#sorghum

[geopsych]

Sorghum field

[morethansalad]

Rooibos Carrot Soup (Vegan-Friendly)

[randomly-generated-posts-machine]

nepeta leijon Spamton Deltarune the yuri beamed sorghum - ZOINSK

[farmobileo3]

[everdreamtree]

If you have celiac disease or just want to avoid wheat for whatever other reason. Hell try it for fun just for the flavour.

Try sorghum flour.

It's extremely tasty. It has a flavour I actually like more than in wheat yet vaguely reminds me of whole grain wheat flour in its own way. Nicely balanced in terms of moisture content and starch and ability to absorb moisture. It makes it very nice for structure when a leavening is being used and results in tender and/or fluffy crumb. I love it in both sweet and savory baking for anything cake cookie or bread like.

I want to try it in crusts and pastries sometime too but it might be a little too strong in a whole grain flavour sort of way for that. But I won't know until I try!

I love gluten free baking both to let my partner have something nice to eat and because it's really fun to explore flavours and textures. There's a lot of new tastes I've been enjoying that I would have never been exposed to under all wheat foods.

[bolaneno]

My international market purchases: two bottles of orange blossom water, two bottles of rose water, a box of jasmine green tea, and popped sorghum

[xtruss]

Children Born Now May Live In A World Where The US Can Only Produce Half As Much of Its Key Food Crops

— By Laura Paddison | June 18, 2025

Storm clouds build above a corn field on August 27, 2024, near Platte City, Missouri. A new study finds US maize yields could plummet as the world warms, even as farmer adapt to climate change. Charlie Riedel/AP

Rising global temperatures are set to devastate food crops across the world, with particularly alarming impacts projected for the United States, where production of key crops could plummet 50% by the end of the century, according to a sweeping new analysis.

Of the many impacts of the fossil fuel-driven climate crisis, damage to the global food system is one of the most terrifying. But the overall impact of climate change on crops — and how much it can be offset by farmers’ adaptations — has been hard to establish and hotly debated.

The new analysis, eight years in the making, is “the first attempt to really tackle both of those problems,” said Solomon Hsiang, a study author and professor of global environmental policy at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

The scientists analyzed six crops — maize, soybeans, rice, wheat, cassava and sorghum — in more than 12,000 regions across 54 countries. Together, these crops provide more than two thirds of humanity’s calories.

They also measured how real-world farmers are adapting to climate change, from changing crop varieties to adjusting irrigation, to calculate the overall impact of global warming.

Their findings are stark. Every 1 degree Celsius the world warms above pre-industrial levels will drag down global food production by an average of 120 calories per person per day, according to the study, published Wednesday in Nature.

This will push up prices and make it harder for people to access food, Hsiang said.

“If the climate warms by 3 degrees, that’s basically like everyone on the planet giving up breakfast,” he said. The world is currently on track for around 3 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century.

Wheat, soy and maize — high value crops for a lot of the world — will be especially badly affected, the study found.

If humans keep burning large amounts of fossil fuels, maize production could fall by 40% in the grain belt of the US, eastern China, central Asia, southern Africa and the Middle East; wheat production could fall by 40% in the US, China, Russia and Canada; and soybean yields could fall 50% in the US.

The only staple crop that might be able to avoid substantial losses is rice, which can benefit from warmer nighttime temperatures.

Climate Change Threatens Global Food Supply

Most of the world’s staple food crops are projected to suffer substantial production losses by the end of the century as global temperatures rise, even with farmers’ efforts to adapt to climate change, according to a new study.

Note: Data refects estimates in a high-emissions scenario. Source: Hultgren et al., Nature, 2025. “Impacts of climate change on global agriculture accounting for adaptation.” Graphic: Matt Stiles, CNN

One of the striking findings of the study is that some of the wealthiest countries are likely to be hardest hit.

Poorer parts of the world, where climate conditions are already fairly harsh, tend to be more adapted and better prepared for the impacts of the climate crisis, Hsiang said. Agricultural systems in breadbaskets such as the US and parts of Europe, however, are optimized for the current temperate climate, he said.

Global warming will be particularly devastating for the US, where it’s projected to reduce yields by 40% to 50% for all staple crops except rice, Hsiang said.

“Places in the Midwest that are really well suited for present day corn and soybean production just get hammered under a high warming future,” said study author Andrew Hultgren, an assistant professor of agricultural and consumer economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “You do start to wonder if the Corn Belt is going to be the Corn Belt in the future.”

Lower-income countries won’t escape effects, however. Yields of the subsistence crop cassava will fall in sub-Saharan Africa as the world heats up, a substantial threat to nutrition for some of the world’s poorest people, the study found. “One reason people grow cassava is because it’s pretty robust to droughts, but we see that it is actually still very adversely affected by extreme heat conditions,” Hsiang said.

