By Jennifer Latzke

After 50 years of efforts to promote and improve the sorghum industry, a little change and excitement are good for the soul.

The National Grain Sorghum Producers agree, and therefore decided to change its name and adopt a new governing structure at its summer board meeting Aug. 18 and 19, in conjunction with its 50th anniversary celebration Aug. 20 in Lubbock, Texas.

Most notably, the organization's board of directors voted to officially change the name to National Sorghum Producers, dropping the "Grain" in recognition of the increasingly profitable forage segment of the sorghum industry. "We made the change to recognize our ongoing commitment and involvement to both grain and forage sorghum producers," said NSP President James Vorderstrasse, Hebron, Neb.

Additionally, the board approved a new governing structure that would make room for industry participation in NSP. As part of the new structure, a delegate body will be formed from members and industry supporters. This larger delegate body will serve one-year terms and meet annually. They will be responsible for electing the board of directors and president-elect from a slate of association representatives, check-off representatives and several at-large positions. They will also recommend organizational direction and bylaw amendments to the board of directors.

The new membership category of E-Members, or elevator members, will have representation through their respective state associations.

"Corporate partners who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us will now get a seat at the governing table," Vorderstrasse said in a statement. "We think this will only make us stronger and better equipped to meet challenges. We are moving in the right direction for our industry."

A smaller board of 15 directors will be elected and will set the goals and direction for NSP. Officers will have one-year terms and there will be a formal rotation of president-elect, president and past president. Also, standing committees and work teams consisting of producers and professionals will plan and implement programs to meet member needs.

According to NSP, a transition team has been appointed to manage the implementation process and the new structure will take effect Oct. 1. The first delegate body meeting will be at the North American Grain Congress in San Antonio, Texas, in February 2006, with board terms beginning March 1, 2006.

At the anniversary celebration at the Frazier Alumni Pavilion on the campus of Texas Tech University, Aug. 20, NSP honored past leaders and reviewed its history with various dignitaries and guests. NSP Executive Director Tim Lust spoke on the future of the industry and shared with those present the organization's goals for the next 50 years.

"We close out the first 50 years with excitement, but with challenges, too," Lust said. While the organization will continue to offer value to its producer members, and remain a producer-driven entity, Lust reminded the membership that for long term growth and success there remains the need for looking to new business models for inspiration and sustainability. He spoke about the new Sorghum Synergies partnership launched recently, as well as the new sorghum insurance programs and other initiatives designed to expand membership in NSP and therefore its efficiency in changing the industry.

Other highlights of the weekend celebration included a new giving society for the Sorghum Foundation.

The new Golden Grain Society for the Sorghum Foundation, to encourage larger gifts for the advancement of sorghum research and education. The goal of the Golden Grain Society will be to fully endow the Sorghum Foundation through gifts of stock, land and other assets to support research and promote leadership development in the sorghum industry.

Vorderstrasse made a point to thank the past leaders and staff and their family members present for all of their efforts on behalf of sorghum. In his formal speech, he reminded those present that, "if you cannot create change, change will create you."

Jennifer Latzke can be reached by phone at 620-227-1807, or by e-mail at jlatzke@hpj.com.

Date: 8/25/05