Congratulations Taylor and Hartman, 2021 Master Farmers

September 2, 2021
A man with glasses is sitting at a table with a woman standing behind him.

Paul Taylor of Esmond and Kenneth Hartman of Waterloo are former and current IL Corn farmer leaders being named 2021 Master Farmers this week at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur, IL. IL Corn congratulates them on the honor.

 

Kenneth Hartman represented farmers in southern Illinois on the IL Corn Marketing Board from 1997 to 2006 and later on the IL Corn Growers Association Board of Directors from 2008 to 2017. Hartman currently sits on the National Corn Growers Association Board of Directors and has served in that role since 2017.

Paul Taylor served on the IL Corn Growers Association Board of Directors from 2006 to 2015, serving as the association’s president in 2013. Additionally, Taylor represented farmers on the National Corn Growers Association Board of Directors from 2013 to 2017.

 

Taylor and Hartman have also led the association in other capacities, from testifying in Washington, DC to performing in consumer education campaigns. Both farmers are examples of what it means to show up for Illinois farmers and how to make an impact in your industry.

Green U.S. map with corn stalk connected to a gas pump, representing biofuel.
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.
a gas pump pou
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.
thumbnail of Ava on IL Corn TV
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
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.
Rob Park
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.
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.
Show More