Rye is vulnerable to attack by the poisonous fungus Claviceps purpurea. The fungus grows in place of the grain and forms horny masses called ergot. Types raised chiefly for grain include Sudan grass, grown for hay and fodder, and broomcorn, used in making brooms and brushes. Grain sorghums include durra, milo, shallu, kafir, Egyptian corn, great millet, and Indian millet. Sorghum is especially valued in hot and arid regions for its resistance to drought and heat.
Sorghum is of a lower feed quality than corn.
The grain is usually ground into a meal that is made into porridge, flatbreads, and cakes. The characteristic strong flavor can be reduced by processing. The grain is also used in making edible oil, starch, the sugar dextrose, paste, and alcoholic beverages. The stalks are used as fodder and building materials. Sorgos, or sweet sorghums, are grown mainly in the United States and the southern part of Africa for forage and for syrup manufacture.