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Click on the buttons below to reference the historical documents and statues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the requested assessment?
A. 1.5 cents per bushel
Q. When will the assessment be applied?
A. The start date will be July 1, 2026
Q. How does this compare to other Midwest states?
A. 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
Q. I grow wheat in a neighboring state but sell it to a first purchaser in Illinois. Does the 1.5 cents per bushel apply to me?
A. Yes.
Source: the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Plan, Article VIII.
Q. How is the amount collected?
A. The assessment will be collected by the first purchaser, and they will remit the amount to the board.
Source: the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Plan, Article VIII.
Q. When is the remittance due?
A. The money will be due to the Wheat Development Board by the 15th of the month following the end of each quarter. The quarters will end on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
Source: the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Plan, Article VIII.
Q. As a first purchaser, do I get compensated?
A. As long as the remittance is made by the 15th of the month following the end of the quarter, the first purchaser shall retain 2% of the amount due.
Source: the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Plan, Article VIII.
Q. Is this refundable?
A. Any affected producer may request that the assessment paid by them be refunded.
Source: the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Plan, Article IX
Q. How do I get my refund?
A. A refund shall be made by a submission form with proof of deduction. The refund request must be made within 90 days of deduction.
Source: the Illinois Wheat Checkoff Plan, Article IX
Q. How do I get a refund submission form?
A. Refund forms will be available from your first purchaser.
Q. When can I expect my refund?
A. Up to 90 days after the funds have been remitted by the First Purchaser.
Source: ILCS 145/75
For more information, call the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (217) 524-1083 or the Illinois Wheat Association at (309) 557-3619.