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Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program supports Ohio wheat and small-grain farmers through research, education, market development, exports, and industry promotion.
Also known as the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff, the program is a farmer-approved initiative funded through an assessment collected on the first purchase of Ohio-grown small grains. Those funds are invested in priorities designed to strengthen markets, improve production knowledge, and create long-term value for growers.
What Is the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff?
The Ohio Small Grains Checkoff is a self-help program created to support Ohio’s small-grain industry.
The assessment is collected at one-half of one percent of the net market price on the first purchase of the grain. Checkoff funds are then used for research, education, market development, promotion, and efforts to expand demand for Ohio-grown small grains.
For growers, that means checkoff investments are directed toward work intended to improve crop performance, strengthen markets, and support the long-term competitiveness of Ohio wheat and other small grains.
Expanding Markets for Ohio Wheat and Small Grains
Exports are an important part of the program’s market-development work.
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program works with state, national, and international agricultural organizations to promote Ohio-grown wheat and strengthen relationships with buyers and industry partners.
These efforts help support broader wheat market development and create additional opportunities for Ohio producers.
Relevant organizations include the U.S. Wheat Associates, National Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Grains Council, and Wheat Foods Council.
Wheat Research for Ohio Growers
Research is a core part of the Ohio wheat checkoff because growers need reliable information that can help improve yield, crop quality, efficiency, and profitability.
Checkoff-supported research focuses on issues such as:
- disease identification and prevention;
- weed and pest management;
- production practices;
- market research; and
- other challenges affecting wheat and small grains.
Ohio Corn & Wheat also shares research related to wheat production and double-cropping systems in the state.
Supporting Water Quality and Sustainable Production
Water quality remains an important priority for Ohio agriculture.
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program supports efforts that help growers better understand conservation practices, nutrient management, and production approaches that can improve resource use while maintaining productive farms.
This work connects small grains in Ohio with broader efforts to support long-term agricultural sustainability and responsible resource management.
Education and Promotion of Ohio Small Grains
Education is another important part of the program’s work.
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program helps support resources and outreach for farmers, students, educators, consumers, and agricultural communicators.
These efforts help improve understanding of wheat production, the role of small grains in Ohio agriculture, and the practices and technologies shaping modern farming.
How Checkoff Investments Benefit Growers
The value of the Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program comes from combining research, education, market development, and promotion rather than focusing on only one area.
Checkoff investments help support:
- wheat and small-grain research;
- domestic and international market development;
- grower education;
- promotion of Ohio-grown small grains;
- water-quality initiatives; and
- partnerships that expand opportunities for producers.
The goal is to use collective checkoff investment to support opportunities that individual farms would be unlikely to pursue on their own.
Farmer-Led Leadership
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program is guided by a farmer-elected board that helps shape priorities for research, education, market development, and checkoff investment.
This farmer-led structure helps keep program decisions connected to the needs and challenges facing Ohio small-grain producers.
Related Small Grains Research and Resources
Ohio Corn & Wheat shares additional information on wheat production, sustainability, and grower development.
Growers can learn more about long-term sustainability trends through research on the environmental benefits of wheat production.
Students and farmers looking for leadership, scholarship, and professional development opportunities can also explore Ohio Corn & Wheat programs.
Supporting the Future of Ohio Small Grains
The Ohio Small Grains Marketing Program helps connect grower investment with research, education, market development, and opportunities that strengthen the wheat and small-grain industry.
By supporting practical research, stronger markets, and farmer-focused resources, the program works to create long-term value for Ohio growers and the broader agricultural community.
