New research shows that sorghum is the ideal crop for eastern Colorado. According to the Journal-Advocate, sorghum is cheaper to grow and produces higher yields on the Colorado plains than corn.
Sorghum is very drought stress tolerant, noted one researcher. He added that there are no disease or insect problems with sorghum, and it's gluten-free and a non-GMO product, so it looks good in the public eye. Sorghum is native to Africa, which is why it grows so well in hot, dry climates. The crop is grown for both grain and fodder, and it’s used in molasses and alcoholic beverages. Sorghum is best planted when the soil temperature is between 50 and 55 degrees. In Colorado, that means planting around mid-May.
The researchers from Colorado State University hosted a "sorghum field day" in Akron, Colorado, last week to show farmers their findings.