By CINDY LADAGE
Illinois Correspondent

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — For producers living in Illinois who want a new challenge, openings on various commodity boards are now available.

“These self-help programs fund market development, public education and research programs that promote consumption of our (farm products),” said Illinois Depart-ment of Agriculture (IDOA) Director Chuck Hartke.

“I encourage farmers who would like a voice in these important decisions to pass a petition and gather the required number of signatures to get their name on the election ballot.”

The board appointment is a three-year term. Boards accepting new members include the Illinois Corn Marketing Board, the Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board (Illinois Soybean Assoc.), the Illinois Sheep and Wool Marketing Board or the Checkoff Division of the Illinois Beef Assoc. Board of Governors.

To qualify to run for one of these positions, a producer must be 18 and have produced and marketed the commodity in the district they wish to represent. Next, the producer must obtain a petition nomination and submit it by the deadline.

For the corn, soybean and sheep and wool boards, petitions can be obtained from either their county Extension office or the IDOA. Candidates for the beef board must write to the Illinois Beef Assoc., 2060 W. Iles Avenue, Suite B, Springfield, Ill., 62704.
Petitions must be completed and turned in by May 15 for the corn and soybean boards, May 31 for the sheep and wool board and June 1 for the beef board.

In addition to the requirements spelled out above for other boards, the beef board requires its directors to have been beef producers for at least five years before their election. Terms for beef directors are limited to two consecutive terms.

Nominations must all be in by the various deadlines and the elections for all four boards will be July 3. For more information, call the IDOA at 217-782-6675 or write to: IDOA, Bureau of Marketing and Promotion, P.O. Box 19281, State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill., 62794-9281.