Chromatin Partners with the Sorghum Checkoff to Accelerate Grain Sorghum Development

Chromatin, Inc., (Chicago, USA) a leading developer of sorghum seeds for agriculture and renewable energy, and the Sorghum Checkoff, a producer-funded organization dedicated to improving the sorghum industry, announced they have entered into a multi-year agreement to develop new higher yielding and more advanced grain sorghum hybrids for farmers.  The jointly-funded program will provide $200,000 per year for five years and will leverage Chromatin’s leading sorghum expertise and technology.

“Chromatin is focused on improving sorghum and creating value both for growers and end users,” said Daphne Preuss, Chromatin’s CEO.  “We are pleased to partner with the Sorghum Checkoff to accelerate the delivery of quality grain sorghum products to sorghum producers”.

Farmers are benefitting today from sorghum’s efficient water use and rapid maturation. In regions with depleted ground water, drought, and delayed crop plantings, sorghum has become a preferred choice for many growers.  Chromatin’s breeding team is building on sorghum’s core strengths, and by combining commercial and public sources of sorghum genetics, is generating new grain hybrids with higher yields and improved performance.  

“We are pleased that the Sorghum Checkoff has confidence in Chromatin’s commitment to the sorghum industry, as evidenced by the funding they are providing for our breeding effort,” said Larry Lambright, Chromatin’s Director of Sorghum Breeding.  “With Chromatin’s leading position in grain, forage and sweet sorghum breeding, molecular markers, and trait development, combined with the new products in our commercial pipeline, we are confident that the industry will soon benefit from significantly improved sorghum grain hybrids.”