The Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Board consists of 7 corn and/or grain sorghum producers, nominated by industry organizations and appointed by the Governor. Terms last two years, and while members contribute many hours of their time administering the program, they serve without pay. The members are:
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Tommy Young, Tuckerman, Chairman |
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Keith Feather, Griffithville, Vice Chairman |
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David Gammill, Tyronza, Secretary/Treasurer |
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Doug Threlkeld, Paragould |
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Mike Richardson, Holly Grove |
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Keith Woolverton, Pollard |
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Stewart Weaver, Proctor |
The Arkansas corn and grain sorghum checkoff program was established by Act 271 of the 1997 Arkansas General Assembly. The checkoff was approved by a referendum of producers in February and March of 1998, and collections began July 1, 1998. The checkoff of one cent per bushel of all corn and grain sorghum grown in Arkansas for market is collected at the first point of sale. The funds are used mostly to maintain a program of research through the University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service. A small portion is used for other programs designed to enhance the Arkansas corn and grain sorghum industries.
National Sorghum Checkoff
On July 1, 2008, the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) began collecting the national sorghum checkoff. The assessment is based on 0.6% of the value of the crop. Money collected from the national checkoff is sent to the national board who will send between 15 and 25 percent back to the state. The remainder is used to fund sorghum research and promotion at the national level as well as the national board.
The National Sorghum Board is comprised of 13 members: 5 from the largest producing state, 3 from the second largest, 1 from the third largest, and 4 at-large members from around the country. Certified state organizations will submit names to the Secretary of Agriculture for appointment to the board. Stewart Weaver, a member of the Arkansas Board, holds one of the 4 at-large seats.
The producer referendum for this checkoff is scheduled to occur by March 2011.
The national checkoff does not preclude the collection of a state checkoff. Until state legislative action is taken, Arkansas will continue to collect its state checkoff. Additionally, Arkansas does not collect the national checkoff as they do not have legal authority to do so; therefore, the national checkoff will be sent directly to USDA/AMS. Elevators looking for information about remitting the national checkoff please contact Craig Shackelford at 202-720-1123 or craig.shackelford@usda.gov
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