Growing Milo in Texas: What to know and why the grain is so vital to Lone Star agriculture

Key takeaways: 

• Milo, also known as grain sorghum, is a vital agricultural product in Texas thanks to its versatility and resiliency. 
• Milo can be used for animal feed (especially cattle and poultry), as well as human food consumption, pet food, beer, biofuel, and more. 
• Texas landowners looking to kick off a milo operation should choose the right hybrids, develop weed management strategies, and pick the right planting dates.

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Milo, otherwise known as grain sorghum, is a type of grain commonly used for animal feed. It’s an important agricultural product on its own. But it also helps keep production in other Texas ag sectors high. So for Lone Star State landowners wanting to make the most of their fields, cultivating milo could be a high-value income opportunity.

Why is milo production so important?

Milo is one of the major feed grains for cattle. And given the size of the Texas cattle industry (both beef and dairy), it’s no wonder milo production is such a vital piece of the Texas agricultural ecosystem. The grain is also commonly used as forage, especially over the winter when the practice can help reduce feed costs.

Beyond cattle, other types of Texas livestock also consume milo as feed, including poultry and swine. 

How big is the milo industry in Texas? 

Milo production is a vital part of Texas agriculture. About two million acres each year are planted with milo, and yields average around 130 million bushels annually. 

Texas and Kansas are the top milo producers in North America. Combined, the two states account for more than 80 percent of U.S. production.

What else is milo used for? 

It’s not just livestock that make good use of farmers’ grain sorghum yields. 

Milo can also be used for human food consumption. It’s an ancient grain and can be cooked similarly to rice, or processed into flour, which is later baked into products such as bagels, cereal, or gluten-free baked goods.

Grain sorghum is even being used in beer production; since milo is gluten-free, craft breweries have begun using it in their more health conscious beer options.

Sorghum is also an important ingredient in many pet foods. About 15 companies that make 150+ pet food products include milo in their recipes. 

About one-third of domestic sorghum production (120 million bushels) goes toward renewable fuel production. According to the National Sorghum Checkoff, a bushel of grain sorghum makes about as much ethanol as a bushel of corn, and the ingredients are interchangeable for starch-based ethanol. 

The list goes on: milo can also be an ingredient in birdseed filler, packing peanuts, broom fibers, sweeteners, and even aquatic feed for your fish tank.

Why is Texas a good state for milo cultivation? 

Milo is a fairly resilient crop that has a lot of heat and drought resistance — making it a great fit for a state like Texas. In the Lone Star State, temperatures can soar in the summer. Drought pressure has also increased over recent years, so farmers need to plant crops that can withstand a sometimes-intense climate. 

Although no crop is a sure thing in any state, growing something like milo in Texas can help you hedge your bets a bit more. 

How to get started with milo production in Texas 

• Pick the right hybrid to plant: Depending on which region of Texas you’re in, different varieties of milo might be more successful. A good place to start in your research is contacting your local extension office.
• Consider crop insurance: Growing any kind of crop is an exercise in risk management. Protecting yourself with a crop insurance policy will help you breathe easier, even if a season brings difficult weather or natural disasters.
• Develop weed management plans: Just like with any other grain cultivation, a high prevalence of weeds can threaten your yields and profits. Some strategies to manage weeds could include proper seedbed preparation, tillage, and herbicide application. You can work with your local agronomist to determine the best strategy for your specific acres.
• Pick the right planting dates: Since milo is warm-weather resilient, soils should be at least 60° F at planting. In general, planting windows for milo can range from April to early July in Texas and could vary based on region. For example, South Texas farmers often start earlier since there’s rarely freezing risk. Meanwhile, further north, producers might have to wait out the overnight frosts by a few extra weeks.
• Get help from agronomic experts: Your local extension office can be a great continuous resource. The agronomists there can provide advice on integrated weed management strategies, herbicide selections, whether or not to use irrigation, and more. The Sorghum Checkoff also provides many helpful resources.
• Tap into the right financial resources for your operation: Looking to buy a tract of land to start your milo operation and want to know how much land you can afford? Check out our latest Texas land pricing guide. Then, reach out to your local Texas Farm Credit rep to understand which land loan options might be right for you. TFC also offers operating lines of credit to keep production running smoothly, equipment loans, and crop insurance plans. Contact our team today, or apply now to get the ball rolling.