Growers can vote from March 23-April 21 in a referendum on whether to keep the sorghum-checkoff program in operation. The checkoff went into business in July 2008 to raise money for research on, and promotion of, the feed grain. Major goals are to increase revenue for growers, “advance sorghum into the ethanol market” and develop overseas markets, says the checkoff board. Growers and importers are assessed a small fee when sorghum is sold. The fees generate around $7 million a year, says the board. Up to 25 percent of the checkoff money is returned to state-level programs. Kansas and Texas are the leading sorghum states.