April - May Highlights Annual Report

Precision Conservation Management expands into southeastern Illinois with conservation specialist Kate Baker, offering free, data-driven insights for farmers.

The IL Corn Growers Association recently honored longtime colleague and friend Dave Loos in a way that reflected what mattered most to him: education, curiosity, and investing in the next generation. Dave dedicated decades of his career to advancing Illinois agriculture and the ethanol industry, first with the State of Illinois and later through more than 17 years at IL Corn. He was widely respected for his deep knowledge of biofuels, his passion for learning, and his ability to build lasting relationships across the agriculture and energy sectors. To honor Dave’s legacy, the IL Corn Board of Directors established education scholarship funds for his grandsons. Partners and friends from across the ethanol industry, state and national corn organizations, and policy circles in Illinois and Washington, D.C., came together to contribute. During IL Corn’s annual meeting, Dave’s family was invited to the stage and surprised with the presentation of multiple scholarship checks. Speakers shared personal stories highlighting Dave’s commitment to learning, leadership, and service. Dave’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that while he would have been deeply appreciative, he also would have been characteristically humble about the recognition. These scholarships serve as a lasting tribute to Dave Loos—honoring his lifelong dedication to education and ensuring his legacy continues through the next generation.

State-Level Advocacy: Tariff Hearing & Executive Order Signing House Agriculture Chair Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) held a subject matter hearing on the impact of tariffs on Illinois’ farm economy, where IL Corn’s Director of Exports and Logistics, Collin Watters, testified alongside other commodity leaders and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. ICGA also attended Governor Pritzker’s signing of Executive Order 2025-07 on a Taylorville farm—an acknowledgment of the multi-year economic strain caused by trade disruptions, falling demand, and high input costs. National Recognition as Expert Voices This fall, ICGA staff and farmer leaders were featured speakers across major national and regional conferences, underscoring ICGA’s role as a leading voice on sustainability, biofuels, and farmer economics. ICGA participated in panels elevating Illinois corn farmers in national policy and climate-smart agriculture discussions. Organizational Momentum at the ICGA Annual Meeting New officers and directors were elected for 2025–2026, and ICGA honored leaders through the World of Corn Award and Media Award—reinforcing the organization’s strength, credibility, and member-driven leadership. 

Major Presence at the Illinois State Fair ICGA had a strong, visible presence throughout the Illinois State Fair, engaging with members, partners, and lawmakers. During Fair Week, ICGA staff and farmer leaders met with numerous Illinois state legislators to build relationships and discuss key state-level priorities such as regulatory certainty, rural economic development, infrastructure needs, conservation cost-share programs, and the importance of keeping agriculture competitive in Illinois. Farm Progress Show Engagement August also included significant outreach at the Farm Progress Show, where ICGA directors and staff met with farmers, industry partners, and policymakers. Conversations centered on conservation programs, ethanol demand, ag workforce needs, and the farm financial outlook — reinforcing ICGA’s work across policy, market development, and conservation adoption. Preparation for Fall Session Heading into the fall, the policy team continued its groundwork for Springfield’s veto session and maintained federal conversations. IL Corn Testifies on Urgent Need for Mississippi River Infrastructure Upgrades ICGA farmer leader Mark Bunselmeyer testified before the Mississippi River Commission, urging federal leaders to accelerate long-delayed upgrades to Lock 25 and the broader NESP system. He emphasized that nearly half of Illinois corn depends on the river, and decades of farmer advocacy and investment have been met with stalled progress and soaring project costs. Mark called for consistent funding, streamlined Corps processes, and greater input from river users to ensure a modern, reliable waterway system that Illinois farm families and the national economy depend on.

Building Future Advocates: ICGA + FFA in Washington, D.C. ICGA remains committed to a mission to Washington, DC with Illinois FFA leaders, helping the next generation understand federal policy and giving students firsthand experience meeting lawmakers, agency staff, and national ag partners. This ongoing partnership strengthens future advocacy capacity and ensures young agricultural voices are heard in D.C. Infrastructure & Export Advocacy ICGA maintained steady pressure on Congress and federal agencies to fund locks and dams modernization—critical to Illinois’ export competitiveness and the nearly half of Illinois corn that relies on the river system. Summer Member & Legislator Outreach Throughout June and July, ICGA continued on-farm visits, district meetings, and summer ag events, deepening relationships with legislators and reinforcing the challenges of the current farm financial environment.