FAQs: Learn More About ICGA & Corn Production

How much corn does Illinois grow?

In 2021 (the most recent year for which we have data), Illinois farmers planted 11,000,000 acres of field corn and in 2020 13,000 acres of sweet corn. Farmers averaged 207 bushels per acre. Compare this to 197 bushels per acre in 2016 and 175 bushels per acre in 2015. In general, corn yields continue to trend up! Illinois ranks number two in the nation for corn grown, second to Iowa.

Where does corn from Illinois end up?

Of all the field corn grown in Illinois, 43.3% is exported out of the state, 22% is used for ethanol, 20.4% is used for industrial uses, 4.7% is fed to livestock within the state, 4.2% is residual and 5.4% is carry-out.

What is ethanol?

Ethanol is an alcohol made from renewable resources such as corn and other cereal grains, food and other beverage wastes and forestry by-products. Ethanol-blended fuel substantially reduces carbon monoxide and volatile organic compound emissions, which are precursors to ozone. The corn-based substance is added to gasoline to reduce oil imports, reduce emissions, increase performance and reduce overall costs of transportation fuels.

Where can I purchase ethanol from Illinois?

You'll need to start here and fill out a purchase inquiry: https://grains.org/markets-tools-data/resources-for-importers/ethanol-purchase-inquiry/

What is the corn check off?

Every farmer that sells a bushel of corn in Illinois pays 5/8 of a cent per bushel to the corn checkoff program. The corn checkoff uses that money to promote corn and help corn farmers. Money is spent on research, marketing, and education. The corn checkoff was created by Illinois law in 1982.

How do I get more involved?

There are many opportunities for farmers to get involved in IL Corn! As a member of the Illinois Corn Growers Association, you are invited to participate in the annual meeting (on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving), to participate in the annual policy development session in November, or to run for a seat on the ICGA board for a three-year term. We also would love to have more farmers responding to policy surveys that we send out, participating in the legislative process by responding to action requests, contributing to PAC fundraisers, and recruiting more members. As a checkoff contributor, we would welcome your help developing relationships with grain elevators and local ethanol plants, educating farmers on voluntary water quality management opportunities, and hosting international visitors to your farm. No matter your interest, we have a place to help you get connected to IL Corn. Call us at 309-557-3257 to find out more.

How do I redeem my seed corn coupon?

Members of the Illinois Corn Growers Association receive a coupon with their three-year membership renewal. That coupon is good for $50 off one bag of seed from our participating partners (on a minimum order of three bags of seed). Some of the partners redeem the coupon with a free bag of seed. Others offer the $50 discount. You will have to contact your seed corn dealer to find out how the partner you work with will treat the coupon.

When do the ICMB and the ICGA meet?

Illinois Corn Marketing Board meetings are open to the public. 2022 Meeting Dates January 18 - 19 - Padukah, KY February 10 - Sherman, IL March 2 - 3 - Bloomington June 8 - 9 - Bloomington July 5 - 7 - tbd August 23 - 24 - Bloomington Illinois Corn Grower Association meetings are open to members only. 2022 Meeting Dates: January 19 - 20 (KY) March 8 (LA) June 7 -8 (Bloomington) August 24 - 25 (Bloomington)

How do I get a refund?

There is currently no electronic way to request a refund. Please call 309-827-0912 and ask Dana or Mike for more information.

Where do I go if I want to purchase Illinois corn?

If you're looking to purchase feed then you'll need to go here and fill out this form: https://grains.org/markets-tools-data/resources-for-importers/purchase-inquiry/ If you're looking to purchase ethanol than you'll need to go here and fill out this form: https://grains.org/markets-tools-data/resources-for-importers/ethanol-purchase-inquiry/

Where can I purchase corn to import to my company?

Thanks for your interest in Illinois corn. Illinois exports almost 50% of it's corn. If you're looking to purchase feed you'll need to start here: https://grains.org/markets-tools-data/resources-for-importers/purchase-inquiry/ If you're looking to purchase ethanol go here: https://grains.org/markets-tools-data/resources-for-importers/ethanol-purchase-inquiry/

What is IL Corn?

IL Corn is made up of two farmer-led organizations that serve corn farmers in Illinois: IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and IL Corn Marketing Board (ICMB). ICGA represents the interests of Illinois corn farmers in Washington, DC and Springfield, IL, while ICMB is focused on growing demand, creating new markets, and fostering understand of corn farmers and the corn industry. Through these two organizations, IL Corn seeks to position corn farmers to create and capture profit opportunities, preserve their independence, and prosper for generations.