American Sesame Growers Association

 

Some Quick Facts About Sesame

Now that sesame varieties have been developed that can be mechanically harvested, sesame has returned to the United States as a viable, alternative crop. Other sesame production in the world is highly labor intensive and, therefore, restricted to less developed countries.

BENEFITS of US grown sesame

• Sesame is a program crop on which farmers can earn an adequate to good return without dependence on program payments. It is grown principally as a rotation crop.
  
• There is low risk
      Less out of pocket expenses and greater weather tolerance
  
• Sesame is a good rotation crop
      Conditions the soil; reduces cotton root rot and nematodes, thus lowering the risk on cotton and peanuts
  
• Sesame is drought tolerant
      Requires 1/4 the water for corn, 1/3 the water for sorghum and 1/2 the water for cotton
  
• Uses common farming practices and standard equipment
  
• Uses standard grain handling equipment
      Received by local elevators
  
• Does not compete with other US vegetable oils
      Is a staple in "ethnic cuisines" requiring specific flavors
  
• There is an opportunity to replace $100 million of US imports and to participate in a "new" $850 million export market

PRODUCTION of US grown sesame

• Over 55,000 tons of sesame have been grown in the United States
  
• Sesame is principally a rotation crop for cotton, corn, wheat, and peanuts
  
• Major growing areas are in South Texas, the Rolling Plains and High Plains of Texas and in Oklahoma, with production beginning again in southern Kansas and a history of growing in Arizona
  
• Expansion of sesame production is restricted by lack of Multiple Peril Crop Insurance, which is required by bankers and landlords. Current annual production is approximately 2,500 metric tons on 10,000 acres with 60 to 70 farmers
  
• Approximately 80 percent of sesame is dryland and 20 percent irrigated
  
• Sesame gross income ranges from $100 to $400 per acre depending on rainfall, irrigation, fertility, and planting date
  
• Sesame growing costs are less than grain sorghum, wheat, corn, peanuts, or cotton
  
• Sesame seed is approximately 50% oil and 45% meal; meal is approximately 50% protein
  
• A twenty percent share of today's world market would equate to 700,000 acres of US sesame. The world market is growing and China is moving from a major exporter to a significant importer