Wheat Development Board

How did we get here?

Illinois wheat producers approved the proposal on April 17, 2025. The purpose of the checkoff is to foster the development of new markets for wheat and wheat products, to provide research, to enhance production and enable the wheat industry to adapt to changing markets. The program went into effect on January 1, 2026.

Click on the buttons below to reference the historical documents and statues.

Final Statute approved by Illinois General Assembly
Illinois Wheat Checkoff Final Proposal

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THIS REFUNDABLE?
Yes

WHAT IS THE REQUESTED ASSESSMENT? 
1.5 cents per bushel

HOW DOES THIS COMPARE TO OTHER MIDWEST STATES?
Michigan:  one-half of one percent (0.005) of the net value - mandatory
Kansas: 2 cents per bushel - voluntary
Ohio: one-half of one percent (0.005) of the net market price - voluntary
Kentucky: one-fourth of one percent (0.0025) of the gross marketed price - voluntary

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Illinois is the number 11 producer of wheat in the nation, producing 60.2 million bushels in 2024.
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For more information, call the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (217) 524-1083 or the Illinois Wheat Association at (309) 557-3619.