Wheat checkoff referendum passes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois wheat producers approved a measure to bring the first wheat checkoff program to the state.

By a 207-69 vote, producers passed a referendum to implement a voluntary wheat checkoff program with a 1.5 cent per bushel assessment rate.

The referendum result was announced after the Illinois Department of Agriculture completed its review of the ballots and certified the statewide vote total.

In the coming weeks, the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Committee, in conjunction with the IDOA, will be implementing procedures for the fall 2025 election of members to the Illinois Wheat Development Board.

The program will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.

The Illinois Wheat Development Act was passed into law to foster the development of new markets for wheat and wheat products, to provide research, enhance production, and enable the wheat industry to adopt to changing markets.

“Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, and we are proud to be the 11th highest producer of wheat in the nation, producing 60.2 million bushels in 2024,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II.

“The wheat checkoff will foster continued growth, positioning Illinois as a global leaders in wheat production.”

Public Hearing

IDOA hosted a public hearing on the then-proposed wheat checkoff Nov. 12.

Testimony in favor of the proposal was presented by 10 individuals, including a medical doctor, representatives from a milling company and seed genetics company, and seven producers, including two Southern Illinois University ag students from wheat-producing families.

There was no testimony against the proposal.

In accordance with state statute, 500 signatures were required to begin the process.