S&W Seed Company is rewriting the narrative of sorghum, a drought-resistant, nutrient-packed sustainable crop. This company empowers farmers to achieve higher profitability and sustainability with cutting-edge research and transformative trait technologies.
Grassy weeds have long plagued sorghum farmers, limiting sorghum yield. Data suggests such infestations can reduce yields by 7.5 to 15 bushels per acre and cause an annual economic loss of up to $340 million in the United States, explains Mark Herrmann, S&W Seed Co. president and CEO. Traditional weed control methods were often ineffective, leaving farmers with few options. S&W is changing this paradigm with its game-changing DT Trait® technology, which allows over-the-top herbicide application during the growing season to transform how producers manage weeds.
Resistant to Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor-rich herbicides, the DT Trait technology offers farmers a reliable tool to combat grassy weeds without harming their crops. Since its 2021 launch, adoption has skyrocketed, with the technology estimated to have covered 10 percent of U.S. sorghum acres in 2024 and reach up to 15 percent coverage in 2025. With these advancements, S&W leads the herbicide-tolerant sorghum market, providing farmers with a much-needed solution to maximize yields.
Eliminating Prussic Acid Risks
Prussic acid, a naturally occurring toxin in sorghum when the plant is damaged, frozen or under drought stress, poses a lethal risk to grazing animals. In a partnership with Purdue University, S&W developed the prussic acid-free (PF™) trait to address this critical challenge head-on.
With the PF trait, farmers can safely graze livestock on sorghum stover after harvesting the grain, reinstating sorghum as a dual-purpose crop. This innovation ensures year-round feed availability, reduces costs and helps eliminate toxicity risks—unlocking sorghum’s full potential for grazing and grain production.
A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration
Founded as a germplasm provider, S&W has evolved into a pioneer in sorghum trait technology. The company’s success lies in its strategic partnerships with chemical manufacturers, universities and independent seed companies.
“By working with over 15 independent seed companies, we ensure innovations reach farmers efficiently through trusted local brands and agronomic advisors,” says Brent Johnson, vice president, sales & marketing for Americas.
Prioritizing farmer education through a “train the trainer” model, S&W ensures private label partners and licensees are equipped with the knowledge to guide farmers in adopting these technologies effectively. This is complemented by direct outreach to large growers and crop consultants, as well as partnerships with agricultural retailers who provide agronomic support beyond the sale, ensuring the technologies are used optimally at the farm level.
Third-party university trials highlight the value of S&W’s DT Trait system, demonstrating a $137 per acre return on investment. The launch of additional DT Trait hybrids in January 2025 further raises the bar. These hybrids offer earlier spraying windows, simplifying weed control and reducing risks for farmers, all while being accessible through S&W’s vast dealer network.
Sorghum’s Sustainable Edge
Sorghum stands as a powerhouse in sustainable farming. With its ability to thrive on less water (one-third) than corn, grow in drought-prone regions and flourish in marginal soils, sorghum is an environmental champion. It holds incredible promise for farmers looking to maximize productivity while minimizing their ecological footprint.
Innovation is at the heart of S&W’s adeptness in enhancing sorghum’s potential. By improving yield reliability and expanding the crop’s utility for grazing, it has positioned sorghum as a highly sustainable crop that offers lasting value, added Payne Burks, S&W Seed Co. director of research and development. The company’s commitment to the future doesn’t stop here. With new trait technologies set to roll out through 2028, S&W is ensuring that sorghum will remain a resilient, high-value crop for future generations.
S&W Seed Company is more than just a leader in sorghum. It is a dedicated partner helping farmers progress. Pioneering solutions like the DT and PF traits, it is not only enhancing yields and reducing risks but maximizing the utility of every sorghum acre. As sustainable agriculture takes center stage, S&W continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape. The result is a brighter, more sustainable future for farmers, consumers and the planet alike.
Grassy weeds have long plagued sorghum farmers, limiting sorghum yield. Data suggests such infestations can reduce yields by 7.5 to 15 bushels per acre and cause an annual economic loss of up to $340 million in the United States, explains Mark Herrmann, S&W Seed Co. president and CEO. Traditional weed control methods were often ineffective, leaving farmers with few options. S&W is changing this paradigm with its game-changing DT Trait® technology, which allows over-the-top herbicide application during the growing season to transform how producers manage weeds.
Resistant to Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor-rich herbicides, the DT Trait technology offers farmers a reliable tool to combat grassy weeds without harming their crops. Since its 2021 launch, adoption has skyrocketed, with the technology estimated to have covered 10 percent of U.S. sorghum acres in 2024 and reach up to 15 percent coverage in 2025. With these advancements, S&W leads the herbicide-tolerant sorghum market, providing farmers with a much-needed solution to maximize yields.
Eliminating Prussic Acid Risks
Prussic acid, a naturally occurring toxin in sorghum when the plant is damaged, frozen or under drought stress, poses a lethal risk to grazing animals. In a partnership with Purdue University, S&W developed the prussic acid-free (PF™) trait to address this critical challenge head-on.
With the PF trait, farmers can safely graze livestock on sorghum stover after harvesting the grain, reinstating sorghum as a dual-purpose crop. This innovation ensures year-round feed availability, reduces costs and helps eliminate toxicity risks—unlocking sorghum’s full potential for grazing and grain production.
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By working with over 15 independent seed companies, we ensure innovations reach farmers efficiently through trusted local brands and agronomic advisors
Founded as a germplasm provider, S&W has evolved into a pioneer in sorghum trait technology. The company’s success lies in its strategic partnerships with chemical manufacturers, universities and independent seed companies.
“By working with over 15 independent seed companies, we ensure innovations reach farmers efficiently through trusted local brands and agronomic advisors,” says Brent Johnson, vice president, sales & marketing for Americas.
Prioritizing farmer education through a “train the trainer” model, S&W ensures private label partners and licensees are equipped with the knowledge to guide farmers in adopting these technologies effectively. This is complemented by direct outreach to large growers and crop consultants, as well as partnerships with agricultural retailers who provide agronomic support beyond the sale, ensuring the technologies are used optimally at the farm level.
Third-party university trials highlight the value of S&W’s DT Trait system, demonstrating a $137 per acre return on investment. The launch of additional DT Trait hybrids in January 2025 further raises the bar. These hybrids offer earlier spraying windows, simplifying weed control and reducing risks for farmers, all while being accessible through S&W’s vast dealer network.
Sorghum’s Sustainable Edge
Sorghum stands as a powerhouse in sustainable farming. With its ability to thrive on less water (one-third) than corn, grow in drought-prone regions and flourish in marginal soils, sorghum is an environmental champion. It holds incredible promise for farmers looking to maximize productivity while minimizing their ecological footprint.
Innovation is at the heart of S&W’s adeptness in enhancing sorghum’s potential. By improving yield reliability and expanding the crop’s utility for grazing, it has positioned sorghum as a highly sustainable crop that offers lasting value, added Payne Burks, S&W Seed Co. director of research and development. The company’s commitment to the future doesn’t stop here. With new trait technologies set to roll out through 2028, S&W is ensuring that sorghum will remain a resilient, high-value crop for future generations.
S&W Seed Company is more than just a leader in sorghum. It is a dedicated partner helping farmers progress. Pioneering solutions like the DT and PF traits, it is not only enhancing yields and reducing risks but maximizing the utility of every sorghum acre. As sustainable agriculture takes center stage, S&W continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape. The result is a brighter, more sustainable future for farmers, consumers and the planet alike.
Company : S&W Seed Company
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. ManagementPayne Burks, Co. Director of Research and Development
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