By Jamie Martin
As the quest for sustainable farming intensifies, sorghum emerges as a promising alternative for dairy rations. This transformation is largely driven by a breakthrough in berry processing technology. Traditionally, sorghum's hard-to-digest berries limited its use.
However, Douglas Duhatschek from Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center highlights a pivotal change - “When we are harvesting sorghum, very often we see producers using the same setup that we use for corn. Because of the difference in grain size and conformation, we cannot break the berries,” he explains.
The introduction of a berry processor in 2025 aims to enhance starch digestibility, crucial for dairy diets. This technology has shown to elevate the Berry Processing Score (BPS) significantly, achieving a digestibility rate of 65-70%. Such innovation reduces reliance on external starch sources, curbing costs and environmental impact.
The adoption of sorghum can reduce feed costs substantially. In regions like the Texas panhandle, the cost of growing sorghum is markedly lower than that of corn.
This cost-efficiency paired with sorghum’s drought resistance makes it an attractive option for areas facing water scarcity.
The new berry processing equipment mirrors corn kernel processors, ensuring ease of integration into existing agricultural setups. This not only simplifies the transition for farmers but also enhances the logistical aspects of crop production.
While sorghum may not suit every farm, its improved starch contribution and economic benefits present a compelling case for its inclusion in dairy diets.
Continued research and practical assessments will further define its role in sustainable agriculture, promising a more resource-efficient future in farming.
Photo Credit: istock-mailson-pignata
Categories: National