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

Get to Know Jacob Edens: An ISU Student Determined to Be a First-Generation Farmer

By Tara Desmond • May 7, 2026

ISU student Jacob Edens shares how a childhood tractor ride sparked a farming passion, a Ford 8N restoration, and building ag community at college.

IL Corn’s Dr. Laura Gentry Elected President of Ag Data Transparent Initiative

By Tara Desmond • May 7, 2026

Dr. Laura Gentry named ADT President, helping ensure transparency in ag data and keeping farmers in control of how their data is used and protected.

Lena Head Celebrates Her First Mother’s Day with Baby Callahan

By Tara Desmond • May 7, 2026

Illinois corn farmer and board director Lena Head celebrates her first Mother’s Day after welcoming baby Callahan during planting season.

The Farmer’s Daughter: Living with Mental Illness, Stigma, and Strength in Rural Illinois

By Tara Desmond • May 6, 2026

Illinois farmer Brandy shares growing up with a mother with schizophrenia, breaking stigma and calling for rural mental health awareness.

From Farm Bureau to Philanthropy: DeAnne Bloomberg Reflects on 35 Years in Illinois Agriculture

By Tara Desmond • April 30, 2026

IL Corn TV sits down with DeAnne Bloomberg to reflect on nearly four decades of agricultural change, from the ethanol boom to her new role in community philanthropy.

IL Corn Growers Association Announces Scholarship Recipients

By Tara Desmond • April 30, 2026

Five Outstanding Students Named to Receive Support for Careers in Agriculture