If you describe 2021 in two words, what would it be? Captain Resilient? Magical Dumblecorn? It's been a long year and at IL Corn we're sharing some stories from each month last year that you may have missed. Take a look: January Online Safety Program Launched February Check Off Grows Exports March Farmers meet D.C. Representatives April U.S. Grains Council - Check Off May Farmers share Sustainability story in Washington June South Korea visits IL Corn July Everything about Biofuels August ICGA Announces 50th Anniversary - 2022 September 2021 Master Farmers - Congrats October Illinois Waterways Campaign November IL Corn Recognizes Rep Bustos December Current News Have a story you'd like to share on IL Corn's website? Want to thank a fellow farmer? Contact us ! We love to hear personal stories and so do others.
While the new year rings in, how are you feeling? Are you setting goals for 2022 or do you not give a corn? Typically a lot of people make resolutions and look at the new year as a new beginning but not always. What about individuals who have depression and anxiety over the holidays? What about the people who have anxiety about new business or financial decisions? Let’s talk mental wellness. Easily ignored, Stigma associated with, Depression and Anxiety We are all doctors now, right? With google at the finger tips it seems like we all have the answers but then why do so many go untreated? Lazy? Embarrased? Overwhelmed? Not easily talked about or even admitted to yourself, depression is the leading cause for disability in the US for ages 15 to 44 according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America . Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the US and are highly treatable, yet only a portion of people who suffer from it receive treatment.
Illinois’ agriculture community continues to focus efforts & investments on conservation Illinois family farmers are working to preserve the soil and water on their farms for future generations by investing in research and implementation of conservation practices around the state. Although nutrient loss is a complex environmental issue that will require many solutions, farmers are committed to discovering what will work for each farmer, in each region of Illinois. Farmer-led investments are uncovering opportunities for farmers to minimize nutrient loss while maximizing yield and minimizing economic risk.
Welcome Frank Rademacher our newest team member Frank is the newest edition to the PCM team and heard about the position because he himself has been a part of PCM for several years and seen, firsthand, the benefits of the program. After graduating from the U of I in 2018 with a degree in Crop Science, he started farming with his father and helped transition their operation to 100% no-till, cover crops, and non-GMO. “I’m excited to use my agronomy background and on-farm experience to help maximize the success of the PCM farmers,” Frank says. Frank enjoys the variety farming brings – combining biology, chemistry, economics, business management and physical labor. He’s passionate about maximizing his farm (and others) profit while minimizing the environmental impact. In his spare time he enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Illinois Ag in the Classroom offers an abundance of resources for teachers to help aid them with activities and lessons on agriculture designed to enhance the K-12 experience. They have an archive of books on subjects like apples, beef, corn, dairy, environment, farm animals, farming around the world, horse, insects-pollinators, pork, poultry, renewable energy, science, sheep, soybeans, specialty crops, trees, water, weather, wheat, world history and more! If you’re looking for corn related books to share with your children, grandchildren or friends check out their list here:
On December 7, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a biofuel blending volumes proposal, calling for an increase in the biofuel blending requirement for 2022 of 22.77 billion gallons. The EPA also proposed to add 250 million gallons in 2022 and another 250 million gallons in 2023 in response to a 2017 court decision. Illinois Corn Growers Association Martin Marr, a farmer from Jacksonville, IL, issued the following statement after reviewing the proposal: “Corn-based ethanol can be an important part of our nation’s clean energy policy, so its exciting to see the U.S. EPA present a plan to use more ethanol in 2022 to accomplish the administrations climate goals. Unfortunately, the proposal also included a cut in the 2020 volumes which is an unprecedented move to impact the pursuit of cleaner air retroactively. This is a confusing idea from the EPA.
Hey Dude Shoes Hey Dudes uses packaging made from cornstarch which is biodegradable.
This has been an incredibly busy year in the nation’s capital. We swore in a new president, welcomed new cabinet members and worked with policymakers, both old and new, as they’ve considered some of the biggest legislation since the late 1960s. Since there has been a political sea change over the last year, my staff and I have compiled the following list of what’s “In” and what’s “Out” in Washington in 2021. We hope you find this list informative.
