Corn Farmers Meet with Legislators at State Fair


By Lyndi Allen • August 20, 2026

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! 


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

1989 photo of Varna elevator
By Tara Desmond • October 20, 2026
Farmers Co-op in Varna grew from 900,000 to 16.4 million bushels of storage. Watch the video from our Elevator Appreciation Lunch visit.
Chris Koch in a combine
By Tara Desmond • October 20, 2026
Farmer Chris Koch, born without arms or legs, joins IL Corn TV to talk harvest, hard years and why he fears regret more than failure.
tara at white sox stadium
By Tara Desmond • October 16, 2026
Five years at IL Corn with farming, farmers, corn, and storytelling—with a few hot dogs, viral videos, and plenty of Midwestern waves.
Mexican CANAMI (National Chamber of Industrialized Corn) members at Illinois farm
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
IL Corn & USGBC hosted Mexican masa millers on southern Illinois farms and river terminals, strengthening ties with our top corn customer.
holding a cover crop
By IDOA & Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
Pre-enrollment opens Nov. 30 for IDOA’s Fall Covers for Spring Savings program, worth up to $5/acre off 2027 crop insurance premiums.
Josh Linville and Collin Watters
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
What’s really driving your fertilizer bill? StoneX’s Josh Linville breaks down global supply, competition, and the long-term fix on IL Corn TV.
thumbnail of Megan and Jared
By Tara Desmond, Megan Dwyer and Brownfield Ag • October 15, 2026
Illinois Corn and U of I built lease addenda to help farmers and landowners build cover crops, soil health and nutrient goals into rental agreements.
headshot of Jenny Webb IFCA president
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
Jenny Webb has spent her career in Illinois agriculture. Now she’s about three months into a new job as president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA), the group that represents the ag retailers, applicators and suppliers who get fertilizer and crop protection products to your farm when you need them. Webb came to IFCA from Illinois Farm Bureau. She’s new to the fertilizer and chemical side of the business, but not to farmers or to the policy and regulatory issues that affect them. IL Corn sat down with her to talk about what she’s learned so far, the issues facing Illinois ag retailers, and why the work happening behind the scenes deserves more credit than it gets.
Andrew Jolly
By Lyndi Allen • October 15, 2026
A sixth-generation farmer from Chenoa, IL, Andrew Jolly is carrying on his family’s farming legacy while learning how to make his voice heard in agricultural policy as a 2026 GROW participant.
Cornfield at sunset with orange and pink sky over a grassy path
By Lyndi Allen • October 15, 2026
ICGA thanks the U.S. EPA for proposing to reallocate 100% of the difference between projected and actual small refinery exemptions for 2025 under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Show More