Your Minnesota Corn Checkoff Delivers
Every day, the Minnesota corn checkoff goes to work for you. It drives new markets for corn and ethanol, expanding opportunities here and around the world. It supports research that improves productivity and efficiency on your farm. And it helps build the next generation of farmers and ag leaders to move our industry forward. Building opportunities for farmers—today and in the future. That’s your Minnesota corn checkoff.
Read more in a special Checkoff Delivers issue of Corn Talk, published November 2025.
Multiplier effect of market development expenses through the Minnesota corn checkoff. These returns reflect nearly two decades of farmer-led efforts to expand demand for corn in all forms across Minnesota through coordinated promotion and market development.
Multiplier effect of ethanol market development expenses through the checkoff. These investments expanded consumer awareness and Minnesota’s ethanol infrastructure, helping grow Unleaded 88 availability to more than 550 stations statewide.
Share of U.S. corn exports between 2000 and 2024 linked to U.S. export promotion efforts. Minnesota’s checkoff contributes to these efforts by helping fund international staff, in-country technical training, and buyer outreach through the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council.
By the numbers: The Minnesota corn checkoff delivers
Minnesota corn farmers have long asked: What return do we get from our checkoff investment? A new analysis from Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) answers that question — and the results show that the Minnesota corn checkoff continues to deliver strong, measurable value.
Covering the years 2005 through 2024, the analysis looked at how Minnesota corn checkoff investments in research, market development, and promotion have supported demand growth and delivered value for farmers and rural communities across the state. The findings highlight how farmer-led investments continue to build markets, support innovation, and strengthen Minnesota agriculture — proving that your corn checkoff delivers.
By the numbers: The Minnesota corn checkoff delivers
Creating Demand
Your Minnesota corn checkoff helps open doors for farmers by expanding markets for corn, ethanol, and co-products—both here at home and around the world.
Through partnerships with the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation, checkoff investments help grow global demand for corn, ethanol, and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). These collaborations connect Minnesota farmers to new customers across Asia, Latin America, and beyond—turning corn grown here into food, fuel, and feed used around the world.
Closer to home, the checkoff supports a range of efforts aimed at increasing consumer demand for higher-ethanol blends like Unleaded 88 and E85. Strategic retail partnerships, targeted advertising, and joint promotions with fuel marketers help more drivers choose clean, homegrown fuel at the pump—saving money while supporting Minnesota agriculture and reducing emissions. The checkoff also supports efforts to commercialize new corn-based products and technologies, ensuring Minnesota farmers benefit from emerging markets for fuels, materials, and other renewable innovations.
Enhancing Research
Your Minnesota corn checkoff drives innovation that helps farmers meet challenges head on—from improving productivity and profitability to stewarding natural resources for future generations.
Through investments in research at the University of Minnesota and on-farm demonstration projects, the checkoff supports practical, science-based solutions that work in Minnesota’s diverse growing conditions.
These projects focus on improving nitrogen efficiency, advancing soil health, and reducing input costs through precision technology and conservation practices.
Minnesota corn farmers are also helping drive discoveries beyond the field. Checkoff funding supports University of Minnesota researchers exploring new ways to convert corn into cleaner fuels, bioplastics, and renewable chemicals. Each breakthrough brings farmers closer to new markets and new opportunities for corn-based innovation.
2.2 million
Invested annually in research toward improving on-farm practices and identifying new markets.
14 tons
Nitrogen retained for each $1,000 invested through Minnesota Corn’s nitrogen initiative.
$5.2 million
Invested in 26 water quality research projects since 2008—helping quantify nutrient movement, drainage impacts, and conservation effectiveness from field to watershed scale.
89%
Percent of Minnesotans trust farmers to produce high-quality, safe food, according to recent surveys.
31
Active volunteers in CommonGround Minnesota, which reaches consumers with fact-based information about agriculture.
Connecting Communities
Your Minnesota corn checkoff strengthens the connection between farmers and the communities they serve. Through support for local events, classroom programs, and partnerships with Minnesota’s sports teams, these investments help more people understand where their food and fuel come from.
By sharing the story of modern farming, the checkoff builds trust, pride, and opportunity across rural and urban Minnesota.
2025 Checkoff Investment Allocation
What is a Checkoff?
A checkoff is a farmer-led, farmer-supported program that pools a small per-bushel assessment to expand demand, fund research, and inform the public about the commodity. By working together, farmers can invest in larger, longer-term projects that strengthen their entire industry. For Minnesota Corn, the assessment is collected at the first point of sale—whether at an ethanol plant, river terminal, or country elevator—and is managed by farmer-leaders serving on the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council. These pooled dollars support consistent, statewide efforts that individual farms couldn’t achieve alone.
