COVID Can't Stop Corn Farmers from Connecting with Candidates and Elected Officials

August 12, 2020
A group of men are having a video call on a computer screen

COVID-19 has had a lot of impacts on farmers in Illinois, but it has not stopped conversations between Illinois corn farmers and their legislators. Farmers and legislators have creativity connected over the past month, discussing top Illinois corn farmer priorities.

 

In the last four weeks, The Illinois Corn Growers Association has facilitated twenty-two meetings between corn farmers and elected officials representing Illinois or candidates running for office in Illinois. 

 

July and August are traditional months to catch up with members of the Illinois delegation, but with typical opportunities, like our July DC Fly-in and Illinois State Fair being cancelled, ICGA has worked to connect farmers and lawmakers via virtual meetings and a select few socially-distanced in person meetings. 

Thanks to the following for taking the time to visit with corn farmers this month to discuss our priorities:

 

Senator Tammy Duckworth

Senator Richard Durbin

Mike Bost

Cheri Bustos

Sean Casten

Danny Davis

Rodney Davis

Bill Foster

Robin Kelly

Adan Kinzinger

Raja Krishnamoorhi

Darin LaHood

Mike Quigley

Bobby Rush

Janice Schakowsky

Brad Schneider

John Shimkus

Lauren Underwood

Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, candidate for District 13

Mary Miller, candidate for District 15

Marie Newman, candidate for District 3

IL Director of Agriculture Jerry Costello

Kevin and John thumbnail
By Tara Desmond August 13, 2026
Growing Good Consumers: Inside Illinois' Ag in the Classroom Program
John Klemm, IFB's Steve Koellerm, ASA's Jim Martin, and Chad Dillenberger
By Lyndi Allen August 13, 2026
IL Corn farmer leaders joined the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable, hearing from gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey and Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.
IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom staff and interns at Marquis Energy
By Pearl McDade August 13, 2026
Interns tour Marquis, exploring ethanol, carbon capture, and innovation that supports Illinois farmers and jobs.
Johnna in the RFD Studio
By Tara Desmond August 13, 2026
Intern Johnna Fulcher learns from RFD Radio veteran DeLoss Jahnke about farm broadcasting, agriculture, storytelling and life behind the mic.
U.S. Capitol building under a bright blue sky, with cars in front on a sunny day
By Lyndi Allen August 6, 2026
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry adjourned without advancing a Farm Bill, leaving farmers and the agriculture industry with uncertainty, as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.
Andy Gilson
By Tara Desmond August 5, 2026
Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.
Show More