Empowering Corn Farmers Through a Strong Legislative Team

It is essential for farmers to have a legislative team that fights as hard for their futures as they work for their crops. Our legislative team is dedicated to ensuring that our organization advocates on issues that impact farmers. IL Corn has redefined positions on the legislative team to further our advocacy efforts in Washington D.C. and Springfield, IL.

Our association’s dedicated legislative team is a vital asset to address policies related to agriculture, renewable fuels, conservation, and trade. The team’s work guarantees that farmers’ voices are valued and heard.

Meet IL Corn’s staff members representing you in Washington, D.C. and Springfield, IL

Director of Public Policy: Brad Stotler

Brad Stotler is a longtime government affairs professional with 20 years of experience, working for members of Congress and industry trade associations. Stotler came to IL Corn from Rep. Darin LaHood’s (IL-16) office where he was the Congressman’s state director. Prior to that position, Stotler lived in Washington D.C., working in government relations and on Capitol Hill. Throughout his career, he has worked successfully on a wide range of renewable fuels, tax and transportation issues at both the state and federal level. Stotler graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and currently resides in central Illinois with his wife and 3 daughters.

Public Affairs and Communications Manager: Lyndi Allen

Lyndi Allen joined IL Corn in January 2025 as the Public Affairs and Communications Manager, bringing a focus on amplifying IL Corn’s advocacy efforts through strategic marketing and communications. In this role, Lyndi serves as the vital link between the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and its members, ensuring that policy and regulatory updates are effectively communicated and understood. She translates complex information from meetings, articles, and discussions into actionable insights for farmers and uses her expertise to represent ICGA at key meetings. Additionally, Lyndi is dedicated to building strong relationships between ICGA and other organizations to further IL Corn’s mission.

Lyndi was raised in Paxton, Illinois in the countryside. She attended Illinois State University where she earned a degree in Public Relations with a minor in writing. While attending college, she interned for the Bloomington Police Department as their Marketing and Public Relations intern. Lyndi looks forward to applying her creative and strategic abilities to build strong community relationships and support the values of IL Corn.

Public Policy Specialist: Victoria Ballesteros-Gonazalez

Victoria Ballesteros-Gonzalez serves as IL Corn’s part time Public Policy Specialist, contributing to the policy development process and advocating for Illinois corn farmers at both state and federal levels. Her work focuses on crafting strategies to advance policy objectives and fostering relationships with government officials, agencies, and key stakeholders.

Victoria is currently a senior at Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU), where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Environmental Studies, along with an Intercultural Competence Certificate. Her academic background equips her with a unique blend of skills that she applies to her work in public policy.

Originally from the Canary Islands in Spain, Victoria brings a global perspective and a deep passion for public policy to her role. Beyond her professional and academic commitments, she is actively involved in community service initiatives.

Looking ahead, the legislative team remains committed to advancing agriculture by addressing the challenges Illinois corn famers face. Through collaboration with farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders, IL Corn continues to work in advancing Illinois agriculture.

Want your farm to be represented in Springfield & Washington D.C.? Become an IL Corn Member.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Five Years at IL Corn: What I’ve Learned, the Myths I’ve Busted, and Why I Own a Corn Dress

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

IL Corn Welcomes Mexican Millers to Illinois Farms

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.

Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program Opens for 2026–2027 Season

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.

What’s Really Driving Your Fertilizer Bill? StoneX’s Josh Linville Explains

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.

Illinois Farmers Can Now Add Conservation Terms to Leases With Free Templates

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.

Meet IFCA President Jenny Webb

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.