Our Mission
Advancing Ohio’s grains, that is the mission of the Ohio Corn Checkoff.
The Ohio Corn Checkoff works to develop long-term opportunities for corn farmers. The Ohio Corn Checkoff is a voluntary program that collects a three quarters of one percent assessment funds by all first purchasers of Ohio-grown corn. The funds are exclusively used to develop and expand trade markets, fund research, find new uses for corn, and provide education that helps to increase the profitability of corn for growers.
Our Focus
The focus of the Ohio Corn Checkoff is to provide support and help to Ohio corn farmers. One way this is achieved is through collaboration with other state and national corn organizations. By working together, we are maximizing our efforts to educate and promote the quality of Ohio-grown corn across our state, nation, and the world.
The Ohio Corn Checkoff is committed to supporting local growers by focusing on the following:
Exports
We know exports are vital for Ohio’s economic development and our farmers’ opportunities.
Ohio is the seventh largest producer of corn in the United States. As a result, the Ohio Corn Checkoff is focused on expanding the demand for Ohio-grown corn. This is done by working with global organizations such as the U.S. Grains Council and the National Corn Growers Association. The story of exports stretches beyond these relationships and takes representative of the Ohio Corn Checkoff on global missions, to build relationships and help promote the superior quality and uses for corn grown in our state.
In addition, we frequently host international guests who are interested in learning about Ohio agriculture and want to see our growing practices for themselves. These efforts have proven to be successful, and have resulted in expanded purchases, contracts, and have built stronger relationships with international buyers.
Water Quality
Clean water is everyone’s business and ensuring that it is safe for all to use is an important priority for Ohio Farmers. We know that the practice of using fertilizers remain the target of frustrations for some because of continued algae growth in Northwest Ohio, particularly connected to Grand Lake St. Mary’s, the Lake Erie region, and in waterways across the state.
For over a decade, the Ohio Corn Checkoff has helped to spearhead efforts to ensure that the voice of the farmer is heard when it comes to water quality issues. We have worked closely with growers across the state to develop better growing practices to mitigate runoff and create a sustainable future.
The Ohio Corn Checkoff challenges farmers to take part in the ongoing and vital water quality discussion — with neighbors, consumers and decision makers by considering these questions:
- How are conservation practices a part of your business plan?
- How can you use technology to lessen your impact on water quality?
- How can you use less phosphorus today than in past years?
- How can you change some of your farming practices to improve water quality?
- What is the economic penalty to your farm if you are not using fertilizer a sustainable manner?
Research
Research is a crucial part of the Ohio Corn Checkoff because it helps to provide growers with the answers they need to increase yields, improve quality, and increase profitability. That is why your checkoff dollars are being utilized to work with the top researchers to get answers to issues like Vomitoxin.
Education
Only 1% of the American population is actively farming. That leaves 99% of people who need to be educated about small grains and farming practices. An important focus for the Ohio Corn Checkoff involves creating relevant resources that can be used to tell reporters, students, teachers, consumers, and other farmers about corn production and best practices. Your checkoff investment helps with the creation of these materials, and as a result, are creating a communication link, that is telling the story of modern agriculture to the rest of the world.
Feed the World is an award-winning education initiative of Ohio Corn & Wheat and is making a big impact in classrooms across the state. The program is designed for middle and high school aged students, and provides teachers with quality materials, workshops and resources, based on Ohio’s curriculum standards, to help students understand agriculture and the need for farming.
Ethanol
Did you know that over 95% of all fuel sold in the U.S. today is blended with 10% ethanol? Couple that with the fact that there are more ethanol-blended fuel choices than ever — ranging from 10% to 85% ethanol blend — ethanol is one of the fastest-growing uses for corn. Ohio is home to seven ethanol production plants, which use 217 million bushels of corn to produce nearly 600 million gallons of ethanol each year.
Ethanol offers an abundance of benefits that include:
- ethanol burns cooler and cleaner than conventional gasoline
- reduces tailpipe emissions
- improves air quality
The undeniable truth is that ethanol is the cleanest, most affordable fuel additive on the market today. Using ethanol reduces polluting substances from tailpipe emissions such as: carbon monoxide, exhaust hydrocarbons, benzene, toxics, and fine particulate matter.
Increasing the availability and demand for corn ethanol is one of our top priorities. With your checkoff investment, we will continue to broaden this market.
