Four Questions for NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr.

It’s October, and at the National Corn Growers Association that means we’re starting a new fiscal year, and we have a new grower at the top of the organization. This month, Kenneth Hartman Jr. began his term as NCGA president. I decided to ask four key questions of Kenneth that I thought would help you and other growers get to know our new leader.

Brooke. Thank you, Kenneth, for agreeing to do this interview. I know it’s been a whirlwind week for you. Let’s start by having you tell us a little about yourself and where you’re from.
Kenneth: I am a fifth-generation farmer from Waterloo, Ill., a town 25-miles south of St. Louis. I operate a corn and soybean farm along with my wife Anita, mother Joann and daughter Amanda. Along with farming, I have been deeply engaged in advocacy on behalf of growers. I have served on the NCGA board for six years in a variety of leadership roles and as a past president of the Illinois Corn Growers Association and past chairman of the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. I am also a member of the Illinois Leadership Council for Ag Education.

Joining Hawkins in leadership roles are Vice President Mark Bunselmeyer of Maroa, Treasurer Dan Parker of Dwight, and Secretary Ellen Rahn of Mount Carroll. 

The Exports Committee will be led by Chairman Sarah Hastings of Sidney and Vice Chairman Mike Shane of Peoria. Elected to lead the Industrial Committee were Don Guinnip of Marshall and Vice Chairman Michael Houston of Golden. Grassroots Committee leadership for the coming year are Chairman Shane Gray of Waverly and Vice Chairman Chris Gould of Maple Park. 

Three farmers were re-elected and will continue in their positions as directors. They are Sarah Hastings of Sidney, Michael Houston of Golden, and Don Guinnip of Marshall. 

Two newly elected directors will serve farmers in Districts 3 and 15; they are Phil Fuhr of Taylor Ridge and Pervis Ellis of Harrisburg. Newly elected At-Large Directors who serve all of the corn farmers in Illinois include Clint Gorden of Blue Mound and Evan Marr of Jacksonville. 

The ICGA Board of Directors and the counties each represents are detailed on our website at www.ilcorn.org/about-us/icga/directors. 

IL Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.