RFS.

The ethanol RFS will begin in 2009 at 10 percent and would increase annually. A dealer reaching the target would receive a 6.5 cents per gallon tax credit. A retailer coming within two percent of the target would receive a 4.5 cents per gallon tax credit. Retailers that do not meet the RFS will not be penalized, but will not receive the tax credit. The target will increase by one percent every year until 2024 when the RFS target would reach 25 percent ethanol.

“Our associations have endorsed the 25 x 25 initiative that calls our nation to get 25 percent of its energy from renewable resources by the year 2025. By passing this legislation, Kansas will be moving assertively toward that goal.,” KCGA Executive Director Jere White said.

Biodiesel is also a part of the Kansas RFS. The bill gives a tax credit of three cents per gallon of biodiesel if the retailer meets the standard. The biodiesel standard begins at 2 percent in 2009 increasing two percent annually until 2017. Then, the standard would increase one percent annually until 2025, when it would reach 25 percent.

Kansas currently has eight ethanol plants producing 215.5 million gallons of ethanol fuel annually. This summer two more plants, Pratt and Garden City, are expected to begin production adding an additional 105 million gallons per year, bringing the Kansas production total to 320.5 million gallons per year. Plants in Hayne near Liberal, Lyons, Goodland and Scandia are currently under construction and will add another 195 million gallons per year of production.

6-7-07--Lumax now can be used on sorghum until June 30
 
TOPEKA -- The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved its request to extend until June 30 the Section 18 emergency exemption for Lumax herbicide use on Kansas grain sorghum. 
 
An earlier emergency exemption allowed Lumax to be used until June 15.  Sorghum growers may now use it until June 30. 
 
"Given the planting delays many farmers experienced due to ongoing wet weather, we asked that the deadline to use Lumax be extended from June 15 to June 30," said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky. 
 
When applied according to label directions – and after proper activation – this herbicide controls broadleaf weeds and annual grasses (excluding shattercane) in grain sorghum.  The controlled weeds include triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and acetolactate synthase (ALS)-resistant Palmer amaranth and waterhemp. 
 
The emergency exemption does outline special conditions for Lumax use on sorghum. Users must have the label at the time of application, and they must accept responsibility for failure to perform and for crop damage.  Applicators can access the label online at www.farmassist.com.  For those who do not have Internet access, their retailer will help them through the process.
 
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association asked the Kansas Department of Agriculture to apply for the exemption, and it was originally granted until June 15, 2007.

Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.
 
The exemption has several conditions which include:
Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has  7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules

4-27-07--EPA Grants Exemption Allowing Lumax on Kansas Grain Sorghum
The Environmental Protection Agency approved a specific exemption that will allow the use of Lumax, a pre-plant herbicide to be used on grain sorghum in Kansas. Lumax includes the active ingredient mesotrione.
 
“This is good news for sorghum producers who need pre-plant broadleaf weed control for their crop especially in cases where they are experiencing herbicide resistance issues,” according to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers were able to use Lumax last year through an emergency exemption.”
 
The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association had requested that the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA) apply for the exemption. KDA received a specific exemption for Lumax this week from EPA. KDA is responsible for making sure the conditions of the specific exemption are met. The exemption is in effect until June 15, 2007 (extended to June 30).
 
Lumax Herbicide, which is manufactured by Syngenta Crop Protection, must be applied following all label directions, restrictions and precautions on the federal label and as outlined in the authorization notice.
 
The exemption has several conditions which include:
 
*Application of Lumax® is allowed on grain sorghum fields and has a 7-14 day pre-plant application requirement.
 
*Apply at the rate of no more than 2.5 quarts per acre.
 
*A 60-day pre-harvest interval must be observed.
 
*Because Lumax is a restricted-use pesticide, farmers and applicators must be certified and maintain record of applications following standard restricted use pesticide record keeping rules.
 
For more information, contact KGSPA at 800-489-2676.

Steps to Access the Lumax on Sorghum Indemnified Section 18 (Kansas)
Access to the Indemnified Label
1. Go to the http://www.farmassist.com website
2. If first time user, then register as a new user.  Click o the "I accept" button.
3. On the left side of the screen select Products then Syngenta Crop Protection then Special Labels
4.  At the top of the ensuing screen, click the "here" (If searching for indemnified labels, click here.)
5. Click the Section 18 box, select Kansas, select Lumax
6. Click the Submit button near the bottom.
7. On the next window you should see information on the Section 18. Then click on sorghum.
8. Final step is to accept the terms and conditions of the indemnified label by clicking on the “I accept” button. Now the label will be available for viewing and printing.
Note: If you have trouble getting the label, make sure you did not miss Step 4. If you still have difficulty, then call the Syngenta Customer Resource Center at 1-866-796-4368 (option 2).
 

