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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Love Is Everywhere (Especially in Corn)

By Tara Desmond • February 11, 2026

From chocolates to fuel tanks, discover the surprising ways corn connects to Valentine’s Day and find thoughtful gift ideas for your favorite farmer.

Two Sides of the Same Field: How Illinois Corn Farmers Invest in Their Future

By Tara Desmond • February 11, 2026

Discover how ICGA and ICMB serve Illinois corn farmers through advocacy and checkoff investments—two roles working together as IL Corn.

Feeding Illinois: Connecting Farmers to Local Food Pantries

By Tara Desmond • February 11, 2026

Feeding Illinois shares how farmers, food banks and volunteers work together through Farm to Food Bank and Grain for Good on IL Corn TV.

Aerial view of a busy port with cargo ships, cranes, and stacked shipping containers, with a body of water and city in the background.

What’s at Risk if USMCA Isn’t Enforced or Renewed

By Lyndi Allen • February 11, 2026

USMCA is known for being a trade success story for the various beneficial pathways that it provides for North Americans, which is why it must be fully enforced and renewed on time.

Meet Chris Gould: Former Navy Pilot and Illinois Farmer

By Tara Desmond • February 5, 2026

Former Navy fighter pilot Chris Gould shares how military leadership, sustainability, and teamwork shape success on his Illinois corn farm.

Growing Markets, Trust, and Conservation: How IL Corn Checkoff Dollars Work for Farmers

By Tara Desmond • February 5, 2026

Illinois corn farmers invest checkoff dollars with one goal in mind: creating long-term value for every bushel grown.