Our Mission

Advancing Ohio’s grains, that is the mission of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff.

The Ohio Small Grains Checkoff is a voluntary, self-help program that supports Ohio’s small grains farmers by funding research, providing education, seeking expanded trade markets, and conducting the promotion of small grains through the collection of a half of one percent of net market price assessment, on the first purchases of the grain.

Our Focus

The focus of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff is to provide support and help to Ohio farmers. One way this is achieved is through collaboration with other small grains state and national organizations. By working together, we are maximizing our efforts to help educate and promote Ohio-grown small grains across our state, nation, and the world.

The Ohio Small Grains 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 top exporter of Soft Red Winter Wheat. As a result, the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff is focused on expanding the demand for Ohio-grown small grains. This is done by working with global organizations such as the U.S. Grains Council, U.S. Wheat Associates, the Wheat Food Council, and the National Association of Wheat Growers. The story of exports stretches beyond these relationships and takes representative of the Ohio Small Grains Checkoff on global missions, to build relationships and help promote the superior quality of wheat and small grains 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 Small Grains 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 Small Grains 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 Small Grains 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 in the world to uncover answers to just some of these important topics.

Disease identification and prevention
Weed and pest control
Market research
Other critical aspects of growing wheat

Small Grains Education and Promotions

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 Small Grains Checkoff involves creating relevant resources that can be used to tell reporters, students, teachers, consumers, and other farmers about wheat production and best practices. Your checkoff investment helps in 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.