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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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.