Corn Farmers Meet with Legislators at State Fair
By Lyndi Allen • August 20, 2026
IPPA President Katie Brown, ICGA Don Guinnip, IFB President Philip Nelson, ICGA President Mark Bunselmeyer, IBA Dr. Buzz Iliff, ISA Chairman Bryan Severs, IFB VP Evan Hultine, and IMPA President Don Mackinson
Sen. Mike Halpin, Harrison Albright, and Makenna Frantz
ICGA President Mark Bunselmeyer, RFD Radio Network Sr. Audio Anchor Jim Taylor, and ICMB director and NCGA First Vice President Bill Leigh
Rep. Mary Miller, Terry Smith, and Bill Leigh
Makenna Frantz, Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Christian Mitchell, Harrison Albright, and Evan Leeper
Don Guinnip and WAND News Anchor Joe Astrouski
Deputy Governor Andy Manar, Jon Hurst, Makenna Frantz, and Evan Leeper
CHS Director of State Government Affairs Kyle Carlson, Rep. Tony McCombie, and Brad Stotler
Illinois corn farmers connected with lawmakers at the Illinois State Fair to share their experiences and discuss the issues impacting their farms and rural communities. Illinois farmers showed up for members throughout the fair week, including Agriculture Day, Governor’s Day, and Republican Day.
Agriculture Day started with the annual breakfast for farmers, agricultural professionals, and elected officials to honor one of Illinois’ leading industries. IL Corn leaders joined in the celebration and recognition of the importance of Illinois farm families and the lawmakers’ pushing policies that protect and grow the ag industry.
During the week, Illinois corn farmers met with state legislators as well as federal congressmen to discuss key issues that impact their livelihoods. The issues discussed included higher ethanol blends, including E15, the Farm Bill, the importance of trade, input costs, and the farm economy to keep farmers at the forefront of their minds as the harvest season approaches.
In addition, the IL Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) sponsored the tram ride with signage as well as videos around the fairgrounds to bring awareness about the importance of farmers and corn to our everyday lives.
The Illinois State Fair provides a great opportunity to bring farmers, policymakers, and the general public together to celebrate agriculture’s role in feeding and fueling the world.
Look for us at the Du Quoin State Fair August 28 through September 7!
















