LINCOLN — The Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association’s annual appreciation banquet was the setting for the presentation of annual service awards and recognition of yield contest winners by the NeGSPA and the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board. The awards are presented annually to recognize an individual or organization for contributions to the development, promotion and advancement of the sorghum industry.
NeGSPA – Industry Service Award
Greg Ibach, U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, was honored by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association for his support and contributions to the Association, especially during his tenure as the Director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, a position he held for 12 years.
“Greg was an easy selection for this year’s award,” stated Lynn Belitz, Fullerton, NeGSPA President, “As the Director of Agriculture, he was always accessible, understanding, and quick to respond when issues surfaced.” In his new position as Undersecretary, he remains mindful and responsive to the needs of farmers and ranchers across the country.
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board – Service to Sorghum Award
The Service Award presented by the Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board was given to Tyler Harris, Editor of the Nebraska Farmer Magazine. Tyler covers news and production issues of interest to growers across the Great Plains. He is certainly a familiar face to farmers in Nebraska and a valuable and respected industry partner.
“Tyler has a thirst for knowledge that drives him to ask the important questions to get the story right,” stated Mike Baker, Trenton, Nebraska Sorghum Board Chairman. “We value his support, involvement and knowledge in working with the Board to help share the sorghum story and to educate farmers and the public about the crop, its virtues and economic value to Nebraska.”
Yield Contest Winners
Annually the National Sorghum Producers highlights the success of sorghum producers from across the country in their yield contest. Winners were officially recognized at the Commodity Classic in Anaheim, CA in February. Nebraska GSPA also recognizes the winners from Nebraska at their banquet. Receiving certificates of accomplishment were the following:
| Name | County | Category | Yield | Hybrid |
| Matthew Bloss | Pawnee | Dryland Conventional-Till | 177.27 | DeKalb-DKS53-67 |
| Lynn Belitz | Nance | Dryland Conventional-Till | 114.44 | DeKalb-DKS37-07 |
| Mark Bloss | Pawnee | Dryland No-Till | 198.42 | Pioneer 84P72 |
| Duane Vorderstrasse | Harlan | Dryland No-Till | 180.36 | Pioneer 84G62 |
| Mike Scholting | Sarpy | Dryland No-Till | 176.87 | Pioneer 84G62 |
| Debra Vorderstrasse | Harlan | Dryland Reduced-Till | 186.52 | Pioneer 84P72 |
| Duane Vorderstrasse | Harlan | Dryland Reduced-Till | 181.82 | Pioneer 84G62 |
| Matthew Bloss | Pawnee | Dryland Reduced-Till | 173.94 | DeKalb DKS37-07 |
| Chad Dane | Clay | Irrigated Conventional-Till | 207.77 | Pioneer 86P90 |
| Scott Jewett | Harlan | Irrigated Conventional-Till | 192.01 | Pioneer 84G62 |
| Mike Baker | Hitchcock | Irrigated Reduced-Till | 202.25 | Fontanelle G6192 |
| Tom Hartman | Hall | Irrigated Reduced-Till | 201.27 | Sorghum Partners SP 68M57 |
| Josh Cederburg | Kearney | Irrigated Reduced-Till | 183.18 | Pioneer 84G62 |
| Ron Robison | Harlan | Non-Irrigated Food Grade | 161.88 | Pay Dirt J300 |
| Ron Robison | Harlan | Irrigated Food Grade | 191.43 | Pay Dirt J300 |
— Nebraska Grain Sorghum Board
Nebraska Grain Sorghum Producers Association
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