On the vast, challenging plains of northeastern Colorado, where farming is both an art and a science, Jim Diamond is a passionate advocate for grain sorghum, or milo. His operation, Milo Farms LLC, near Akron, Colo., is a testament to his commitment to sustainable, cost-effective farming practices.
Diamond’s roots in farming date back to 1893, when his family began cultivating the land under the Homestead Act. Today, he and his wife, Sally, continue the tradition. As director of the Colorado State University Crops Testing Program, she brings valuable insights to the farm from her work in ag research and outreach.
In 2010, fresh out of college, Diamond made the strategic decision to focus on milo. “Milo is drought-hardy and can withstand more mid-summer heat than corn before losing yield potential,” he explains. He notes the crop’s versatility and adaptability, since it can be drilled or planted, adding to its appeal in a no-till operation.
One of milo’s advantages is significantly lower input costs compared to other crops, he says. “The biggest difference for inputs is the seed cost. Corn seed costs around $35 to $40 per acre, while milo seed ranges from $7 to $24 for herbicide-tolerant hybrids.” The savings allow him to allocate resources more effectively, enhancing overall farm profitability.
To help manage highly erodible soils, Diamond is considering drilling or planting milo in narrow rows to enhance weed control and soil coverage. “Milo takes a long time to reach full canopy, so narrow rows would help,” he notes. To handle challenges like lodging, Diamond uses combine header attachments and conversion kits to maximize yield capture at harvest.
The economic returns from milo are promising, although Diamond says they fluctuate with market conditions. Local buyers provide a stable market, including pork production operations and bird seed plants. “Typically, milo is priced at 90% of corn due to its feed value, but can be higher if the export market is strong.”
Milo has become a viable alternative to corn and millet in the region, especially in areas with limited crop options.
Diamond says he aims to expand his farming operation and increase milo acreage, capitalizing on its drought tolerance. He advises farmers considering milo to explore the market and understand the crop’s requirements. “Think of milo like growing conventional corn,” he says, starting clean with residual herbicides for effective weed control.
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