10 Corn-Themed Gifts Farmers Will Love

Tara Desmond
December 5, 2025

(2025 Edition — celebrating corn, community, and Illinois agriculture)

Every December, as the last loads of grain for the year make their way down the road, Illinois farmers begin a different kind of harvest—the gathering of thoughtful gifts for neighbors, family, and friends. And around here, nothing says “I see you, I appreciate you, and I know exactly what your life is like” quite like a gift rooted in the world we share: the world of corn.


This year’s roundup features old favorites and new finds:

  1. Award-Winning Corn Whiskey or Vodka
    From
    Whiskey Acres to Star Union Spirits—raise a glass to the harvest and the craftsmanship behind every kernel.
  2. Give the Gift of Cover Crop or Milkweed Seeds
    Gift a bag of cover-crop or milkweed seed — it’s a way to invest in soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat: cover crops improve soil structure, reduce erosion, boost water retention, suppress weeds and recycle nutrients.
  3. Corn-Based Cups
    Yes, cups can be made from corn plastic! Purchase for your next big event.
  4. A Year of IL Corn Membership
    Gift real advocacy: having a louder voice in Springfield and D.C. is always in season.
  5. Corn & Wheat Cat Litter (Farmer-Tested, Cat-Approved and 35% off with this link)
    Lightweight, biodegradable, and shipped to the door—perfect for farm cats with high standards.
  6. An Aerterra Corn-Based Furnace Filter - 30% off to ICGA Members
    Keep the house warm with a filter made from the crop Illinois grows best. Practical and proudly corn-powered.
  7. Corn-Made Home Goods (Like this corn plastic Cat Lamp!)
    This adorable RGB cat lamp is made from corn-based plastic and adds whimsy to any home.
  8. Support Local: Meat, Milk, Body Care, Holiday Boxes & More
    From
    Mariah’s Mums flowers + farm goods, to Illinois Product Holiday Boxes full of home-grown treats—Illinois farmers always give the best gifts.
  9. Magic Corn Kernels Toy for Kids
    Made from biodegradable corn starch, safe for kids, and sticks with just water—no glue needed. Includes 500 colorful pieces for endless 3D creations.
  10.  Buy Local Beef
    Buying local beef keeps your dollars in farm communities, supports Illinois farm families directly, and gives you fresher, higher-quality meat raised by neighbors you trust.


Illinois officials at NCERC news conference
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
A $15 million investment in NCERC at SIUE will expand the facility and provide opportunities for new bioproducts using corn to scale to commercialization.
National Corn to Ethanol Research Center proposed expansion
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
Fully funding an expansion of NCERC at SIUE will allow the testing and trials required for new corn products to scale in Illinois.
U.S. Meat being showcased in Tokyo
By John Klemm & Tara Desmond • October 8, 2026
DeWitt County farmer John Klemm shares how exporting beef helps corn and an early look at a slow, wet start to his 2026 harvest.
Corn kernels
By Lindsay Croke • October 8, 2026
Illinois corn farmers are grateful for Governor Pritzker’s effort to lower diesel prices for farmers this fall.
cover crops in the field
By Summary from PCM / Farmdoc Webinar • October 8, 2026
Precision Conservation data shows growing cover crops costs Illinois corn farmers $27.30 an acre to deliver carbon benefits. See how conservation payments compare.
Green combine harvester in a field at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon.
By Lyndi Allen • October 8, 2026
Recent federal and state actions provide potential relief for Illinois farmers facing high costs during harvest, including diesel fuel and grain storage.
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