Fighting for Corn Farmer Priorities in D.C.

Lyndi Allen
September 18, 2025

IL Corn Pushes Policy Solutions to Strengthen the Farm Economy

This week, IL Corn advocated for Illinois corn farmers on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) hosted all the corn states to advocate for corn farmers by meeting with legislative staff and agency officials on behalf of corn farmers. With the farm income declining and the ag economy under stress, these conversations emphasize their impact during this critical time.



IL Corn advocated for policies surrounding the use of higher blends of ethanol (like E15), increased international market demand, and the Farm Bill.


IL Corn continues to advocate for Illinois corn farmers, especially as harvest begins and markets remain uncertain.

Illinois officials at NCERC news conference
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
A $15 million investment in NCERC at SIUE will expand the facility and provide opportunities for new bioproducts using corn to scale to commercialization.
National Corn to Ethanol Research Center proposed expansion
By Lindsay Croke • October 9, 2026
Fully funding an expansion of NCERC at SIUE will allow the testing and trials required for new corn products to scale in Illinois.
U.S. Meat being showcased in Tokyo
By John Klemm & Tara Desmond • October 8, 2026
DeWitt County farmer John Klemm shares how exporting beef helps corn and an early look at a slow, wet start to his 2026 harvest.
Corn kernels
By Lindsay Croke • October 8, 2026
Illinois corn farmers are grateful for Governor Pritzker’s effort to lower diesel prices for farmers this fall.
cover crops in the field
By Summary from PCM / Farmdoc Webinar • October 8, 2026
Precision Conservation data shows growing cover crops costs Illinois corn farmers $27.30 an acre to deliver carbon benefits. See how conservation payments compare.
Green combine harvester in a field at sunset, with the sun low on the horizon.
By Lyndi Allen • October 8, 2026
Recent federal and state actions provide potential relief for Illinois farmers facing high costs during harvest, including diesel fuel and grain storage.
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