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Michigan Wheat Growers Face Vote On Industry Program's Future
Russ Survance
Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:37:20 EST
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Michigan's wheat farmers will decide whether to continue their state marketing program during a voting period running February 9th-20th, 2026, state agriculture officials announced.
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is conducting the referendum as required every five years under a 1965 state law governing agricultural commodity organizations. The current wheat program is set to expire this year without producer approval for renewal.
Farmers who grew wheat beyond personal consumption worth over $800 at initial sale during the past three growing seasons qualify to cast ballots. The department sent voting materials to eligible growers on February 4th.
To pass, the program needs support from a majority of voters whose combined production represents more than half the state's wheat output. Ballots must arrive at MDARD's Lansing office by the February 20th deadline.
The program funds research, education and promotional activities through assessments paid by producers. Michigan wheat growers first established the program through a 2011 vote and approved its continuation in both 2016 and 2021.
Producers who don't receive ballots or have questions can contact MDARD at 800-292-3939 or Guardiolaj1@michigan.gov.
