From Clocks to Corn Whiskey: The Story of Star Union Spirits

December 9, 2024

What happens when you combine a love for art, a rich family history, Illinois-grown corn, and award-winning craftsmanship? For Bob Windy and his business partner, Jeff Yosowitz, the answer is Star Union Spirits. Nestled in the historic Westclox building in Peru, Illinois, this distillery not only carries on the legacy of innovation from the factory’s iconic clocks but also crafts exceptional spirits. In 2023, Star Union Spirits took home top honors in the Heartland Whiskey Competition for Best Light Whiskey, showcasing their commitment to quality and creativity. Using local ingredients (like corn) and a passion for tradition, they’re redefining what it means to craft history in a bottle.

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Kenny Hartman, Jr.: A Lifetime of Leadership and a Legacy for Future Farmers

By Tara Desmond • December 11, 2025
Interview with former NCGA President Kenny Hartman, Jr., reflecting on decades of service to Illinois corn farmers, major policy accomplishments, and why young farmers should get involved to shape the future of agriculture.
IL Corn office

Japanese Media Visit Highlights Illinois Corn’s Role in Global Biofuel Future

By U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council & IL Corn • December 11, 2025
Illinois corn was on full display as a delegation of Japanese journalists toured the U.S. biofuels value chain to better understand how American corn and corn ethanol contribute to a lower-carbon energy future.
Ilinois group n

Illinois Agriculture Unites to Donate Over 109,000 Pounds of Pork to Food Banks Across the State

By Tara Desmond • December 11, 2025
Illinois agriculture is once again stepping up to fight hunger.
Rows of green crops in a field at sunset, with the sun's rays shining through the clouds.

$12 Billion in Bridge Farm Aid for Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • December 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration announced a one-time package of $12 billion in “bridge payments” to support American farmers.
CEO Justin Brown

LAKRIL: Turning Corn Into Tomorrow’s Green Chemicals

By Tara Desmond • December 10, 2025
Lakril CEO Justin Brown explains how corn-based sugars become low-carbon acrylic acid, creating new markets for farmers as the company expands in Illinois.
Deer by a stream with

Illinois Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

December 5, 2025
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.The award honors farmers who go above and beyond in their management of their working land.
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