Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship last week certified the results from the referendum held July 8 to increase the corn checkoff rate by one-fourth of a cent per bushel of corn marketed. Corn producers statewide were eligible to vote July 8 on whether or not to increase the checkoff rate.

The certified results show the referendum passed decisively with nearly 73% of producers in favor of the increase. A simple majority was all that was needed to pass the referendum.

The new rate of three-quarters of a cent per bushel marketed will go into effect on September 1, 2008. The last increase in the Iowa corn checkoff was in 1995 when it was raised to one-half cent per bushel marketed.

Results certified by Iowa Department of Ag

The Iowa corn checkoff is collected on corn that enters commercial channels, but not on grain used on-farm. Elevators and processors collect the checkoff money when farmers sell the corn to them. Corn farmers who do not wish to contribute to the Iowa corn checkoff can request a refund of their checkoff contribution. This provision was not affected by the vote.

In accordance with Iowa Code, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship conducted the vote and certified the results. All costs incurred by the Department of Ag will be reimbursed by the Iowa Corn Promotion Board.

The Iowa Corn Checkoff was established by producer referendum in 1977. The Iowa Corn Promotion Board, made up of 17 farmers elected by their peers, invests the checkoff dollars. By law the money can only be spent for corn 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 you can find out more online at www.IowaCorn.org.