A Wisconsin referendum calling for significant reform of the state’s corn checkoff program was voted down last week, leaving in place the one-tenth of a cent per bushel assessment currently paid by the state’s growers.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Wisconsin Corn Growers Association (WCGA) and Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board (WCPB) expressed disappointment in the referendum failure, noting the importance of checkoff programs to the future of the corn industry.

“Checkoffs are designed to promote the interests of the typical farmer. These programs fund important initiatives that increase opportunities and profitability for growers,” NCGA President Dee Vaughan said. “Through checkoff programs, farmers are investing in the future of the corn industry in their individual states and nationally.”

Puzzled by the results of the vote, WCGA and WCPB leaders are calling on Wisconsin growers to voice their concerns about the referendum and the future of the state checkoff system. The referendum, which proposed changes to many aspects of the current checkoff system, was voted down by 62 percent of voters. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture said 5,630 ballots were filed.

WCGA and WCPB leaders expressed surprise and disappointment in the voting results, as both organizations dedicated significant time and resources to promoting the changes. At meetings with extension agents, seed dealers, the Farm Bureau and many other organizations, WCGA heard nothing but support for the proposed modifications.

“Frankly, everyone on our board was surprised by the referendum failure,” said Michelle Hahn, WCGA president and a grower from Beloit, Wis. “Our directors attended hearings on the checkoff last fall and spent all winter reaching out to state growers.”

WCPB President Ken Rosenow said Wisconsin’s current checkoff rate severely limits the number of initiatives and research projects the board and state association are able to take on. The referendum would have raised the checkoff from one-tenth of a cent to one-half of a cent per bushel, an increase that would have put Wisconsin on an even level with surrounding states.

“We simply don’t have the money to effectively promote Wisconsin corn,” Rosenow said. “Iowa and Minnesota have one-half cent per bushel checkoffs and Michigan has 1 cent per bushel. (Wisconsin) farmers don’t understand that one-tenth of a cent doesn’t give us much to work with.” Rosenow also said Wisconsin growers may not realize they can get a refund for any checkoff they pay.

The referendum would have also required corn coming into Wisconsin from other states to be checked off. Rosenow said he doesn’t understand why growers weren’t supportive of this and other changes. In an attempt to better understand the attitudes of Wisconsin farmers, the WCGA and WCPB are soliciting comments on the checkoff program.

“We need to hear from the farmers who voted against the checkoff as to why they did so and what changes they would support,” Rosenow said. “We’re also considering a formal survey of voters to solicit input – that’s how important this is to us.”

Rosenow and Hahn are urging the Wisconsin’s corn growers to submit comments on the referendum and ideas on how to make the state’s program more viable on a national scale. Comments should be sent to WCGA, W1360 Hwy. 106, Palmyra, Wis. 53156; or e-mailed to wicorn@idcnet.net.