Cattle rancher Brad Randel walks through his drought-stricken cornfield on September 12, 2022 in McCook, Nebraska. Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post/Getty Images

Shelby McClelland, a researcher specializing in climate change and agriculture at New York University who was not involved in the research, said the study reveals the importance of adaptation but also its limits. “The authors show that current adaptation decision-making is insufficient to ensure future food security,” she told CNN.

Erin Coughlan de Perez, an associate professor at Tufts University who specializes in climate risk management, said one of the study’s limitations is that it does not take into account two major climate adaptations: crop switching or changes to planting dates. In the US, for example, corn and soybean crops have moved northward. These changes could offset more climate impacts, she told CNN.

Ultimately, the findings add to a long list of alarming research about the global food system, said Tim Lang, professor emeritus of food policy at City St George’s, University of London.

“The data pile up. The politicians turn a blind eye… Land use is not altering fast or radically enough. Some pioneers do their best. But the net effect is that the global wriggle room diminishes,” he told CNN.

Hsiang hopes the study will provide more evidence for the urgent need to transform the energy system and the high costs of failing to doing so.

“This is a major problem. It’s incredibly expensive. As a species, we have never confronted anything like this.”

[coochiequeens]

Some goods news for women

How Ivuna women farmers are transforming their lives through seed production

In Ivuna Village, Tanzania, a determined group of women leveraged Vikoba loans, mentorship, and improved sorghum seeds to transform their li

How Ivuna women farmers are transforming their lives through seed production

In Ivuna Village, Tanzania, a determined group of women leveraged Vikoba loans, mentorship, and improved sorghum seeds to transform their livelihoods, boost household incomes, and inspire others in their community

By Florian Ndyamukama February 4, 2025

“Five of us borrowed $100 from our Vikoba group and invested it in seed production. Not only did we repay the loan with interest, but we also made a profit,” says Skola Sichalwe, a member of an extraordinary group of women who are transforming their community in Ivuna Village, Momba District. Vikoba groups, grassroots savings and credit associations, operate as informal microfinance systems in rural communities, empowering members with access to small loans and promoting financial independence. These groups often provide a lifeline for women seeking financial stability and growth in rural areas. What began as small savings groups has blossomed into a powerful movement of women breaking barriers and creating a legacy of resilience, innovation, and success. These women—once skeptical about venturing into seed production—are now thriving entrepreneurs, producing quality sorghum seeds and inspiring others in their community to follow their lead. Their journey began with a chance encounter with Miss Zainab Hussein, a passionate seed producer and a youth champion. Her vision and mentorship planted the first seeds of change. “I used to think farming was just about survival,” says Pauline Martin. “But Zainab showed us that with the right knowledge and tools, farming can be a business; a way to change our lives.”

A leap of faith in seed production

Before venturing into the world of seed production, these women were members of Vikoba groups, pooling their savings to lend and borrow money. While this system was helpful for meeting immediate financial needs, it offered little opportunity for growth or long-term investment. Everything changed when Zainab Hussein, an experienced seed producer and youth champion, began attending their meetings. Zainab introduced the group to the potential of improved seeds and the opportunities in seed production. She explained how adopting high-quality sorghum seeds could significantly increase yields and profits, far exceeding the returns from what traditional grain farming could offer. Her visits became a game changer, sparking curiosity and inspiring action among the women. “Zainab’s dedication inspired us,” says Skola Sichalwe. “She didn’t just train us. She believed in us.” As a trainer, mentor, and role model, Zainab played a central role in their transformation. She guided the women through the complexities of seed production, teaching them essential planting techniques, helping them understand TOSCI regulations, and offering practical solutions to challenges they encountered along the way. “She showed us how seed production could not only improve yields but also become a profitable business,” recalls Pauline Martin.

Zainab Hussein, a passionate seed producer and mentor whose guidance and leadership inspired the women to venture into successful seed production and transform their lives. (Photo: CBCC)

