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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New IL Corn TV: How Trade Shapes Illinois Corn

By Tara Desmond • June 18, 2026

What Illinois Farmers Should Know About the People Opening Global Doors for Their Grain

Managing Gray Leaf Spot: Timing Fungicides for Maximum Return

By Matt from Becks • June 18, 2026

Fungicide Timing and Today's Disease Challenges

How Illinois Farmers Are Fighting Hunger Close to Home

By Tara Desmond • June 18, 2026

In honor of National Dairy Month, Illinois farmers and IL Corn helped deliver thousands of pounds of milk to food-insecure families.

Rooted Since the 1850s: Evan Leeper

By Lyndi Allen • June 17, 2026

Meet Evan Leeper, a fifth-generation farmer working ground in Macon County that his family has farmed since the 1850s. A former infantryman who farms alongside his father and brother-in-law.

USDA Invests $125 Million in Ag Research Facilities

By Lyndi Allen • June 17, 2026

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a historic $125 million annual investment in agricultural research infrastructure across America, an opportunity for Illinois Universities

Corn to Cup: How Field Corn Becomes Plastic

By Pearl McDade • June 12, 2026

Explore how corn is converted into PLA bioplastic for cups, food packaging, and 3D printing as demand grows for sustainable materials.