ICGA Leaders Show Up to Represent Illinois Farmers

House Hearing and New Executive Order Spotlight Economic Pressures on Farmers and Call for Stronger Market Opportunities

House Agriculture Chair Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) held a subject matter hearing this week on tariffs’ impact on the Illinois farm economy. Director of Agriculture, Jerry Costello, and representatives from commodity groups, including IL Corn Director of Exports and Logistics, Collin Watters, testified to members of the state legislature about the negative impacts that tariffs are having on farms. 

IL Corn Growers Association attended the signing of Executive Order 2025-07 by Governor Pritzker on a Taylorville, IL farm. This order is a state response to the multi-year downturn in the ag economy caused by trade policies, decreasing demand, and high input costs.



“Farmers in Illinois have been struggling over the last several years with stagnant demand and excessive input prices,” said Shane Gray, Waverly farmer, IL Corn Growers Association leader. “What would be a tremendous help for family farmers is market certainty amidst the chaos and lower input costs. Additionally, opportunities to grow domestic ethanol and biodiesel use would give a positive signal to the market, and hopefully help increase prices for U.S. farmers."