Inspired by Zainab’s success, the women saw an opportunity to turn their savings into a sustainable investment. This journey was further supported by the establishment of Youth and Women Quality Centers (YWQCs) under the Center for Behavior Change Communication (CBCC) and the Accelerated Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) project through CIMMYT. The AVISA project, led by CIMMYT, piloted the YWQC model to address key challenges faced by rural farmers, including limited access to quality seeds, market linkages, and knowledge on improved farming practices. These community-led centers serve as hubs that enhance last-mile seed access by working with seed companies and local producers, ensuring a consistent supply of quality seed. They also facilitate market linkages by connecting farmers with aggregators and off-takers, improving market access and profitability. Additionally, YWQCs provide capacity-building initiatives, equipping youth and women with training in farming practices, local seed production, and business skills. The model further promotes collective action by encouraging farmers to form associations, strengthening their bargaining power and collective marketing efforts. These centers became hubs of opportunity, providing essential infrastructure and resources such as access to certified seeds, extensive training, and advanced farming technologies such as the multi-crop thresher through a cost-sharing arrangement. This technology not only improved efficiency but also ensured the quality of processed seeds, increasing its market value. The project also facilitated crucial linkages between the women and certified seed producers, ensuring they had access to high-quality inputs for their production. In some cases, the project even helped them find markets for their seeds, closing the loop and creating a sustainable business model. And so, they began the journey of seed production, transforming not only their own lives but also their community.

The women’s group plants sorghum using proper spacing techniques, a transformative practice essential for certified seed production, which they adopted after training by CBCC and mentorship from Zainab. (Photo: CBCC)

With loans from their Vikoba groups, they purchased quality seeds and accessed the tools, training, and market linkages provided by the YWQCs. “For years, we saved money but didn’t know what to invest in,” says Halima Kajela. “Seed production gave us a clear opportunity to grow.”

Challenges: A Test of Determination

The journey wasn’t without hurdles. Rodents feasted on the carefully spaced sorghum seeds, a new planting method the women had to adopt for certification. “Broadcasting seeds was easier, but seed production required precise planting and spacing,” Halima explains. “This made it harder to protect the seeds from pests and animals.” Excessive rain washed away seedlings, requiring several rounds of replanting. Cattle from neighboring farms often invaded their fields, causing further damage. Adopting good agronomic practices such as proper spacing, timely weeding, and regular inspections was initially difficult for these women, who were unaccustomed to the disciplined approach required in seed production. Despite these setbacks, the women persevered. With Zainab’s guidance and support from the YWQCs, they implemented solutions like using seed planters which saved time and effort during planting, knapsack sprayers helped combat pests and diseases, and multi-crop threshers simplified the post-harvest process. All these tools saved time and improved efficiency.

Triumph in the fields

And their hard work paid off. In their very first season, the women achieved remarkable success, producing three tons of TARISOR 2, an improved sorghum variety. This achievement not only set them apart from other first-time producers in the district, but also marked the beginning of a transformative journey.

Before the arrival of multi-crop thresher, the women relied on traditional methods to thresh sorghum. Their dedication laid the foundation for their transformation into successful seed producers. (Photo: CBCC)

The impact of their efforts went far beyond the impressive harvest. Ten women became officially registered seed producers with the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), gaining recognition and credibility in the seed production business. Two members received specialized training in seed and fertilizer dealership, equipping them to expand their services and outreach to the community. Four women ventured into distributing essential agricultural inputs, such as maize seeds and hermetic bags, further diversifying their income streams and supporting local farmers. Recognizing the need for efficient post-harvest processing, the group collectively contributed to the purchase of a multi-crop thresher. This crucial investment significantly streamlined their operations, reducing labor and ensuring higher-quality processed seeds. Their efforts quickly translated into financial rewards. Within a short time, they sold one ton of their high-quality seeds, earning over $700. As word of their success spread, demand for their seeds continued to grow, promising even greater opportunities in the seasons ahead.

A ripple effect of change

Their success has had a profound effect on their community. The women’s achievements have earned them respect, and their influence is inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. “Before this, I didn’t believe in seed production,” says Pauline. “But after seeing Zainab’s success and what we achieved, even my husband now supports me fully in this venture.” Their impact extends beyond their fields. Other Vikoba groups have invited them to share their knowledge on seed production, and 10 new women have expressed interest in joining the initiative. By making improved sorghum varieties more accessible, they’ve also helped increase production and reduce food insecurity in their village.

Looking ahead: Planting seeds for the future

Inspired by their success, the women have ambitious plans. With a clear vision for the future, they are determined to expand their seed production enterprise and bring its benefits to a wider community. One of their primary goals is to extend their production to neighboring wards, such as Mkomba. To make their knowledge and improved seed varieties more accessible, they plan to establish demonstration plots closer to the village center. These plots will serve as practical learning sites, allowing more farmers to experience the advantages of using certified seeds and adopting best practices. “The demand for quality seeds is growing,” says Halima Kajela, one of the group members. “We’re committed to meeting that demand and helping more farmers improve their yields.” They are also exploring ways to diversify their operations. They aim to invest in distributing other agricultural inputs and post-harvest services such as threshing, to support farmers in the community and generate additional income. For these women, seed production isn’t just a business—it’s a symbol of empowerment.