We work with Minnesota’s 12 research and promotion councils (also known as commodity councils) to promote our state’s diverse agricultural sector. We also process checkoff refunds, conduct elections, and provide other administrative oversight to the councils. The councils reimburse us for these services.

All of the councils assess checkoff fees based on the sales of commodities (certain types of crops or livestock). They use these funds to expand markets, advocate for producers, and develop better methods of production and processing.

Elections

Every year, each council elects board members to manage the checkoff funds they receive. We hire and contract with an independent firm to conduct these elections. If you need a ballot, request one from the specific commodity council (listed below).

Checkoff refunds

Five of the councils allow farmers to request checkoff refunds. We process these requests for corn, dry beans, sunflowers, turkeys, and potatoes grown in Area Two. Go to the commodity checkoff fee refund page to learn more.

For all organic checkoff exemptions and questions, go to the USDA-Agricultural Marketing Service Organic Exemption Request page.

Minnesota Commodity Councils

Commodity CouncilContact Information
Minnesota Barley Research and Promotion CouncilThe Minnesota Barley Research and Promotion Council dissolved on June 30, 2025. As a result, the barley checkoff fee should no longer be deducted from any Minnesota barley purchases made after this date.
Minnesota Beef CouncilKelly Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 763-479-1011
kelly@mnbeef.org
Minnesota Canola CouncilBeth Nelson, President
Phone: (651) 638-9883
mncanola@comcast.net
Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion CouncilAdam Birr, Executive Director
Phone: 952-233-0333
abirr@mncorn.org
Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice CouncilBeth Nelson, Executive Director
Phone: 651-638-1955
wr@mnwildrice.org
Minnesota Dairy Promotion CouncilCorey Scott, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 651-488-0261
cscott@midwestdairy.com
Minnesota Dry Bean Research and Promotion CouncilMitch Coulter, Executive Vice President
Phone: 218-334-6351
mitch@northarvestbean.org
Minnesota Area One Potato Research and Promotion CouncilJacey Kuersteiner, Executive Secretary
420 Business Hwy 2 E, East Grand Forks MN 56721
Phone: 218-289-4404
jkuersteiner@nppga.org
Minnesota Area Two Potato Research and Promotion CouncilJocelyn Schlichting, Executive Secretary
3015 145th St NW, Rice, MN 56367
Phone: 320-249-4142
jocelyn.prairiefarms@gmail.com
Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion CouncilTom Slunecka, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 507-388-1635
tslunecka@agmgmtsolutions.com
Minnesota Sunflower CouncilJohn Sandbakken, Director
2401 46th Ave SE Ste 206, Mandan ND 58554-4829
Phone: 701-328-5102
johns@sunflowernsa.com
Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion CouncilAshley Kohls, Executive Director
Phone: 763-682-2171
akohls@minnesotaturkey.com
Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion CouncilBrian Sorenson, Executive Director
Phone: 218-253-4311
bsorenson@mnwheat.com

 

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