By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced the official results of the Illinois Wheat Development Board election held on October 30, 2025.
This election fills several key leadership positions that will oversee the state’s newly formed Wheat Development Board. The board will play an important role in guiding the wheat industry and managing producer-funded programs.
The election determined three statewide at-large board members and five out of six district board member positions. The only vacant seat is in District 5, which includes the counties of Franklin, Jackson, Perry, and Randolph.
The board will appoint this final member once it is fully seated. Newly elected members will serve one-, two-, or three-year terms, which will be assigned by the initial board.
Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II congratulated the newly elected members, stating, “Congratulations and a big thank you to those being elected to the Illinois Wheat Development Board. I am confident this group will work hard to build a strong and sustainable future for Illinois’ wheat industry.”
The Illinois Wheat Development Board will oversee wheat checkoff dollars collected at the first point of sale. By state law, assessments can be set up to 1.5 cents per bushel, and the program approved by referendum sets the rate at 1.5 cents per bushel. These funds support research, market development, and industry growth.
- Statewide At-Large Board Members
- Brandon Warren, Wayne County
- John Howell, Randolph County
- Jarod Weaver, Edwards County
- District Board Members
- District I: Peter Gill, Stark County
(Covers counties in northern and central Illinois including Adams, Boone, Bureau, Cook, Fulton, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Tazewell, Will, Winnebago and others)
District I: Peter Gill, Stark County
(Covers counties in northern and central Illinois including Adams, Boone, Bureau, Cook, Fulton, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, LaSalle, McLean, Peoria, Rock Island, Tazewell, Will, Winnebago and others)
District II: Dean Campbell, Madison County
(Covers Bond, Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, St. Clair)
District III: Rob Holscher, Crawford County
(Covers Champaign, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham and others)
District IV: Steve Launius, Washington County
(Covers Clinton, Jefferson, Washington)
District V: No Candidate
(Covers Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph)
District VI: Jamie Harvel, Clay County
(Covers southern counties including Alexander, Clay, Gallatin, Hamilton, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wayne, White and more)
Producers wanting more details can contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at (217) 524-1083 or the Illinois Wheat Association at (309) 557-3619.
Photo Credit: illinois-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Illinois, General