The Illinois Department of Agriculture has released the results of the Illinois Wheat Development Board election held on October 30, 2025. The election filled three statewide at-large board member positions and five out of six district board member seats. The newly formed board will be responsible for appointing the final member from District 5, which covers Franklin, Jackson, Perry, and Randolph counties. The initial terms for elected members will be determined by the new board.
“Congratulations and a big thank you to those being elected to the Illinois Wheat Development Board,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “I am confident this group will work hard to build a strong and sustainable future for Illinois’ wheat industry.”
The Illinois Wheat Development Board is tasked with overseeing check-off funds collected through assessments at the first point of sale. By state law, these assessments are capped at 1.5 cents per bushel of wheat. A referendum passed in March set the assessment rate at this maximum amount.
The following individuals were elected as statewide at-large board members: Brandon Warren (Wayne County), John Howell (Randolph County), and Jarod Weaver (Edwards County). District representatives are Peter Gill (Stark County) for District I; Dean Campbell (Madison County) for District II; Rob Holscher (Crawford County) for District III; Steve Launius (Washington County) for District IV; and Jamie Harvel (Clay County) for District VI. No candidate was elected in District V; that position will be filled by appointment.
For further information, contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture or the Illinois Wheat Association.