4-20-07--Kansas Sorghum Producers Welcome Return of MiloPro 4L Herbicide
 
After being off the market for several years, MiloPro 4L, is once again available to Kansas grain sorghum growers. For over a decade, the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) and National Sorghum Producers (NSP) have worked to return this important preemergent weed control chemical to the grower’s toolbox.
 
The product, which contains the active ingredient propazine, has received a section 3 conditional label. The section 3 label is a conditional label for three years while the manufacturer Albaugh Inc. and the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) work with the Environmental Protection Agency to document water safety in certain areas of the Sorghum Belt.
 
“This is important for our sorghum producers in Kansas,” according to KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “Our growers need options when controlling weeds,” he said. “It is an important accomplishment to have the use of MiloPro again.”
 
White is chairman of the Triazine Network, a nationwide coalition of state and national commodity and farm organizations, as well as hundreds of individual farmers who have been instrumental in ensuring the growers concerns were considered in the regulatory effort. The special review is coming to an end with a positive outcome for growers who use triazine herbicides like atrazine, simazine and propazine.
 
In 2006, EPA released a tolerance assessment for propazine which led to its actions to issue a label allowing the use of propazine on grain sorghum. KGSPA submitted comments in favor of the propazine tolerance assessment.
 
“Propazine is one of the triazine herbicides that can be of great use to grain sorghum producers. Few crop protection tools have been made available for grain sorghum because of relatively small acreages,” KGSPA stated in its comments to EPA. “A label for the use of propazine on grain sorghum would be a positive step forward for our producers.”
 
NSP CEO Tim Lust said that sorghum growers have expressed interest in using MiloPro 4L again.
 
“Producers have continued to ask us over the years to bring this product back to the market. We are excited to communicate that this product is available again for producers who are looking to add sorghum back into their crop rotations.”
 
Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association represents sorghum growers in regulatory and legislative issues. KGSPA is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers. Visit www.ksgrains.com for more information.
 

1-31-07--National Grain Sorghum Producers Foundation Announces Alliance with Valent to Develop Herbicide Tolerant Grain Sorghum

Innovative Non-GMO with High Crop Tolerance to Valent's Leading Grass Herbicide

San Diego, California; Walnut Creek, California (January 31, 2007)—Cibus LLC, the U.S. plant breeding technology company and The National Grain Sorghum Producers Foundation (NGSPF), which is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers, today announced a partnership with Valent U.S.A. Corporation, a leading provider of innovative crop protection products, to develop non-GMO herbicide tolerant grain sorghum.

Valent brings its expertise in herbicide development and management to an alliance between Cibus and NGSPF. The collaboration pioneers a new standard for providing valuable traits to farmers while avoiding the unknown and potentially unintended consequences associated with GMO crops. Cibus’ proprietary gene conversion technology, known as the Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS), will be used to develop this new trait in grain sorghum, providing high tolerance levels to Valent’s leading postemergence grass herbicide brand, Select Max® Herbicide with Inside Technology™. This will significantly enhance the productivity and profitability of sorghum farming operations.

“With both Valent and Cibus’ missions to provide innovative and sustainable technologies to the agribusiness community, this collaboration will benefit growers and be a natural fit for us,” says Trevor Thorley, President/COO, Valent U.S.A. Corporation. “Cibus’ proven technology opens new doors for all parties, and will help growers more easily produce safe and abundant food. Given the global reach of Valent’s parent company, Sumitomo Chemical Company, Ltd., a world leader in the discovery of crop protection and plant enhancement products, we look forward to exploring opportunities with Cibus for other crops around the world.”

“Sorghum producers have needed some new grass control options for quite some time,” said NGSPF President Bruce Maunder. “Our partnership with Cibus and now Valent will allow for much-needed technology development in our crop. Once it makes its way into producer fields, it should help increase both yields and profitability for sorghum producers.”

“This is an exciting project,” said NSP CEO Tim Lust. “With new grass control options, producers will begin considering planting sorghum in fields where that may not be an option now. This is a clear win for sorghum producers.”

NGSPF plans to use revenues derived from this partnership to reinvest in sorghum research and development as part of a long-term program for sorghum improvement. And since RTDS can develop non-GMO traits faster and at lower cost than transgenic alternatives, this will save farmers an estimated $25 million per crop.

The RTDS process works through the cell’s natural process of gene repair. Every time a cell copies DNA, it makes “scrivener” errors or spelling mistakes. These variations happen all the time, which is how natural variation occurs. Cibus’ technology harnesses the cell’s own natural DNA repair machinery to correct such spelling mistakes, thus directing DNA repair enzymes to correct and repair the targeted gene in a specific way in order to produce a desired trait. The process, in its precision, is similar to altering a single letter in a word contained within a large book. Nothing in the genome, other than the changes directed by the process, is altered by this approach.

