5 Things to Know About the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced up to $10 billion issued directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year.

Officially, corn will have a payment rate of $42.91 per acre for the 2024 crop year.

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year.

The sign-up period starts now and will run through August 15, 2025. The USDA will mail pre-filled applications to farmers over the coming days. Farmers can also go online or to their local Farm Service Agency to complete the process.

< Older Post

Award winners from 2025 ICGA Annual Meeting

ICGA Annual Meeting: November 24 in Bloomington, IL

By Lindsay Croke • October 30, 2026

IL Corn's Annual Meeting to be Held 11/24

collin and jared

How IL Corn’s FFA Partnership Is Building the Next Generation of Ag Advocates

By Brownfield & Tara • October 29, 2026

Illinois FFA State VP Collin Johnson shares how the IL Corn checkoff partnership builds the next generation of ag advocates.

Sharon Chung, Gracie Pierson, and Rod Weinzierl

Illinois Farmers Connect with Legislators Across the State

By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026

IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) connected with lawmakers and candidates this month through farm visits, renewable fuel events and bioeconomy investments.

sky

Illinois Air Quality: Where Corn Fits Into the Picture

By Aerterra and Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026

Illinois ranks 48th for air quality but indoor air is often worse. See how corn-based ethanol and PLA air filters help Illinois breathe easier.

picture of corn at harvest

6 Farmers Share Harvest Memories

By Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026

6 Illinois farmers share memories during harvest

Rep. Eric Sorensen hosting an E15 press event with IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau

Illinois Gas Prices Highlight the Benefits of Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026

Illinois drivers face higher gas prices than the national average. Learn how ethanol and year-round E15 access could lower costs, support farmers, and boost demand for Illinois corn.