For Bill Kubecka, the United Sorghum Checkoff Program is just the latest sorghum organization he has represented at the U.S. Grains Council (USGC). Now retiring after some 30 years of involvement, Kubecka has an exceptionally long perspective on the Council’s work.

“We’ve had some challenges with our funding through the farm program, but Tom [Sleight, the current USGC president and CEO] has done a wonderful job watching our money,” Kubecka said.

He sees an advantage to hard times.

“Any time you go through adversity together, it brings people together. I think it’s done wonders for us as a group,” he said, noting his respect for the board’s ability to meet the challenges required to maintain a strong presence for U.S. grain around the world.

Kubecka won’t predict what will happen to future sorghum exports, but he said he feels that what the Council has done over the last 30 years of his involvement has been admirable.

“It’s been of benefit on two sides,” he said. “I’ve tried to do my best at selling American grain, but it’s also been a real ‘plus’ for me. The Council is something I certainly support – I will always have a kind word for the Council.”