“RTDS promises a revolution in genetics—a limitless range of value added new products that are acceptable to environmentally-conscious consumers and governments, and help farmers solve their toughest pest management problems,” says Dr. Keith Walker, President of Cibus. “RTDS technology can be used to create non-GMO plants tolerant to most herbicide chemistries currently marketed to farmers, such as a Select Max® tolerant grain sorghum. But the opportunities also include healthier oils and nutraceutical oils in crops such as canola and soybeans plus many other valuable traits.”

“A recent Kansas State University survey of more than 600 sorghum producers from across the United States identified grassy weed control for grain sorghum as their No. 1 research priority. Select Max® provides fast and complete control of emerged annual and perennial grassy weeds in over 100 crops, including soybean, sunflower, cotton, and sugar beets,” says Joseph Short, Product Manager for Valent. “Sorghum producers will see increased convenience, yield and profits when they can selectively control grasses with an over-the-top application of Select Max®.”

11-16-06--National Grain Sorghum Producers Foundation Announces Collaboration to Develop Non-GMO Traits in Grain Sorghum

The National Grain Sorghum Producers Foundation (NGSPF) and Cibus LLC today announced their collaboration to develop and commercialize a new type of Non-GMO grain sorghum using technology known as Rapid Trait Development System (RTDS).

"Cibus, the company that developed RTDS, has some outstanding scientists who were able to develop herbicide resistance without going to another species," said Dr. Bruce Maunder, President of NGSPF and formerly Sorghum Research Director/Breeder for DEKALB Genetics. "They have a proven track record and they've already successfully done this with both rice and canola."

Maunder said that the Cibus technology provides an easier way to obtain desirable traits and when successful, it will also take less time to get into producers' fields.

The collaboration between NGSPF and Cibus grew out of a need to control weeds and grasses in sorghum so that growers could realize improved yields and better profitability.

"Every time we have a weed problem, we have a tendency to reduce yields," said Maunder. "Since we grow sorghum under less rainfall than other crops, the competition from weeds causes us even greater losses because the weeds have a tendency to go after that moisture in many cases faster than the sorghum crop does. Anytime we can make the crop more drought tolerant by giving it less competition, its going to just enable sorghum to be a better fit for the producer."

Maunder said that current grass control options for sorghum are incomplete and expensive.

The new trait will be a departure from the glyphosate-tolerant varieties developed in other crops, and will help producers who have problems with johnsongrass, shattercane, sorghum aulum and volunteer glyphosate-tolerant crops. "It gives them more ease of control," said Maunder.

“Like many farmers, I need sorghum in my crop rotation,” said National Sorghum Producers (NSP) President Greg Shelor of Minneola, Kansas. “But to increase profitability, we have some basic needs like better grass and weed control technology. We also need to increase our yields.” These comments are consistent with a recent market research study conducted by Kansas State University surveying more than 600 sorghum producers from across the United States that identified grassy weed control, improved yield, drought tolerance and new uses or markets for sorghum grain as the most important areas for
research.

NGSPF was established to promote and fund the improvement of sorghum and its uses both nationally and internationally. It is affiliated with the National Sorghum Producers, an organization that works to ensure the profitability of sorghum production through market development, research, education and legislative representation.

Follow this link for more information and audio clips

11-2-06--Kansas Commodity Classic to Feature National Leaders, Farm Bill Discussions
Corn, wheat, grain sorghum and cotton producers will gather in Salina on Tuesday, Nov. 14 to discuss a variety of issues including farm policy, marketing, ethanol and legislative issues at the Kansas Commodity Classic. The Classic will begin at 9 a.m. on November 14 at the Salina Holiday Inn.

Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky will start off the event, followed by a market briefing by ProExporter’s Bill Holbrook, and a farm bill panel of Kansas growers who are in national leadership positions with the National Sorghum Producers (NSP), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG).

“We have a unique situation this year. Kansas growers are in leadership positions for the NCGA, NSP and NAWG. These growers are on the forefront of national discussions of many issues, including the upcoming farm bill discussions,” according to Jere White, executive director of the Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association.

NSP President Greg Shelor of Minneola, NCGA President Ken McCauley of White Cloud, and NAWG President-Elect John Thaemert of Sylvan Grove, will be featured on a panel discussion of the national associations’ plans for the upcoming farm bill discussions.

