Producers can vote on corn referendum

DES MOINES ? The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board reminded farmers of the referendum to increase the corn checkoff by 0.25 cent per bushel. The checkoff is currently 0.75 of a cent per bushel and would increase to 1 cent per bushel if the increase is approved.

Any producer who raised and marketed at least 250 bushels of corn from Sept. 1, 2010, to Aug. 31, 2011. is eligible to vote from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at any county Extension office in the crop reporting district where they live.

The corn checkoff is collected on corn that enters commercial channels, but not on grain used on-farm.  Producers are able to request a refund of their checkoff contribution and that ability will not be affected by the vote.

The corn checkoff was last increased in 2008 to the current rate of 0.75 cent per bushel.  The maximum corn checkoff allowed under Iowa codes is 1 cent per bushel.

The Iowa Corn Checkoff was established by producer referendum in 1977. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board, made up of farmers elected by their peers, invests checkoff dollars for research, education, promotion, and market development.  For more information on how checkoff dollars are used contact the Iowa Corn Promotion Board at 515-225-9242 or find out more online at www.IowaCorn.org.

In accordance with Chapter 185C of the Iowa Code, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is responsible for holding corn checkoff referendum votes.  All costs incurred by the department will be reimbursed by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.