Interview with former NCGA President Kenny Hartman, Jr., reflecting on decades of service to Illinois corn farmers, major policy accomplishments, and why young farmers should get involved to shape the future of agriculture.
By U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council & IL Corn•December 11, 2025
Illinois corn was on full display as a delegation of Japanese journalists toured the U.S. biofuels value chain to better understand how American corn and corn ethanol contribute to a lower-carbon energy future.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration announced a one-time package of $12 billion in “bridge payments” to support American farmers.
Lakril CEO Justin Brown explains how corn-based sugars become low-carbon acrylic acid, creating new markets for farmers as the company expands in Illinois.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.The award honors farmers who go above and beyond in their management of their working land.