Following a luncheon, participants can participate in two of six breakout sessions.
The first session will feature, Market Outlook for Kansas Commodities with Dr. Mike Woolverton, KSU; Biofuels & Other Value-Added Investment Opportunities for Kansas Farmers with Jesse McCurry, Kennedy and Coe, and Kansas Water Update with Tracy Streeter, Kansas Water Office. The second session will feature Transportation Outlook for Kansas Commodities with Dr. Michael Babcock, KSU; Kansas Legislative Outlook with Jere White, KCGA & KGSPA; Dana Peterson, KAWG; Brad Harrelson, Kansas Farm Bureau, and Carbon Sequestration Credits, A New Opportunity
for Kansas Farmers with Chad Martin, Iowa Farm Bureau.

“Every year, we work to put together a program that will benefit our growers in many ways,” White said. “You won’t find a program that offers more in one day than the Kansas Commodity Classic.”

This program is offered free to growers, and membership in an association is not required. Participants will be treated to a buffet lunch and an ice cream break sponsored by the Kansas Dairy Association and Commission. 2006 Kansas Commodity Classic sponsors are: Syngenta Crop Protection, Monsanto, ICM, Inc., CoBank and the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC).

8-28-06--Kansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Associations Support EPA’s Favorable Atrazine, Triazine Findings

The Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association (KGSPA) submitted comments in support of EPA’s favorable Cumulative Risk Assessments for the triazine herbicides. The comment period ended August 21.

In its assessment released in June, EPA concluded, "..the Agency has found that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result to the general U.S. population, infants, children, or other major identifiable subgroups of consumers from aggregate exposure…to cumulative residues of atrazine and the other chlorinated triazine pesticides."

EPA also released a Reregistration Eligibility Decision for simazine and a tolerance assessment for propazine that could lead to EPA issuing a label allowing the use of propazine on grain sorghum. These actions bring the special review of the Triazine near an end.

“We weren’t asking for much, just that EPA used good science to make a decision on the Triazine herbicides,” White said. “If sound scientific research proved that the Triazines posed a danger, we were ready to accept that. However, the research proved what we believed all along—the triazines are safe.”

KCGA and KGSPA were founding members the Triazine Network, a nationwide coalition of state and national commodity and farm organizations, as well as hundreds of individual farmers. The Triazine Network was formed in 1995 after the EPA announced the special review of the Triazine herbicides atrazine, simazine and cyanazine. Cyanazine was later removed after the registrant voluntarily offered to phase out its use. Propazine was added based on the intent of a registrant to expand the existing greenhouse label to include grain sorghum. The Network made the unprecedented move of bringing growers of more than 30 commodities to the table for the special review.

Jere White, Executive Director of KCGA and KGSPA has been chairman of the Network since its inception and on many occasions participated in meetings, hearings and technical briefings giving the growers’ perspective, including the importance and usage, to EPA officials.

“EPA told us they had never had grower involvement like this,” White said. “The special review process is open to stakeholders and I can’t think of anyone who had a bigger stake in this process than growers. Our network included some of the top names in agriculture across the board. Without the expertise and commitment of our members, we would not have succeeded.” “We’ve had a lot of things thrown at us since 1994 from fear mongering to frogs,” White said. “But it all comes down to using good scientific studies to reach the decision. We applaud EPA for sticking to the science.”

In their comments, the associations supported EPA’s positive risk assessment of the triazines. In addition, KGSPA also supported the registration of propazine for use on grain sorghum.

The comments submitted to the EPA docket stated: “The Triazine herbicides are a vitally important tool for our growers here in Kansas, especially the herbicide atrazine. We would like to applaud the EPA’s careful and science-based review of the triazines. We were pleased to see EPA’s favorable Triazine Cumulative Risk Assessment comments that show that EPA finds no measurable risk from exposure to Triazine herbicides. This determination was based on sound science.”

The associations applauded EPA for the openness of the process and for its willingness to use sound scientific research: “. . .the positive outcome in this process has bolstered growers’ confidence in EPA and has created an improved feeling of trust as our growers now are assured that EPA is using a thoughtful and science-based process to arrive at decisions that affect their farming operations.”

8-22-06-- NSP Board Votes Unanimously to Proceed with Creating a National Sorghum Checkoff

At their summer board meeting, the National Sorghum Producers (NSP) Board of Directors voted unanimously to proceed with the process of creating a national sorghum checkoff to fund critical research for sorghum producers.

"Like many farmers, I need sorghum in my crop rotation," said NSP President Greg Shelor of Minneola, Kan. "But to increase profitability, we have some basic needs like better grass and weed control technology. We also need to increase our yields."

In May, Shelor appointed NSP President-Elect Dale Murden of Monte Alto, Texas to serve as Chairman of the National Sorghum Checkoff Committee. The committee, made up of producers and state sorghum staff, was charged with the task of assessing if a national sorghum checkoff would help meet critical producer needs. The committee was asked to offer its recommendations at the August board meeting held in Lubbock, Texas.

