The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan has open board positions. Established under P.A. 232 of 1965 and voted in by the state's corn producers in 1992, CMPM receives one penny per bushel for all field corn grown in Michigan and sold. The check-off funding is invested in research, market development, education, and new uses.

The nine-member, governor appointed board of directors sets the yearly direction of the check-off program. Board terms are staggered and each year three board positions are up for appointment or reappointment to a three-year term. Michigan is divided into nine districts, based on corn production, with each district represented by a corn producer from one of the district's counties.

A board member is selected from each of the established CMPM districts. Of the nine districts, three have open positions for 2007. CMPM is looking for representatives from the following districts:

District 5- Eaton, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson
District 6- Clinton, Genesee, Shiawassee, Tuscola
District 9- Arenac, Gladwin, Isabella, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and all counties north including the Upper Peninsula

Those interested may contact the CMPM office for a petition to apply for the board. The petition must be signed by 50 farmers within the applicant's district and returned to the CMPM office by January 19. All applicants must produce corn within their district. Two nominations for each district will be submitted to the governor. If two applicants for each district are not received by Jan. 19, nominations for the position will be secured during lunch at the following meetings:

January 19- (District 5 and 6)- Corn and Soybean Research Meeting, Eagle Eye Golf Club, Bath
January 23- (District 5)- Corn and Soybean Research Meeting, Dow Center, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale
February 15-(District 9)- Buckley Farm Show, All-Star Restaurant, Buckley

When two candidates are secured for each district, they each must complete an application and return it to the CMPM office. The complete packet of paperwork is then forwarded to the Governor's office for appointments to be made. Corn producers who have any additional questions, or who would like more information on the upcoming meetings, may contact the CMPM office toll free at (888) 323-6601.

Headquartered in DeWitt, CMPM is a legislatively-established statewide program that utilizes one-cent per bushel of Michigan corn sold. Investments are made in the areas of research, education and market development in an effort to enhance the economic position of Michigan corn producers. CMPM works cooperatively with the Michigan Corn Growers Association, a grassroots-membership association representing the state's corn producer's political interests. For more information on CMPM and MCGA, visit the web site at www.micorn.org.