What is Sorghum? | MD F&H

Summary

At Dell Brothers farm in Maryland, sorghum stands out as a unique and versatile crop. Harvested in mid-November, it's a gluten-free grain with a rich history, dating back to 8000 B.C. in Africa. Similar to corn, sorghum can be used for flour, silage, and biofuel, but it also has the added benefit of being drought-resistant and less appealing to deer. The U.S., being the world's largest producer, primarily uses sorghum for feed or fuel, yet in Maryland, it's favored for bird seed. The Dell family finds joy in the crop's adaptability and marketability, making it an essential part of their agricultural portfolio.

Takeaways

• 🌾 Harvest Time: The script describes the harvest season at Dell Brothers farm, focusing on a late crop, sorghum.
• 📈 Sorghum Moisture Content: Greg Dell discusses the moisture content of sorghum, indicating that 15% is close to the ideal dryness for the crop.
• 🌱 Unusual Crop: Sorghum is highlighted as an unusual crop in Maryland, with Greg Dell comparing it to corn before selective breeding.
• 🍞 Gluten-Free Alternative: Sorghum is noted for being gluten-free and used to make flour for bread and other wheat alternatives.
• 🌿 Similarities to Corn: The script points out that sorghum and corn share many similarities, including appearance and potential uses such as silage and biofuel.
• 🍯 Sorghum Molasses: It is mentioned that certain varieties of sorghum can be made into molasses, unlike corn.
• 🌎 U.S. Production: The United States is the world's largest producer of sorghum, with a significant portion grown in the 'Sorghum Belt'.
• 🐦 Bird Seed Market: Dell Brothers' sorghum is used for bird seed in east central Pennsylvania, indicating a niche market for the crop.
• 🌍 International Trade: China is mentioned as a significant importer of U.S. sorghum, along with corn and soybeans.
• 🌳 Environmental Resilience: Sorghum is described as more drought-resistant and less appealing to deer than corn, making it advantageous in certain conditions.
• 🚜 Harvesting Process: The script details the nonstop operation of harvesting, transferring, and storing the grain, emphasizing the efficiency and importance of the process.

Q & A

What is the main activity at Dell Brothers farm during the harvest season?

The main activity at Dell Brothers farm during the harvest season is combining sorghum, which is one of the unusual crops grown in Maryland.

What is sorghum and how is it related to corn?

Sorghum is a crop that is similar to corn in its early stages of growth but has a different grain form. It is what corn was before it was selectively bred and was historically grown by the Indians, crushed into flour, and used for nutrition.

Why is sorghum considered gluten-free and beneficial for certain diets?

Sorghum is gluten-free, making it a suitable alternative for people with gluten intolerance or those following a gluten-free diet. It can be used to make sorghum flour for breads and other products in place of wheat.

What are some of the uses of sorghum besides human consumption?

Besides human consumption, sorghum can be used to make silage and biofuel. Certain varieties can also be made into sorghum molasses.

Where is the majority of U.S. sorghum grown and what is its primary use?

The majority of U.S. sorghum is grown in an area known as the Sorghum Belt, running from the Dakotas to Southern Texas. Most U.S. sorghum is used as feed or fuel.

What is unique about the sorghum grown at Dell Brothers farm in Maryland?

The sorghum grown at Dell Brothers farm in Maryland is unique because it ends up being used for bird seed in east central Pennsylvania, unlike the majority of U.S. sorghum which is used for feed or fuel.

Why is sorghum an important historical crop?

Sorghum is an important historical crop because it was grown as early as 8000 B.C. throughout Africa and is believed to have made its way to America with enslaved people. It has a storied past and was even admired by figures like Ben Franklin.

What are some advantages of growing sorghum compared to other crops like corn?

Sorghum has natural advantages such as being more drought-resistant and not requiring as much rainfall as corn. It also seems to thrive better in soils with lower fertility or less organic matter to hold water.

How does deer pressure affect the crops at Dell Brothers farm, and is sorghum affected?

Deer pressure is significant at Dell Brothers farm, as deer love to eat corn and soybeans. However, for some reason, deer do not seem to eat sorghum, providing an additional advantage for growing this crop.

What is the process of harvesting sorghum at Dell Brothers farm?

Harvesting sorghum at Dell Brothers farm involves a nonstop operation where the grain is transferred from the combine to a grain cart and then offloaded to waiting tractor trailers, which take it to the grain elevator for further processing and drying.

How does the Dell family view the role of sorghum in their farming operations?

The Dell family views sorghum as an important addition to their farming operations, providing another marketable product throughout the year and acting as a 'second egg in the basket' to ensure stability in their income, even in less favorable years.