IL Corn Advocates for Trade in Chicago

Lyndi Allen
October 1, 2025

IL Corn Leaders Highlight the Importance of Exports and Strong International Relationships

Dan Parker, Gabriel Mendoza: Consul for Economic and Cultural Affairs, Ambassador Reyna Torres: Consul General, Art Bunting, Jon Hurst, Collin Watters, Gerardo Guerrero: Deputy Consul General

Last week, IL Corn leaders Art Bunting and Dan Parker attended a series of trade meetings in Chicago that focused on trade relationships and the importance of agricultural exports.



Throughout the day, IL Corn met with the Consulate General of Canada, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Consulate General of Mexico, Food Export Midwest, and the Commodity Market Exchange (CME). The IL Corn leaders shared their personal stories on how trade affects their farm and families. They expressed how exports support farm incomes, the value of free and fair trade, and the need for strong international relationships.


A highlight of the event was Ambassador Reyna Torres, Consul General of Mexico, where IL Corn leaders discussed the vital relationship between the United States and Mexico markets for corn and other agricultural products. Ambassador Torres admired IL Corn for their efforts in connecting and supporting the Latino Caucus.

Infographic: U.S. corn exports to Mexico, including data on volume and uses in Mexican cuisine & beverages.

< Older Post

Newer Post >
Rows of green crops growing in a field under a blue sky.

Reminder: Activate Your ICGA Cover Crop Coupon Before December 31

By Lyndi Allen • December 4, 2025
As part of our continued commitment to help farmers manage risk, protect soil health, and stretch every dollar, the IL Corn Growers Association is proud to continue the Cover Crop Coupon Program
North American map with handshake, flags of Canada, USA, and Mexico, with corn.

Letter of Support for USMCA

By Lyndi Allen • December 4, 2025
More than 100 House Representatives wrote to a top Trump administration trade official Thursday to argue the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement has benefited U.S. agriculture exports.
Ellen Rahn Spotlight

ICGA Member Spotlight: Ellen Rahn

By Tara Desmond • December 2, 2025
Illinois Corn Growers spotlight Ellen Rahn, a Mt. Carroll farmer and leader whose dedication, advocacy, and family-focused operation strengthen Illinois agriculture.
Nick and his son

Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. Wins Big Again at Heartland Whiskey Competition

By Tara Desmond • November 26, 2025
Whiskey Acres’ latest award showcases the full farm-to-bottle story—growing Illinois corn, distilling it on the farm, and crafting a premium, award-winning spirit. IL Corn celebrates this win as a strong example of how farmers can add value beyond the field and highlight the quality of Illinois-grown grain.
cover crops

New Kraft Heinz Partnership Supports Illinois Farmers Adopting Conservation Practices

By Rosalie Trump / PCM • November 26, 2025
PCM partners with Kraft Heinz
Green field, showing areas of flattened plants, likely due to wind or lodging.

Supplemental Disaster Relief Program Stage 2 Now Open

By Lyndi Allen • November 25, 2025
The American Relief Act, 2025, provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops in calendar years 2023 and 2024.
Show More