"After several meetings, phone calls and a lot of research, our committee felt that a national sorghum checkoff would help producers across the country to realize better returns and profitability through a more focused research approach," said Murden. "Profitability is certainly what drives producers and what will drive the priorities of a national sorghum checkoff."

NSP CEO Tim Lust said that the NSP board has been evaluating the possibility of a national sorghum checkoff for quite some time. "If we can meet our most pressing needs, producers will continue to see expanded opportunities for sorghum. There is substantial growth in the forage sorghum market and with the utilization of sorghum for ethanol production."

Lust said that there is a need to increase sorghum's fermentable, extractable sugars to compete with other feedstocks utilized in ethanol production. He also said with the sorghum genome being fully sequenced soon, it will be critical to exploit this scientific breakthrough to help sorghum producers become more productive and profitable in the future.

Directors on the NSP board are now getting feedback from their sponsoring organizations to bring recommendations forward. If you have any questions regarding the process of creating a National Sorghum Checkoff, please call the NSP office at (806) 749-3478.

8-4-06--Kansas Corn, Sorghum Groups Applaud Liberal Ethanol Groundbreaking
Two Conestoga Plants Will Add 165 Million Gallons of Production 
Over 100 people gathered Thursday to witness the groundbreaking ceremony of Conestoga Energy Partners LLC second ethanol plant project near Liberal. The plant, named Arkalon Energy, will produce 110 million gallons of ethanol per year. Its sister plant at Garden City, which broke ground in May, will produce 55 million gallons per year. These two plants will produce 165 million gallons of ethanol, which would nearly double the state’s current production of 170 million gallons of the renewable fuel.

The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association support the increase in use and production of ethanol in Kansas to build markets for corn and grain sorghum. A bushel of corn or sorghum will produce between 2.7 and 2.8 gallons of ethanol, a clean burning, renewable, domestically produced fuel.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who chairs the Governors’ Ethanol Coalition, spoke at the event and commended the group for its accomplishment.

"If biofuels are in the future for the United States, and I think they are, then Kansas is at the forefront of that future,” she said.

The plant will be located about 7 miles east of Liberal on Highway 54. The $170 million project will produce 110 million gallons of fuel grade ethanol per year, and 840,000 tons wet distillers grains that will be marketed to livestock producers. Once in operation, the plant will hire 50-55 employees with total annual salaries of over $2 million. Colwich-based ICM, Inc. will supply the plant technology, engineering and construction services. Rail service will be provided by Union Pacific Railroad. The plant is expected to begin producing ethanol in early 2008. 

Mike Bryan of BBI International, the company that facilitated the group’s efforts on both plant projects, said the plant would bring positive economic growth to Liberal and the surrounding area. In addition to the jobs and increased markets for grains, Bryan said the community would see other tangible results that as a result of the ethanol plant. “You will see new businesses in your community,” he said. “Businesses like a new restaurant, a new electronic shop, or maybe a new hotel.”

 ICM is completing construction on the Prairie Horizons Agri Energy’s 40 million gallon plant in Phillipsburg. That plant, which was also developed with the assistance of BBI International, is expected to begin producing ethanol this month.

07-27-06--Zimmerman Reelected to Represent Sorghum Industry on US Grains Council

Jay Zimmerman, sorghum producer from South Haven, was reelected to represent the sorghum industry on the U.S. Grains Council at the Council’s annual meeting this week. The council works around the world to build international markets for U.S. barley, corn and sorghum and their products.

Zimmerman is a member of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, representing growers in south-central Kansas (District 6).

USGC officers and board members elected are:
Vic Miller of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board was elected chairman and will provide leadership as well as speak and travel on behalf of the Council and in support of its efforts. Also elected were Dale Artho of the Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board as vice chairman; Jim Broten of the North Dakota Barley Council as treasurer; Rick Fruth of the Ohio Corn Marketing Board as secretary; and Kenneth Hobbie of the U.S. Grains Council as the president and CEO. Davis Anderson of GROWMARK, Inc. will serve as past chairman.

In addition, six directors were elected to serve two-year terms on the USGC Board of Directors. Jay Zimmerman of Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission was elected as the sorghum sector director; Gary Marshall of Missouri Corn Merchandising Council as state checkoff sector director; and Don Fast of the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee as the barley sector director. Elected as at-large directors were Alan Tiemann of the Nebraska Corn Board and Terry Vinduska of the Kansas Corn Commission.

Current directors Kenneth Greene, Illinois Corn Marketing Board (at-large director), Gerry Salzman, Case IH and New Holland (at-large director), David Lyons, Louis Dreyfus Corporation (agribusiness sector director) and Tim Burrack, Iowa Corn Promotion Board (corn sector director), will complete their terms in July 2007.

