Exports of Grain Critical to Illinois

July 17, 2024

Exports of grain and grain products added $8.04 Billion in value to the Illinois economy in 2022, according to a ComplEat Analytics study commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council and the National Corn Growers Association.

 

In an outstanding year for grain and grain product exports, Illinois grain and grain product exports were valued at $3.85 Billion. The value of these exports created ripple effects throughout the economy, positively impacting jobs, gross state product and economic output.

A graphic showing the number of jobs in the united states
Commodity Jobs Gross State Product Output Export Value
Corn 19,714 2.44 million 5.48 million 2.89 million
Ethanol 2,826 300,000 892,000 383,000
Ethanol Coproducts 3,499 364,000 1.27 million 372,000
Corn Equivalent of Meat 1,410 175,000 393,000 207,000
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