In the Gunnedah area sowing can commence in early November, continuing through until early January. There is strong optimism paddocks will dry sufficiently to enable sowing on time but some feed grain prices are depressed. Grain sorghum is a summer crop usually planted in spring and early summer and harvested in late autumn and early winter. The plant is susceptible to frosts during the growing period. It can be grown on a wide variety of soil types from light loams to heavy clays but the heavier soils, with better moisture retention, are best suited, particulary in areas subject to long dry periods to realize the high yield potential of the plant.
Sorghum readily follows any crop in a rotation system.
Sorghum deplete soil moisture and nitrogen. Perennial plant in the absencse of frost fresh growth continues after harvest which is not a desirable feature in modern farming systems designed for maximum stubble retention and moisture conservation. The soils most suited to sorghum are the black, grey and brown self-mulching cracking clays. Sowing should be completed by mid-December for high yield potential. Dryland crops also need to be sown by mid-December.