Harvesting for the Future to Power Play!

October 10, 2024
A man is giving a presentation to a group of people sitting at tables.

McLean County farmer Dennis Wentworth and his wife, Cathy, are challenging ag families and businesses across Central Illinois to collectively donate $1 million in grain this harvest to help the Children’s Discovery Museum build a new agriculture exhibit.

 

“We’re asking farmers, like you, to consider donating corn, soybeans, or other crops to support this initiative. As agriculture leaders, we can play a role in telling our story,” said Dennis Wentworth as he introduced the challenge to friends and neighbors before harvest started in fields across Central Illinois.

His wife, Cathy, spent her career teaching and has recently been visiting grain elevators to further educate operators about the couple’s 2024 harvest challenge. She helped deliver lunches to grain truck drivers to spread the message and support ag workers. 

 

“Together, we can make a difference and cultivate a brighter future for agriculture. We hope you’ll join us and donate!” she added.

 

Farmers who are interested in meeting the grain donation challenge can follow the steps listed on the museum’s website to help ensure farmers receive intended tax benefits from a gift of grain: childrensdiscoverymuseum.net.

Evan playing in dirt
By Tara Desmond September 22, 2025
Two year old Evan on the farm.
Jason at his farm in Manito
By Tara Desmond September 19, 2025
Jason Proehl isn’t just a fifth-generation farmer—he’s also an attorney who helps families protect their farms for the next generation.
Corn stalks in focus, with a combine harvesting corn in a field on a sunny day.
By Lyndi Allen September 18, 2025
Illinois farmers are concerned about their farms and the need for changes in production costs. Policy action is needed to expand ethanol blends, improve market access, and address high input costs.
man on farm working on equipment
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
It Seemed Routine—Until It Wasn’t
Collin Watters at podium
By Tara Desmond September 18, 2025
IL Corn joined the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and Illinois Economic Development Association on a Japan trade mission, strengthening global markets for Illinois corn and ethanol and fostering new opportunities for farmers.
Winners
September 18, 2025
An air filter made from corn? That's right -- this company and more are coming up with innovative solutions using corn.
Show More