Corn Congress a Success and Vilsack to Speak at Commodity Classic

March 4, 2021
A man in a suit and tie is standing in front of a wooden wall.

Delegates across the nation proposed, debated and voted on around 30 proposals brought forth for discussion at this year’s Corn Congress meeting.
 
Delegates from corn states across the nation tuned in virtually to discuss desired changes to the National Corn Growers Association’s policy book which guides NCGA in its advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. 
 
The number of delegates per state is determined by the number of members and the amount of check off funding which is based off yield. After debate and discussion, delegates vote on whether a proposal is included in the policy book.

Nearly 20 of the 30 proposals were submitted by the Illinois delegation. While many included updating word choice or expanding definitions, some key proposals addressed higher blends of ethanol, climate change and internet infrastructure improvements. 

 

The lengthiest debate surrounded higher blends on ethanol and which pathway forward is the best to continue to advocate for these products. A version of the 2020 policy book can be found here and the updated 2021 version will be shared when it is fully published.

 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to Give Keynote Address


In a typical year, Corn Congress takes place during Commodity Classic, a convention where farmers from across the country meet to discuss ideas, hear speakers and take in the floor of a large trade show. 

 

Sessions typically held during Commodity Classic have moved online with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack rounding out the digital convention with his keynote address on Friday, March 5. 

 

It is not too late to hear Secretary Vilsack speak and registrations can be filled out at Commodity Classic’s website.

Justin Moore headshot
By Tara Desmond July 23, 2025
Meet Justin Moore a staff member at IL Corn.
washington dc photo
By Lindsay Croke July 17, 2025
“If such language is included in the policy recommendations, it could significantly hamper the work of America’s farmers and raise prices on consumers without providing any additional layer of safety for the American public,” the letter said. “If the pesticides in the original report were to disappear completely, crop
FFA students at USDA
By Lyndi Allen July 17, 2025
IL Corn leaders met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to discuss key ag priorities like trade, conservation, ethanol, and lock and dam infrastructure, while mentoring the next generation of advocates from Illinois FFA.
corn
By Lydia Rogers July 14, 2025
Debunking Myths
headshot of Shelby Watson
By Tara Desmond July 14, 2025
We recently caught up with Shelby Watson following the announcement of her promotion to Director, The Americas & Allied Industry Programs at USAPEEC. In her expanded role, Shelby is taking on new responsibilities across Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
Crops destroyed by storm
By Lyndi Allen July 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, providing assistance to farmers with crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Show More