The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit partnership of farmers and agribusinesses committed to building and expanding international markets for U.S. barley, corn, grain sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has 10 international offices that oversee programs in more than 80 countries. Support for the Council comes from its members and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission is a nine-member growers board that determines how to use the half-cent per bushel grain sorghum checkoff in the areas of foreign and domestic market development, research, promotion and education.

5-25-06--Growers Celebrate Garden City Ethanol Groundbreaking
About 150 people attended a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for a 55 million gallon ethanol plant at Garden City. Dirt work being done on the site went on while leaders of Conestoga Energy Partners LLC outlined their plans for the plant. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association congratulated the group on beginning the construction phase of the project.

The Garden City ethanol plant will use over 19 million bushels of corn and grain sorghum to produce 55 million gallons of ethanol and 420,000 tons of wet distillers grains per year. The total cost of the project is $85 million and will be built by Kansas-based ICM, Inc. When completed, the plant will hire between 33 and 40 employees with a payroll of over $1.4 million.

“This is a positive for the economy of Garden City area and its surrounding agricultural industry. This plant will bring increased revenues and jobs for the community, build markets for growers and offer a high quality feed for livestock feeders” according to KCGA/KGSPA Executive Director Jere White. “At the same time, this plant will help us increase our energy independence by producing a clean, renewable and domestically produced fuel.”

Organizers expect the plant to be completed and operational by August of 2007. The plant is being built next to WindRiver Grains, LLC. The ethanol plant plans to source its grain from WindRiver.

Kansas currently has seven ethanol plants that produce 170 million gallons of ethanol per year. A 40 million gallon plant at Phillipsburg is under construction and expected to be completed this summer. Other plant projects are in various stages of planning in Kansas. In addition to the Garden City project, Conestoga Energy Partners LLC is working to complete plans for a 110 million gallon ethanol plant located near Liberal. Conestoga Energy Partners LLC is working with Colorado-based BBI International to develop both the Garden City and Liberal projects.

For more information on Kansas corn, grain sorghum and ethanol, visit www.ksgrains.com.

5-18-06--Kansas Sorghum Producers Applaud Emergency Exemption for Lumax

The Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association leaders say they are pleased with the Enviromental Protection Agency’s approval of an emergency exemption that allows Lumax, a pre-plant herbicide, to be used on grain sorghum in Kansas. KGSPA submitted a letter supporting the exemption and worked with the interested parties to obtain the emergency exemption.

KGSPA Executive Director Jere White praised EPA for their action. “This is a case where we took a weed control issue to EPA, and the agency listened and responded,” he said.

White reminds growers that this is an emergency exemption, and requirements must be followed.

“You can’t just go out and use Lumax on grain sorghum,” White said. “This is an emergency exemption and there are very specific requirements a grower must meet. In fact, before the producer can even get a copy of the label he must register and accept a liability agreement for this product.”

Kansas State University and the Kansas Department of Agriculture issued a detailed news release about the emergency exemption, printed below:


Lumax Herbicide Now Registered For Use On Grain Sorghum In Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan. - The Kansas Department of Agriculture has announced
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval of a section 18 emergency exemption allowing Lumax herbicide use on grain sorghum in Kansas, said Dave Regehr, K-State Extension weed management specialist.

Lumax is a product of Syngenta. When applied according to the label and after proper activation, this herbicide controls annual grass (excluding shattercane) and broadleaf weeds in grain sorghum, including triazine-resistant, glyphosate-resistant, and ALS-resistant Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, Regehr said.

There are special conditions pertaining to Lumax use on sorghum, he said.

"The section 18 is an indemnified label, meaning that end users must accept all responsibility for failure to perform and for crop damage from Lumax use on sorghum," the agronomist said. "Applicators must be in possession of the label at the time of application. The label can be accessed online at www.farmassist.com only after indicating acceptance of liability. Applicators without internet access will need to obtain the label from their retailer, who will walk them through the process."

To access the Lumax on sorghum label:

1) Go to http://www.farmassist.com Web site.

2) If a first-time user, register as a new user.

3) On the left side of the screen, select Products, then Special Labels.

4) Near the top of the ensuing screen, click the "here" which will bring up a page called "My Product Labels." Select "Section 18," State: "Kansas," Product: "Lumax," and Crop Groups "Sorghum." On the ensuing screen, locate the "For Use On" section and select "Sorghum." This will bring up the Waiver of Liability and Indemnification Agreement.

5) If you choose to accept this agreement, scroll to the bottom and click "Accept." On the next page, under the heading "My Product Labels," you´ll find a link titled "Lumax Section 18 Indemnified Label on Sorghum." Click on that link to download the pdf section 18 Lumax label.

"If producers have trouble getting the label, they should be sure they did not miss Step 4," Regehr said. If they´ve tried these steps and still have problems, he suggested they call the Syngenta Customer Resource Center at 1-866-796-4368.

