News

Illinois wheat growers seeking checkoff

Members of the Illinois Wheat Association (IWA) are circulating petitions to institute a wheat checkoff in the state.

Don Guinnip, with IWA, who farms in Marshall & Clark County, says they’re proposing a penny-and-a-half checkoff per bushel of wheat sold.

“Right now, the Wheat Association is supported by dues, and by contributions from the flour millers and the business community, and by grants.”  He says, “So, we spend a lot of time raising money just to stay in business and we need to be promoting wheat.”

He tells Brownfield the funding would increase opportunities for the state’s expanding wheat sector.

“Research and promotion and things that we used to assume the land grant colleges would do, but probably are not doing as much as they used to.”  He says, “So, it’s a self-help program really.”

Guinnip says the goal is to present wheat farmers with a checkoff referendum next spring.

“We have to collect 500 signatures, and we had to post a $5000 bond with the Department of Agriculture.”  He says, “So, when we get the signatures, there will be a hearing.  If the Director of Agriculture accepts the signatures, then there will probably be a check off referendum next spring and wheat producers in Illinois will be able to vote most likely the first part of March.”

He says interested farmers should contact IWA to learn more.

AUDIO: Don Guinnip – Marshall & Clark County, IL farmer