News Announcements

We have posted the current rates for drying and storage wheat on our website.

Please visit our Crop Policy Service Rates page for Wheat to plan for your storage and drying needs for this harvest season.

Please call the office if you have questions: 217-396-4111

The Illinois Wheat Development Act authorized the creation of a wheat checkoff program in Illinois. In March 2025, Illinois wheat producers adopted via state-wide referendum the creation of the Illinois Wheat Development Program which began on January 1, 2026. Since then, Illinois wheat producers have also elected nine board members who are now taking steps to implement the new assessment.

Your partnership is imperative to successful implementation of the IL Wheat assessment. This notice is to inform you that the Illinois Wheat Development Board set July 1, 2026, as the effective date to begin collection of the 1.5 cents per bushel assessment. More information and resources will be provided as the Board develops materials but it is important that we share with you a few key components to the program:

1. The checkoff rate will be 1.5 cents per bushel starting on July 1, 2026.
2. Producers may request a refund.
3. Elevators may retain a 2% handling fee as long as the remittances are received within 15 days of the end of each quarter.

Additionally, funds collected through this assessment will be used to:

• help develop new markets and uses for wheat and wheat products.
• provide research to improve efficiency, production, and utilization of wheat.
• enhance more efficient economical production of wheat.
• enable the wheat industry to adapt to market demands.

Thank you for your important role in the Wheat Checkoff’s mission of increasing demand for wheat and making wheat production more profitable. More information will be coming to help you prepare. Should you have any questions, please email contact@illinoiswheat.org or call 309.557 .3619.

CORN deliveries beginning 1-14-26 are eligible for:

Delayed Pricing – FREE moisture averaged by farm ID (within a 30 day delivery period) and shrunk to 15.0% FREE DP is until 2:00 p.m. on 8-31-26, new 2026 crop rates will go into effect at that time.

CORN deliveries beginning 1-14-26 are eligible for:

Open Storage – moisture averaged by farm ID (within a 30 day delivery period) and shrunk to 14.0% charges of NO drop charge and .0012 cent per bushel per day (3.5 cents per month) thru 8-31-26, new 2026 crop rates will go into effect at that time.

BEAN deliveries beginning 1-14-26 are eligible for:

Delayed Pricing – FREE NO MOISTURE AVERAGING (within a 30 day delivery period) and shrunk to 13.0% FREE DP is until 2:00 p.m. on 8-31-26, new 2026 crop rates will go into effect at that time.

BEAN deliveries beginning 1-14-26 are eligible for:

Open Storage – NO MOISTURE AVERAGING (within a 30 day delivery period) and shrunk to 13.0% charges of NO drop charge and .0012 cent per bushel per day (3.5 cents per month) thru 8-31-26, new 2026 crop rates will go into effect at that time.

SPACE AS AVAILABLE FOR CORN & BEANS

Why Choose the Average Pricing Program?

• Build a solid base for your 2026 crop marketing plan.
• Capture seasonal highs: Historically, January through June offers the strongest pricing opportunities.
• Flexibility: Commit only 20–35% of an average crop, leaving room for additional marketing.
• Take the emotion out of pricing—a great option for landlords.
• No enrollment cost.
• Extended marketing window: Sell ahead instead of after harvest (19 months vs. 9 months).

Ludlow Coop’s Average Pricing Program

Set Weeks: February 11 – June 24, 2026

• Weekly pricing every Wednesday at noon.
• 20 weeks total; final price is the average of all weekly pricings.
• Based on December (CZ26) corn futures and November (SX26) bean futures.
• Contracts are for Fall 2026 delivery.
• Sign-up deadline: Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Contract must be signed and received before start date.

Patron’s Choice Average Pricing Contract

Your Choice of Consecutive Weeks

• Weekly pricing every Wednesday at noon.
• Choose any consecutive weeks between January 14 – August 26, 2026.
• Based on CZ26 corn futures and SX26 bean futures.
• Contracts are for Fall 2026 delivery.

Ready to Enroll?

Contact your settlement location with:

• Number of bushels
• Chosen dates (for Patron’s Choice)
• Delivery location

Ludlow Coop Offices:

• Buckley: (217) 394-2331
• Danforth: (815) 269-2390
• Ludlow: (217) 396-4111
• Piper City: (815) 707-3347
• Goodwine: (815) 457-2880