The label spells out use directions, Regehr said, including:

* Apply at the rate of 2.5 quart Lumax per acre.

* Make applications 7 to 14 days preplant.

* Use Concep III-treated grain sorghum seed only (not forage sorghum or sudangrass)

* Minimize disturbance of the herbicide-treated soil barrier at
planting.

* If emerged weeds are present, the label has recommendations
adjuvant to improve burndown activity.

* Do not apply to emerged grain sorghum.

* Do not apply on coarse-textured soils.

If a Lumax-treated sorghum crop is lost to a natural disaster, grain sorghum may be replanted immediately, Regehr said. In that event, producers should see the federal label for Lumax on corn (http://www.cdms.net/manuf/manuf.asp) for crop rotation guidelines and weed response tables, he explained.

Regehr advised that adequate precipitation is needed for activation.

"Approach Lumax on sorghum with caution," he added. "Lumax has been tested on grain sorghum largely under optimum conditions. As with any new herbicide, we should expect some surprises."
 

5-5-06--Ethanol Featured at Kansas Corn, Sorghum Exhibit at Great Bend 3i Show
A large outdoor exhibit at the 3i Show will feature ethanol-powered vehicles and information on ethanol. The booth, sponsored by Kansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Commissions and Associations will be located outside the main exhibit building.

“If you have questions about ethanol, you’ll want to visit this booth,” according to Sue Schulte, KCGA/KGSPA Director of Communications. “We’ll be ready to answer your questions about Kansas ethanol, E10 and E85 ethanol blended fuels and flexible fuel vehicles.”

On display will be the Chevrolet Tahoe that GM has provided to the State of Kansas and other states that belong to the Governor’s Ethanol Coalition. Kansas Corn Commission will also have an flexible fuel vehicle on display. The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition and Kansas Department of Agriculture will assist in the exhibit.

The Kansas Corn Commission, United Bio Energy and the NEVC are working on an effort to add at least 20 E85 stations in Kansas in 2006.

“Consumer awareness and interest in ethanol and especially E85 fuel continues to grow,” Schulte said. “We’ve been promoting ethanol since the 1970s. Increasing production and use of ethanol in Kansas continues to be a priority for our organizations.”

AgriTalk, the nationally syndicated agriculture talk radio program will broadcast live from the ethanol exhibit on Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. On Friday, the Kansas Corn Commission will host an AgriTalk Ethanol Pump Tour stop at the Golden Belt 66 station located at 10th and Main in Great Bend from 9 a.m. to noon. Agritalk will broadcast live from the event. E85, 85 percent ethanol fuel, will be sold for $1.85 from 9 a.m. to noon. In addition to the discounted price, drivers with flexible fuel vehicles will receive prizes and giveaway items when they fill up with E85.

Visit www.kgsrains.com for more information on Kansas corn, sorghum and ethanol.

3-30-06--Western Kansas Grain Sorghum Commissioners Elected

 The Kansas Department of Agriculture today announced the names of producers from the western third of the state who were elected to the state’s five commodity commissions – corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat.

Ballots were cast between January 15 and March 1 and were counted at the Kansas Department of Agriculture during March. The newly elected commissioners will take office April 1 and will serve for three years. This was the second election cycle for districts one, two and three under the new law that privatized the commissions in July 2000. Previously, commissioners were appointed by the governor.
 

Commissioners-elect for the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission are:
District one – Richard Calliham, who grows corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat in Thomas County. Calliham was reelected.

District two – Greg Graff, who grows grain sorghum, corn and wheat on a family farm in Wichita County. Graff was reelected.

District three – Boyd Funk, who grows grain sorghum with his wife, Jeanine, in Finney County. He graduated from Kansas State University in 1975 with a degree in agricultural engineering, and he also serves on the county drainage ditch board. Funk fills a seat vacated by Don Rome of Garden City.

Corn, grain sorghum, soybean, sunflower and wheat growers in the eastern third of the state can expect to receive information by mail this fall outlining the 2007 election procedure. Also, commission representatives will visit field day events to distribute information.

Affected by the 2007 election will be districts seven, eight and nine. District seven includes Atchison, Brown, Doniphan, Jackson, Jefferson, Leavenworth, Marshall, Nemaha, Pottawatomie, Riley and Wyandotte counties. District eight includes Anderson, Chase, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Geary, Johnson, Linn, Lyon, Miami, Morris, Osage, Shawnee and Wabaunsee counties. District nine includes Allen, Bourbon, Butler, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Cowley, Crawford, Elk, Greenwood, Labette, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties.

Grain growers who plan to campaign for a seat on one of the commissions must collect on an official petition form 20 signatures from eligible voters to be included on the 2007 ballot. Official petition forms will be available through the Kansas Department of Agriculture or one of the grain commodity commissions.

