Growers using Pioneer hybrids claim top honors in national sorghum contest

Pioneer brand hybrids were planted by growers who claimed first-place honors in all six divisions of the 2025 National Sorghum Producers Yield Contest, including the Bin Buster award.

The contest, organized by National Sorghum Producers, recognizes high-yielding sorghum growers across multiple production categories and regions.

Among this year’s winners were Chris Santini of Warren, New Jersey, and Kenny Rathjen of Dalhart, Texas. The two producers farm in markedly different environments but each reported top yields using Pioneer hybrids.

Santini and her husband, Sam, received the Bin Buster award with a yield of 239.93 bushels per acre. She said favorable dry conditions and hybrid performance contributed to the result and noted the significance of representing sorghum production in New Jersey.

Rathjen earned first place in the Irrigated Western Division with a yield of 237.15 bushels per acre. He said a mix of humidity, dry weather and timely rainfall supported crop development during the season.

Adelai Dolch, portfolio lead for complementary crops at Pioneer, congratulated the growers and said the company focuses on pairing genetics with agronomic support to help farmers manage risk and pursue consistent yields.

A complete list of 2025 contest winners is available at Pioneer.com/NSP.

PHOTO: Ripe milo or grain sorghum field. (Journal photo by Lacey Vilhauer.)