April - May Highlights Annual Report

Legislative Ag Day in Springfield
ICGA showed strong visibility at Ag Legislative Day, meeting directly with lawmakers and highlighting priorities like E15 expansion, lock & dam funding, property taxes, and conservation incentives. The event strengthened relationships with both new and veteran legislators.
Megan Dwyer Testifies in Washington, D.C.
Director of Conservation & Nutrient Stewardship for IL Corn (Megan Dwyer) delivered federal testimony to the Senate Agriculture Committee on conservation economics and voluntary, incentive-based programs—sharing real farmer examples and reinforcing ICGA’s credibility in national policy discussions.
On-Farm Legislative Visits
ICGA hosted spring farm visits to give lawmakers a firsthand look at cover crops, strip-till, nitrogen tools, and rural infrastructure needs. These visits remain one of ICGA’s most effective tools for connecting policy to real farm impact.
Ongoing Springfield Engagement
Throughout session, ICGA maintained regular contact with legislators on key issues including ethanol, property taxes, waterway infrastructure, and rural broadband.

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Back to School, Back to Roots: Ag in the Classroom with Kevin Daugherty

By Tara Desmond • August 13, 2026

Growing Good Consumers: Inside Illinois' Ag in the Classroom Program

John Klemm, IFB's Steve Koellerm, ASA's Jim Martin, and Chad Dillenberger

IL Corn Attends Ag Legislative Roundtable

By Lyndi Allen • August 13, 2026

IL Corn farmer leaders joined the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable, hearing from gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey and Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.

IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom staff and interns at Marquis Energy

A Close-Up Look at Marquis’ Growing Impact

By Pearl McDade • August 13, 2026

Interns tour Marquis, exploring ethanol, carbon capture, and innovation that supports Illinois farmers and jobs.

Behind the Mic: Learning the Business of Farm Radio

By Tara Desmond • August 13, 2026

Intern Johnna Fulcher learns from RFD Radio veteran DeLoss Jahnke about farm broadcasting, agriculture, storytelling and life behind the mic.

U.S. Capitol building under a bright blue sky, with cars in front on a sunny day

Farm Bill Delay Extends Uncertainty for Illinois Corn Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • August 6, 2026

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry adjourned without advancing a Farm Bill, leaving farmers and the agriculture industry with uncertainty, as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.

Meet Andy Gilson: A New Precision Conservation Management Specialist

By Tara Desmond • August 5, 2026

Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.