Pearl Millet Marketing Guide

Pearl millet has been utilized for decades in the U.S., primarily in the southeastern U.S. as forage for livestock. Markets for grain-type varieties are less developed, and no delivery points in Missouri are presently available. As discussed in the financial section, grain-type pearl millet faces steep competition for a place in the rotation relative to crops such as corn and soybeans. Improved hybrids, innovative market opportunities and a possible double-crop after winter wheat or other winter annuals are potential bright spots for pearl millet.

Although pearl millet can be an excellent feed for poultry, lack of consistent supply and familiarity with the crop will limit its use initially. Large integrators are less likely to consider pearl millet, even with its protein and amino acid profile, until sufficient acres exist to ensure reliable supply and minimal ration formulation disruptions. Alternative markets may have be to investigated to “stair-step” demand.

Opportunities exist to sell pearl millet into the birdseed market. Although limited formal research has been done on its use as a birdseed, it has been repeatedly noted that a number of songbirds, including gold finches and juncos, enjoy feeding on the seed. Proso millet, another type of millet, is a common birdseed component. Volatility of the proso millet supply and price has led some companies to have interest in blending other grains, such as pearl millet, in wild bird food mixes. Wild bird food packers frequently note their preference for proso millet due to its glossy seed coat. Although proso millet may be preferred, pearl millet may be a substitute when prices dictate. Price initially would depend on whether the pearl millet was substituted for sorghum, a low-value grain, or proso millet, a moderate-value grain, in birdseed mixes. Other alternative markets could include mixes for the recreational wildlife industry.

In the long term, the primary commercial market focus for grain-type pearl millet will be poultry markets. Based on protein content and amino acid profile, pearl millet could be valued at prices higher than those for corn. Realistically, the price received for pearl millet, if fed as a livestock feed, will be similar to the price for corn.

Available Market Information

The available markets presented on this website are meant to assist producers with marketing decisions. Please contact the specified business location prior to production of pearl millet to verify marketing capability.

 

Company Address Telephone Email
Clean Dirt Farm 13643 County Road 13.7 Sterling, CO 80751 970-228-4633 rob@cleandirtfarm.com