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 Council | Contact Information |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Barley Research and Promotion Council | The 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 Council | Kelly Schmidt, Chief Executive Officer Phone: 763-479-1011 kelly@mnbeef.org |
| Minnesota Canola Council | Beth Nelson, President Phone: (651) 638-9883 mncanola@comcast.net |
| Minnesota Corn Research and Promotion Council | Adam Birr, Executive Director Phone: 952-233-0333 abirr@mncorn.org |
| Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council | Beth Nelson, Executive Director Phone: 651-638-1955 wr@mnwildrice.org |
| Minnesota Dairy Promotion Council | Corey Scott, Chief Executive Officer Phone: 651-488-0261 cscott@midwestdairy.com |
| Minnesota Dry Bean Research and Promotion Council | Mitch Coulter, Executive Vice President Phone: 218-334-6351 mitch@northarvestbean.org |
| Minnesota Area One Potato Research and Promotion Council | Jacey 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 Council | Jocelyn Schlichting, Executive Secretary 3015 145th St NW, Rice, MN 56367 Phone: 320-249-4142 jocelyn.prairiefarms@gmail.com |
| Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council | Tom Slunecka, Chief Executive Officer Phone: 507-388-1635 tslunecka@agmgmtsolutions.com |
| Minnesota Sunflower Council | John Sandbakken, Director 2401 46th Ave SE Ste 206, Mandan ND 58554-4829 Phone: 701-328-5102 johns@sunflowernsa.com |
| Minnesota Turkey Research and Promotion Council | Ashley Kohls, Executive Director Phone: 763-682-2171 akohls@minnesotaturkey.com |
| Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council | Brian Sorenson, Executive Director Phone: 218-253-4311 bsorenson@mnwheat.com |
