The Illinois Department of Agriculture has green-lighted a roster of wheat producers slated to compete in the upcoming board elections for the Illinois Wheat Development Board, scheduled for October 30, 2025. Jerry Costello II, the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, pinpointed the crux of their role in a statement saying, "Illinois wheat producers play an important role in both our state’s agricultural strength and the nation’s food supply." Costello emphasized the collaborative spirit vital to pushing innovation and ensuring the industry's market growth and longevity.
According to the official announcement, several districts, including Districts I, IV, and V, which have no candidates coming forward, represent a gap in representation. The roster of candidates for at-large positions and other districts, however, is lined up with individuals like Brandon Warren from Wayne County and John Howell from Randolph County throwing their hats in the ring.
Aspiring candidates not already on the ballot can still vie for a board seat as write-in contenders. To qualify, they must be of legal voting age, a bona fide resident of the district they wish to represent, and a wheat producer verified by the state. Those unable to vote in person can ring up the Illinois Department of Agriculture at 217-524-1083, or send them an email at [email protected] to snag an absentee ballot.
In-person voting for most counties is pegged to take place at local county Farm Bureau county offices during regular business hours. Producers across a myriad of counties, from Adams to Woodford for District I and including Bond to St. Clair for District II, are poised to determine the makeup of the board that will steer the future of wheat development in Illinois.
For any additional insights or queries, the Illinois Department of Agriculture can be contacted directly, or the Illinois Wheat Association can be reached at (309) 557-3619 for further guidance on the election process or details about the representation for each district.
