Nate Blum is the CEO of Sorghum United and BlüMilo. He is passionate about promoting sorghum and millets as important parts of climate-smart and sustainable agriculture. Blum is dedicated to improving food security, environmental sustainability, and rural economic development. His journey from a fourth-generation family farm in Nebraska to leading an international NGO focused on these ancient grains shows his strong commitment.
A Legacy of Agriculture
Blum has a strong connection to agriculture, which dates back to his great-grandmother who started their family farm in York County, Nebraska. The farm grew soybean, sorghum, and wheat but was relatively small. Blum’s upbringing during the Farm Crisis of the 1980s made him aware of the financial difficulties faced by commodity farmers. This experience led to his passion for agriculture, particularly in areas of policy and systemic improvement.
His early experiences gave him a strong work ethic and an understanding of the universal language of agriculture. These experiences also fueled his desire to address inefficiencies in the global food and farm economic systems, especially the economic disparity faced by the two percent of the population who feed the remaining ninety-eight percent.
Founding Sorghum United
Sorghum United started with a vision of working together for success. “We realized that by collaborating, we could help the entire sorghum and millets industry grow,” Blum says. Since it began, Sorghum United has grown quickly. It now has over 3,000 stakeholders from around the world, covering the entire sorghum and millets supply chain. The organization has formed partnerships with schools, research groups, and businesses while funding itself.
Sorghum United’s main goal is to create global platforms that encourage sharing ideas, research, and connections without being limited by geographical or political barriers. As part of this goal, it has the “Sorgho Squad” adventure series that teaches young readers and their families about the benefits of sorghum and millets in a fun, educational way.
The Importance of Sorghum and Millets in Climate-Smart Agriculture
Sorghum and millets play a crucial role in climate-smart agriculture, supported by research. For instance, research from Texas A&M shows that sorghum’s large root biomass effectively captures and stores carbon, making it a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture. These grains are resilient in dry climates and also support biodiversity by providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and small mammals. Additionally, they can help break up disease and pest cycles in farming systems, making them valuable for sustainable farming practices.
Overcoming Misconceptions and Promoting Global Awareness
One of the biggest challenges Blum faces is dispelling the misconceptions surrounding sorghum and millets. Historically marginalized as “poor man’s crops” during the European colonial period, these grains have struggled to gain recognition in modern global food systems. However, Blum is determined to change this narrative by raising awareness of the health, environmental, and economic benefits of sorghum and millets.
“These grains are superfoods, rich in tannins and polyphenols, with the potential to improve human health by reducing inflammatory diseases, cardiac risk, and more,” Blum notes. He is also committed to advancing research and innovation in sorghum and millets, focusing on sustainable production systems, value-added processing, and educational initiatives that empower local communities.
Overcoming Industry Challenges with Grassroots Advocacy
Blum believes in the power of grassroots advocacy as a core principle. He knows that changing long-established systems, especially in agriculture, where traditional practices and established markets often resist innovation, is a big challenge. However, Sorghum United focuses on building a global network of informed consumers and producers who understand the value of these ancient grains. Blum thinks that this collective voice can lead to significant change by encouraging industry leaders to adopt more sustainable practices and recognize the benefits of integrating sorghum and millets into mainstream food systems.
The Role of Education in Changing Perceptions
Blum knows that educating people about sorghum and millets is important. These grains are often called “poor man’s crops,” but they have great potential to help with modern challenges. Sorghum United is working to teach the public, especially young people, about the nutritional, environmental, and economic benefits of these grains. They even have a popular book series called the Sorgho Squad. Blum wants sorghum and millets to be known for their strength and usefulness, and for their ability to help people eat better and make farming more sustainable all over the world.
Fostering International Collaboration for a Common Goal
Sorghum United’s main goal is to collaborate internationally. Blum has a lot of experience working with people in 32 different countries. He believes that progress in farming can only happen when everyone works together. Sorghum United partners with schools, companies, and local farming groups. Their goal is to do research, share knowledge, and use sustainable methods.
Blum’s work with CropSoko in Kenya is a good example of the partnerships Sorghum United wants to create. By working closely with local communities, this partnership helps improve farming and makes sure small farmers get fair prices and can sell their products in more places. These kinds of partnerships are really important. They help farmers and make sure they can keep supporting their families and communities.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Research and Innovation
Moving forward, Sorghum United is committed to pushing the boundaries of research and innovation in agriculture. The organization is exploring new technologies and methodologies that could revolutionize the way sorghum and millets are grown, processed, and marketed. One exciting project in the pipeline is the development of a curriculum framework designed to educate and empower communities on agricultural production and small business development. Once implemented, this framework could serve as a model for sustainable development in regions facing food insecurity.
Blum is particularly enthusiastic about the potential for this initiative to create long-term, positive impacts in communities around the world. By providing the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in agriculture, Sorghum United aims to break the cycle of poverty and promote sustainable economic growth.
The Global Impact of Sorghum and Millets
Sorghum and millets are more than just crops. They are important for our future. These grains can help with issues like hunger, malnutrition, and climate change. Blum leads Sorghum United and is working to make a global movement. They want to unlock the potential of these grains and create a better food system that is fair for everyone. Blum says, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago….but, today isn’t bad either.” This shows Sorghum United’s commitment to taking action now for a better future. As Sorghum United grows, it will not only help farmers and consumers but also the whole planet.
Sorgho Squad: Educating the Next Generation
Sorghum United has a new initiative called the Sorgho Squad book series. It’s meant to teach kids and families about the importance of sorghum and millet. The series is a mix of adventure and education, so kids can have fun while learning about topics like sustainable food systems and climate-smart farming practices.
Blum believes the Sorgho Squad isn’t just a children’s book series, but an important way to teach kids about sustainable farming. Each book follows young heroes who discover the benefits of sorghum and millets, teaching children about nutrition, environmental conservation, and global heritage.
The Sorgho Squad has achieved great success. Parents, educators, and food system communities have embraced the series as a valuable resource. It teaches about food systems and inspires children to think critically about the food systems that sustain our world. The Sorgho Squad aims to make education engaging and accessible, helping to build a generation that values sustainability and is prepared to take action for a better future. Blum sees the Sorgho Squad serves as a cornerstone of Sorghum United’s mission to create lasting change in the food system sector. Blum believes that by inspiring young people to care about these issues, the future of food systems can be in good hands. The series is a vital part of Sorghum United’s broader educational efforts, which aim to reshape public perception and promote the integration of sorghum and millets into mainstream food systems.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Nate Blum’s journey from a small family farm in Nebraska to leading an international NGO is a testament to the power of passion, vision, and collaboration. Sorghum United is more than an organization; it is a movement that seeks to transform agriculture and food systems for the betterment of all. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, Blum and his team are working to ensure that sorghum and millets become central to the conversation about sustainable agriculture.
For those looking to make a difference in agriculture and public service, Blum’s advice is clear: lead by example, stay committed to your values, and be willing to collaborate for the greater good. The challenges may be significant, but with determination and a collective effort, we can build a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
- The Sorgho Squad adventures are available at: Sorgho Squad
- Visit Nate Blum: LinkedIn Profile