No more than five signatures from any one county will be used to qualify a candidate. Eligible voters are Kansas residents who will reach age 18 before the election and have been growing corn, grain sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers or wheat during the last three years. The filing deadline for candidates is Nov. 30, 2006.

3-24-06--Corn, Sorghum Growers Applaud Passage of Bill to Lower E85 Fuel Tax
A bill that will lower the fuel tax on E85 ethanol fuel passed the Kansas House and Senate and is on its way to the governor. The Kansas Corn Growers Association and Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association worked for passage of the bill and applauded the legislature’s action. The bill would change the way the state taxes E85, 85% ethanol fuel, by basing the tax on energy content instead of a flat tax rate. The result is a drop in the tax for E85 from 24 cents per gallon to 17 cents per gallon, a seven cent savings for E85 users.

“This bill does two things. It addresses an inequity in the state motor fuels tax, and it will encourage the use of E85 fuel,” according to Jere White, Executive Director of KGSPA and KCGA.”E85 fuel does have a lower energy content than gasoline and a car travels fewer miles on E85 than it does on gas. If a state motor fuel tax is based on a per-gallon fee, the E85 users are are being unfairly penalized because they are paying more taxes per mile.”

E85 fuel is used in flexible fuel vehicles that operate on any combination of gas and ethanol up to 85 percent ethanol. The use of E85 fuel is expanding in Kansas, and is now available at ten stations in nine cities across the state of Kansas. At least 20 more E85 stations are expected to come on line this year thanks to an effort by the Kansas Corn Commission, United BioEnergy and the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition.

While E85 fuel offers slightly lower mileage than regular unleaded, motorists find the drop in mileage is often offset by a lower price at the pump. The ethanol in E85 is domestically produced, boasts over 100 octane and is a cleaner fuel.

Kansas currently has seven ethanol plants that produce 170 million gallons of ethanol per year. An eight plant is under construction at Phillipsburg and several others are on the drawing board.

The climate for expanding ethanol fuel use in Kansas continues to improve.

--The state offers a 40 percent tax credit to fuel retailers to offset infrastructure costs of adding E85 fuel. Retailers can couple the state credit with a 30 percent federal tax credit to offset up to 70 percent of their E85 infrastructure costs.

--The state offers a $750 tax credit for taxpayers who purchase a flexible fuel vehicle and use at least 500 gallons of ethanol.

--In 2005, the Kansas Legislature approved a bill that removed the labeling requirement for 10 percent ethanol blended fuel. Since the law was enacted in July, 2005, ethanol sales in Kansas have increased over 600 percent.
Kansas E85 Stations (as of March 2006)

COFFEYVILLE
Bordertown II, 2708 South Walnut

BIRD CITY
Frontier Equity Exchange, 209 West Highway 36

EMPORIA
S & S Oil Cardlock #1, 711 Anderson Street

GARNETT
Petro Plus, 120 S Maple Street (Highway 59)

GIRARD
Producers Coop, 300 E. St. John,

GREAT BEND
Bird Express, 1000 Main Street

Moeder Oil Company, Inc., 2302 Rail Road Avenue

HAYS
Power Plus, 3505 Vine St (I-70 access)

MAIZE
Maize Kwik Shop #728, 5340 N. Maize Rd

TOPEKA
Capital City Oil, 4141 NW Lower Silver Lake Road

E85 coming soon to Brewster, Goodland & Sublette. At least 20 more on the way!
 

2-10-06--Kansas Grower is National Sorghum President
Minneola grain sorghum grower Greg Shelor became the new National Sorghum Producers president at the NSP delegate session during Grain Congress in San Anotonio Saturday. Shelor is also president of the Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association. Before being elected NSP President, Shelor served as NSP’s Vice President of Legislation.

Shelor’s presidency marks a new beginning for NSP. In August 2005, the national organization celebrated its 50th anniversary, changed its structure and also changed its name from the National Grain Sorghum Producers to National Sorghum Producers. The result was a streamlined board of directors and the creation of a delegate body that guides association policy. Shelor is the first president to be elected under NSP’s new structure.

Kansas growers now serving on the new NSP Board of Directors are Shelor; Jeff Filinger, Cuba, both of whom represent Kansas Grain Sorghum Producers Association, and representing the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission are Bill Greving, Prairie View, and Jeff Casten, Quenemo.

The delegate body is formed from members and industry supporters. The delegates will serve one-year terms, elect the the board of directors and president-elect and recommend organizational direction and bylaw changes to the board of directors. The smaller, elected board made up of 15 directors will set the organizational direction and will ensure the organization is staying on mission. Standing committees and work teams, made up of producers and professionals, also will contribute t