Logo Guidelines
Identifying Funded Projects
It is important proper credit is given to projects funded by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program (USCP), commonly known as the Sorghum Checkoff. The Sorghum Checkoff logo was designed for a single purpose: to identify programs funded by the United Sorghum Checkoff Program. Because the logo connotes specific meaning wherever it appears, it is absolutely vital everyone in the industry understand when and how it is to be used.
When checkoff dollars are used, whether partial or full funding, the project and all related communications must accurately identify the funding source.
There are situations where including a reference to a contractor or other partner to the USCP board will add value with the targeted audience. An example of this is joint projects between the USCP and state checkoff or producer organization.
Checkoff Logo Guidelines
When using the logo and the words “Funded by the Sorghum Checkoff,” please keep these things in mind.
- The logo may not be used on materials that:
- Advocate a “yes” or “no” vote on the Sorghum Checkoff referendum.
- Relate to or are used to influence legislative or regulatory issues.
- Advocate a public policy position in any way.
- The checkoff logo will be used only on programs developed with funds generated by the Sorghum Checkoff.
- Never use the logo in conjunction with just the contracting organization’s name below it. Copy that appears with the logo must follow the tagline rules explained below.
- The Sorghum Checkoff logo may be reproduced in various sizes, as long as it is not distorted by enlargement or reduction. Avoid uses so small that image clarity is lost.
- In rare cases, when there may not be enough space to fit the logo, the following tagline may be substituted: “Funded by the Sorghum Checkoff.”
- Use of the checkoff logo with programs that are only partially funded with checkoff dollars, state and/or national, is encouraged with the tagline note: “Funded in part by the Sorghum Checkoff.”
- When it adds value with the targeted audience and strengthens the potential impact for the sorghum industry, the name of the contracting or partnering organization may be included in the communications with advance approval by the USCP executive director.
- The name of the individual, title, contracting organization and phone number shall be allowed if preceded by “For more information, contact:”
- Logos of domestic contractors may only be used on those materials that are partially funded with non-checkoff dollars. Advance approval by the USCP executive director is required.
Sorghum Checkoff Logo
The Smart Choice Logo Guidelines
Logo purpose/intent
“Sorghum: The Smart Choice®” was designed to identify and promote products made from or containing sorghum grown in the U.S.
Why it’s critical to the industry
This logo publicizes the versatility of sorghum and creates consumer awareness of U.S. sorghum and its benefits.
Approved logo treatments
Below are the preferred treatments and should be used when possible. Please note that these logos have been carefully designed and should not be altered in any way. Always use approved artwork.
Proper Logo Usage
The Sorghum: The Smart Choice® logo must be used with the ® registration mark as shown, and if space allows, the following legal lines should be incorporated: “Sorghum: The Smart Choice® is a registered trademark of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program.”
The samples below show the approved color values for use in print and electronic communications.
When possible, the Sorghum: The Smart Choice® logo should be reproduced in the colors indicated. If not, a black-and-white reproduction is acceptable. This logo was designed to be used as a positive image on a light or white background, but it may also be reproduced as a reverse or negative image with white on a dark background.
Standard Logo
Clear Space
The logo should be separated from other text and graphic elements with enough clear space to ensure readability.
Animated Logo
The Sorghum: The Smart Choice® logo may be used digitally as long as it is readable and stands out from the background. The preferred use is the color logo on a white background, but the logo may also be reversed to white out of a dark background.
Legal Lines
Sorghum: The Smart Choice® is a registered trademark of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program and should be set in Helvetica no smaller than 6-pt font size.
Size
The Sorghum: The Smart Choice® logo may be reproduced in various sizes. The logo must not be distorted by enlarging or shrinking or appear too small to be clearly read. It is recommended that the minimum size of the logo be at least 1 1/2” for print and 225 pixels for digital usage.
Incorrect Use
Simply Sorghum Logo Guidelines
The Sorghum. Nature’s Super Grain® logo was created by the Sorghum Checkoff to promote sorghum as a healthy, versatile whole grain food product for consumers, dietitians, chefs, foodservice professionals and manufacturers. The Sorghum Checkoff requires proper usage of the Sorghum. Nature’s Super Grain® logo on all print, digital and promotional collateral.
Size
The Sorghum. Nature’s Super Grain® logo may be placed in various sizes to fit design needs. The minimum size the logo may be placed is 1 1/2 inches wide for print and 225 pixels wide for digital usage.
Legal Requirements
The Sorghum. Nature’s Super Grain® logo must be used with the ® registered trademark symbol as shown. If space allows, the following legal lines should be incorporated: “Sorghum. Nature’s Super Grain® is a registered trademark of the Sorghum Checkoff.”
Guidelines
To ensure consistency in representation of the Sorghum. Nature’s Super Grain® logo, follow these guidelines when using it:
- The logo should only be reproduced using the original digital vector file.
- Utilize the logo in its original vector format. Do not rearrange or eliminate any elements of the logo.
- Use the logo in its original proportions. Do not stretch the logo in any way.
- Use only the authorized green and white colors for the logo.
- A stroke should never be added to the outer perimeter of the logo.
- Apply the proper amount of clear space to ensure legibility.
- Employ the proper sizing technique to ensure the logo meets the minimum size requirements for print and digital uses.
- The registered trademark symbol must accompany the logo in all instances.
For more information, download the full brand book.
Approval
Approval from the United Sorghum Checkoff Program must be received before using the logos listed above. Please contact and submit proposed logo usage to:
Clint White
Director of Communications
United Sorghum Checkoff Program
4201 N. Interstate 27
Lubbock, Texas 79403
clint@sorghumcheckoff.com
806-687-8727
SorghumCheckoff.com