IL Corn Growers Association thanks the organizations that make our work possible—our partners during 2025.
One year in at IL Corn, Lyndi is already making an impact. From diving headfirst into ag policy to helping tell the story of farmer advocacy, she’s gained a new appreciation for how Illinois corn farmers’ voices are heard in Springfield and Washington, D.C.
IL Corn TV is sitting down with Martin Barbre—former ICGA president, national ag leader, and 2023 Master Farmer & World of Corn Award winner.
Precision Conservation Management expands into southeastern Illinois with conservation specialist Kate Baker, offering free, data-driven insights for farmers.
The IL Corn Growers Association recently honored longtime colleague and friend Dave Loos in a way that reflected what mattered most to him: education, curiosity, and investing in the next generation. Dave dedicated decades of his career to advancing Illinois agriculture and the ethanol industry, first with the State of Illinois and later through more than 17 years at IL Corn. He was widely respected for his deep knowledge of biofuels, his passion for learning, and his ability to build lasting relationships across the agriculture and energy sectors. To honor Dave’s legacy, the IL Corn Board of Directors established education scholarship funds for his grandsons. Partners and friends from across the ethanol industry, state and national corn organizations, and policy circles in Illinois and Washington, D.C., came together to contribute. During IL Corn’s annual meeting, Dave’s family was invited to the stage and surprised with the presentation of multiple scholarship checks. Speakers shared personal stories highlighting Dave’s commitment to learning, leadership, and service. Dave’s family expressed heartfelt gratitude, noting that while he would have been deeply appreciative, he also would have been characteristically humble about the recognition. These scholarships serve as a lasting tribute to Dave Loos—honoring his lifelong dedication to education and ensuring his legacy continues through the next generation.
State-Level Advocacy: Tariff Hearing & Executive Order Signing House Agriculture Chair Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) held a subject matter hearing on the impact of tariffs on Illinois’ farm economy, where IL Corn’s Director of Exports and Logistics, Collin Watters, testified alongside other commodity leaders and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. ICGA also attended Governor Pritzker’s signing of Executive Order 2025-07 on a Taylorville farm—an acknowledgment of the multi-year economic strain caused by trade disruptions, falling demand, and high input costs. National Recognition as Expert Voices This fall, ICGA staff and farmer leaders were featured speakers across major national and regional conferences, underscoring ICGA’s role as a leading voice on sustainability, biofuels, and farmer economics. ICGA participated in panels elevating Illinois corn farmers in national policy and climate-smart agriculture discussions. Organizational Momentum at the ICGA Annual Meeting New officers and directors were elected for 2025–2026, and ICGA honored leaders through the World of Corn Award and Media Award—reinforcing the organization’s strength, credibility, and member-driven leadership.