August - September Highlights Annual Report

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

IL Corn Welcomes Summer Intern

By Pearl McDade • May 29, 2026

IL Corn welcomes summer intern Pearl McDade

Panel of Farmers at Fed Up Event in Texas

Farmers welcome FTC’s investigation into fertilizer industry pricing practices

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

IL Corn farmers support FTC investigation into fertilizer pricing, calling for transparency, competition, and relief from rising input costs.

From Iowa State to Brazil: One Farmer's Journey Home

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Brazilian agronomist Yara shares her journey from Iowa State to a 2,400-acre family farm and how the Global Farmer Network is uniting farmers worldwide.

Meet John Klemm: An IL Corn TV Host

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Meet John Klemm - 5th-generation Illinois farmer, IL Corn TV host, coffee addict, and the guy who can't stop quoting the Menard's jingle.

The Myth of “Corn Sweat” and Heat Waves

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Does “corn sweat” cause heat waves? 🌽 Learn the science behind the Midwest myth and why weather systems - not corn - drive extreme heat.

A Gentleman, a Teacher, a Farmer: Remembering Ted Mottaz

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Remembering Ted Mottaz: a farmer, teacher, veteran, and IL Corn leader whose legacy of service and stewardship lives on.