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:
- The checkoff rate will be 1.5 cents per bushel starting on July 1, 2026.
- Producers may request a refund.
- 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.
