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.

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Green U.S. map with corn stalk connected to a gas pump, representing biofuel.

Only Congress Can Fix Arbitrary E15 Barrier

By Lindsay Croke • January 22, 2026

Farmers have been advocating for access to E15 year-round for 15 years. Congress must act to change the policy language, but has failed to act yet again.

ICGA Reacts to Congress’s E15 Proposal

By Lindsay Croke • January 22, 2026

Illinois corn farmers urge Congress to act on year-round E15 access, calling inaction on ethanol policy a missed chance to support farmers and rural communities.

Celebrating Generations of Women Who Shape Agriculture

By Tara Desmond • January 22, 2026

Illinois Agri-Women is honoring multi-generational farm families led by women. Watch the story + learn how to apply

Inside the Elevator: Joe Williams Keeps Grain Moving at Yuton

By Tara Desmond • January 21, 2026

Meet Joe Williams, location manager at Yuton Grain Elevator, and learn how logistics, teamwork, and relationships keep McLean County grain moving.

Efficiency in Action: Strip-Till, Nitrogen Management, and Nearly 300-Bushel Corn

By Tara Desmond • January 21, 2026

Seventh-generation McLean County farmer Rob Park shares how strip-till, nitrogen efficiency, and innovation drive high yields while doing more with less.

Family portrait with children, animals, and related activities, displayed in a collage.

Meet Illinois Farmer & New Board Director Bryan Tomm

By Lyndi Allen • January 20, 2026

Bryan Tomm, the newly elected director representing District 13, encompassing Clay, Edwards, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties for the ICGA.