From the Archives to the Field: A Student's Take on Illinois Corn History

How much do you know about the farmers who came before you and the decisions that still shape Illinois agriculture today?

That's what University of Illinois student Lyndon Shi set out to explore during his internship with IL Corn.
What began as an archival research project became a deeper look at the history of farmer leadership, innovation and advocacy in Illinois.

While digging through university archives, Lyndon uncovered an undigitized manuscript from agricultural economist Harold Guither explaining the case for checkoffs. When he mentioned the discovery to IL Corn Director Rod Weinzierl, he got an unexpected response: "Oh yeah, I know him. We worked with him." It was a reminder that agricultural history isn't as distant as it may seem.

Lyndon's research connected two eras of the IL Corn Growers Association: the original organization founded in the 1890s and the modern ICGA established in the 1970s. He learned how University of Illinois agriculture dean Eugene Davenport helped organize corn growers and sent professors across the state on "Corn Gospel Trains" to share the latest farming research.

One story stood out in particular: the adoption of hybrid corn. Farmers who once judged corn by the appearance of the ear had to shift their focus to yield. Lyndon sees a similar transition today, as farmers increasingly balance yield with profitability amid rising input costs.

"Illinois corn farmers are very good at organizing, and they are genuinely very grassroots," Lyndon said.
"They've had a much more active role in shaping policy rather than just being on the receiving end."

This Summer and Fall, Lyndon will travel to Taiwan on a federal scholarship to study food security. He'll do so with a new appreciation for Illinois agriculture's global connections, including Taiwan's longstanding role as an important trading partner.

Watch the full conversation on IL Corn TV to hear Lyndon's research firsthand and discover how Illinois corn's history continues to influence the future.