Michigan corn producers can vote on whether to continue the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan in a referendum conducted by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development through Feb. 9.

Corn producers should receive ballots in the mail from MDARD. Eligible producers with questions, or those not receiving a ballot, should contact MDARD toll-free at 800-292-3939.

The Corn Marketing Program of Michigan was designed to increase the use of Michigan corn through market development, education and research. The program was last approved in 2013 and, by law, must be renewed every five years. Currently, the assessment is 1 cent per bushel.

For the program to be renewed, more than 50% of the producer votes cast, representing more than 50% of the total number of bushels represented on the cast ballots, must approve it.

For the purpose of this referendum, each producer, partnership, or corporation is entitled to one vote. All ballots must be filled out completely, signed, and postmarked by Feb. 9, and should be sent to MDARD, Executive Office, P.O. Box 30017, Lansing, MI 48909.

Source: MDARD