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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #207054

Title: Economics-Driven Research and Incentives for Pearl Millet Production in the United States

Author
item Wilson, Jeffrey - Jeff
item Timper, Patricia - Patty
item Truman, Clinton
item DALE, N - UNIV OF GA
item BATAL, A - UNIV OF GA
item Ni, Xinzhi
item GITAITIS, R - UNIV OF GA
item McAloon, Andrew
item SHUMAKER, G - UNIV OF GA
item DOWLING, G - PARTRIDGE PEA PLANTATION
item BROWN, J - USDA-NRCS BLAKELY GA
item Webster, Theodore
item Maas, Andrea

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/31/2007
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: not required

Technical Abstract: Pearl millet has been grown in the U.S. for livestock forage for over 100 years. Research into grain applications for the southeastern U.S. was initially conducted to address environmental constraints of the region. Early results by growers and diverse industries in the southeastern U.S. have encouraged further development. Much of the grain is currently being sold into premium-value markets in support of the recreational wildlife and agro-tourism industries. As these local markets become saturated, increasing amounts of grain are entering the high-volume market for broiler rations. It is likely that ethanol production will be another high-volume market for the grain in the future. Expanding integration of pearl millet in U.S. production and use systems requires that the crop contributes measurable economic value or provides uses that cannot be met by alternatives. Production and use budgets are valuable guides to identify areas for research that will improve profitability for the agribusiness community.