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New IL wheat checkoff “very, very positive”
The director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture says the overwhelming passage of a new checkoff fund makes it an exciting time for the state’s wheat industry.
Jerry Costello says Illinois wheat production is up.
“Unfortunately, there are parts of the country that have experienced drought in the last couple of years, whether you’re talking about in Oklahoma, Texas, or Kansas.” He says, “The fortunate aspect of that for the state of Illinois, we’ve really risen as far as being a wheat producer in the United States.”
He tells Brownfield the creation of the Illinois Wheat Development Board will help boost the state’s presence even further.
“There’s marketing that can be done.” He says, “It raises funds for the development of new markets. So, from an enhancement aspect of the wheat industry in the state of Illinois, I think this is something that’s very, very positive.”
Costello says the election of board members is set for this fall, and the 1.5 cent per bushel assessment rate goes into effect January 1st, 2026.
AUDIO: Jerry Costello – Illinois Department of Agriculture
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