Sorghum Checkoff Continues the Cultivation of Sorghum Leaders

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

During the 14-month leadership program, class members will have the opportunity to experience various aspects of the sorghum industry in addition to personal development and networking opportunities. Through both hands-on and classroom-style learning experiences, class members develop an understanding of how sorghum moves through the value chain, how checkoffs and stakeholder organizations interact on behalf of the industry and what the future holds for sorghum. 

“The design of the program was centered around farmers who are passionate and are looking for opportunities to grow in this industry,” Sorghum Checkoff Executive Director Norma Ritz Johnson said. “This investment in the program is not just an investment into individual class members, but the U.S. sorghum industry as a whole. Those who choose to participate will walk away, armed with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to be the next generation that takes the sorghum industry to new heights.”

USDA-approved criteria state eligible applicants must be farmers actively engaged in sorghum production within the U.S. and U.S. citizens. Fifteen growers will be accepted into the program's sixth class. More information on the class schedule and program criteria can be found at Leadership Sorghum.

“Watching each class member grow, learn and experience new things has been so fulfilling,” Director of Emerging Markets & Grower Leader Development Shelee Padgett said. “We are equipping each class of Leadership Sorghum with the tools to advocate for sorghum, take new-found knowledge back to their communities and further the industry by becoming involved in leadership positions across the industry.”

Full consideration will be given to all applicants regardless of age, gender, race or occupation. Every effort will be made to select a class, based on the applicant pool, which is representative of the entire sorghum industry, its diversity and rural community interests.

Applications for the program are available at Leadership Sorghum Class VI Application and are due by 5:00 pm CST on September 23rd, 2022. The accompanying reference forms must be submitted by the 5:00 pm CST September 23rd deadline, as well. Following the application deadline, all applications and references will be reviewed by a selection committee. Finalists may be contacted via phone to arrange an interview.