Kansas sorghum farmers welcome potential return of Chinese market

KANSAS (KSNT) - Kansas sorghum producers are welcoming President Donald Trump's announcement signaling renewed access to Chinese markets.

Sorghum is the world's fifth most important cereal crop used in cattle feed, syrups and ethanol production. Kansas leads the U.S. in yearly production, producing upwards of 57% of the national sorghum supply from 2021-2023. The majority of Kansas sorghum typically gets exported to China, but amidst Trump's trade war with China, Kansas farmers saw a 97% decline in trade with their largest partner, causing prices to experience large losses.

The Kansas Congressional delegation and Kansas Grain Sorghum expressed strong appreciation to the Trump Administration for keeping sorghum producers front of mind during the president's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“The might of Kansas sorghum farmers’ production capabilities and the wealth it brings to our communities benefits every Kansan every day," said Shane Ohlde, president of the Kansas Sorghum Producers board of directors, in a press release. "The scale of the Chinese market and its historically strong demand, developed by the valiant work of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, ensures our state’s sorghum producers unlock maximum profitability. This is a significant step forward for our Kansas farmers and communities across our great state, and we thank President Trump, U.S. Ag Secretary Rollins, and U.S. Trade Representative Greer and our Kansas Members of Congress for tireless work securing market access that bolsters the future of Kansas.”

China represents the bulk of American agricultural exports. In Trump's deal, China has committed to:

• Halt the flow of precursors used to make fentanyl into the U.S.
• Effectively eliminate China’s current and proposed export controls on rare earth elements and other critical minerals.
• End Chinese retaliation against U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and other major U.S. companies.
• Open China’s market to U.S. soybeans and other agricultural exports. 

In exchange, the U.S. will lower tariffs on Chinese imports by 10% for one year.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.