Illinois Passes Wheat Checkoff Referendum

By a vote of 207–69, Illinois wheat producers approved a measure to bring a wheat check-off program to the state. The referendum goes into effect Jan. 1, 2026 and will implement a voluntary wheat check-off program with a 1.5¢-per-bushel assessment.

The proposed assessment rate is less than the Kansas voluntary 2¢-per-bushel rate but less than those of Ohio (half of 1% [0.005] of the net market price) and Kentucky (one-fourth of 1% [0.0025] of the gross marketed price). Both Ohio and Kentucky’s assessment rates are voluntary.

The referendum result was announced April 17 after the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) completed its review of the ballots and certified the statewide vote total. 

“Agriculture is our state’s No. 1 industry, and we are proud to be the No. 11 producer of wheat in the nation, producing 60.2 million bushels in 2024,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “The wheat check-off will foster continued growth, positioning Illinois as a global leader in wheat production.”

In the coming weeks, the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Committee and IDOA will be implementing procedures for the Fall 2025 election of members to the Illinois Wheat Development Board.

According to the Illinois Wheat Association’s website, the check-off board will “be led by wheat producers in the state — there will be six district board members and three at large board members.”