Sustaining Sponsor Spotlight: Ohio Corn Marketing Program

The Ohio AgriBusiness Association is pleased to feature our Sustaining Sponsors in the 2025 Spotlight Series. This week, the focus is on Platinum Sponsor: Ohio Corn Marketing Program.

Location (Main Headquarters): Delaware, Ohio

Year started: 1977

Number of employees: 8

Number of facilities:  1

Type of services offered: Advancing Ohio’s grains is the mission of the Ohio Corn Checkoff. The Ohio Corn Checkoff aims to create long-term opportunities for corn farmers by focusing on developing and expanding trade markets, funding research, discovering new uses for corn, and providing education that enhances the profitability of corn for growers. By working together, we maximize our efforts to educate and promote the quality of Ohio-grown corn throughout our state, nation, and the world.

Company history: The Ohio Corn Checkoff was established by farmers in 1977 in response to the industry's need for investment. Since then, our efforts have focused on helping farmers enhance yields, support innovative technologies, and develop new markets. The establishment of the seven ethanol plants in Ohio is closely linked to the promotional and educational initiatives undertaken by the Ohio Corn Checkoff.

How has your company changed over the years? The Ohio Corn Checkoff consistently responds to the needs of growers while maintaining its status as a national leader. This includes collaborating with researchers at Ohio State University to mitigate mycotoxins such as Vomitoxin and embracing new discoveries for corn applications in biofuels, bioplastics, and more. Our goal is to maximize profitability for corn growers, ensuring their long-term financial success and sustainability.

How do you see your company growing in the future? The Ohio Corn Checkoff is a proactive organization focused on addressing challenges and generating new opportunities for growers statewide. This dedication drives the Checkoff to invest in innovative research, youth development, and new market prospects, all aimed at securing a brighter future for Ohio farmers.

Interesting tidbits about your business: The Corn Checkoff funds research on Vomitoxin and water quality, invests in youth development via scholarships and internships, promotes market growth through collaborations with the U.S. Grains Council and National Corn Growers Association, supports consumer education initiatives for Unleaded 88 gasoline, and much more.

How has OABA helped your business or the agribusiness industry? We appreciate our friends and partners in the industry. The OABA provides us with an additional opportunity to connect with organizations that align with our interests and foster the growth of agriculture.

Anything else you would like to share: If you are a farmer in Ohio who grows corn, the Ohio Corn Checkoff works on your behalf. Your checkoff investments have created significant market opportunities over the years and continue to support your business. By backing the Corn Checkoff, you are ensuring a brighter future for Ohio’s agricultural industry, both for your business and for future generations.

The Ohio Corn Checkoff is overseen by a Board of Directors made up of farmers, dedicated to serving farmers. They make decisions and set the direction for project investments because we believe they know their operations better than anyone else. Our board members help build relationships around the world, engaging with international grain buyers and establishing business connections on your behalf. The work we do benefits every farmer in Ohio.

Interested in becoming a Sustaining Sponsor? 

Click here to learn more about the program or contact Lauren Prettyman at lprettyman@oaba.net. Sustaining sponsors will automatically be promoted as such at all OABA events and will not be approached for sponsorship opportunities throughout the year. 

Note that because the OABA Educational Trust is a 501(c)3 charitable organization, sponsorships related to this trust are separate from OABA.