IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association Showcased Demand Drivers at FPS 2025

Last week, IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) wrapped up our fourth Farm Progress Show in a shared booth space. This year, knowing farmer profitability is top of mind, we showcased checkoff investments that are delivering return on investments (ROI) for Illinois farmers and are accomplishing goals that one farmer could not achieve on his or her own. Board members and staff alike enjoyed checking in on the checkoff during the three-day event, August 26-28.

“The Farm Progress Show in Decatur every other year is one of my favorite events for our organization. Our staff and farmer leaders are working every day on behalf of Illinois farmers, and the show is the very best opportunity for us to meet those farmers, listen to them and understand what’s happening in real time on their farms, and share what we’re doing to help,” said IL Corn Executive Director Rodney Weinzierl.

Among other accomplishments, here’s what IL Corn achieved during the 2025 Farm Progress Show:

• 345 IL Corn Grower Association members checked in
• 211 farmers played conservation trivia and will now consider enrollment in Precision Conservation Management
• Around 15 past directors stopped by for an update on their favorite programs and initiatives
• 400 farmers completed a survey, sharing their perspectives about the farm economy
• 24 expert speakers shared important program updates on our IL Corn/Illinois Soybean Association stage
• 1,500 canvas bags given away, representing 7,500+ conversations about corn and soy
• Five FFA state officers volunteered and engaged with FFA member visitors
• 450+ new followers on IL Corn’s YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook accounts
• Six state and federal elected officials visited the tent and learned more about the state of the Illinois ag economy
• One Leopold Award Winner celebrated his accomplishments and leadership in conservation management

IL Corn’s farmer leaders served as a resource for many media interviews. You can check out a couple of them here. Our organization loves the opportunity to help farmers understand the farm economy, share updates on projects, and generally serve as a resource for Illinois agriculture.

• Hear Tim Thompson, IL Corn Marketing Board Chair, and Randy Miller, Miller Media
• Hear Ellen Rahn, IL Corn Growers Association Director, and DeLoss Jahnke, RFD
• Hear Clint Gorden, IL Corn Growers Association Director, and Kent Casson, Casson Media
• Hear Brad Stotler, IL Corn Legislative Director, and Jared White, Brownfield
• Hear Shane Gray, IL Corn Growers Association Director, and Jesse Allen, American Ag Network

Finally, IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau were proud to host Lance Nacio, a shrimp harvester from Louisiana to the Farm Progress Show this year. Lance has become a part of our storytelling about nutrient loss, hypoxia zone, and the biggest problems for fishermen in the Gulf. Thanks to Lance, we also gave away 40 pounds of shrimp, served on surf and turf skewers with steak samples, courtesy of the Illinois Beef Association. What a way to showcase our partners!

If you missed the Farm Progress Show this year, make plans for August 31 – September 2, 2027 in Decatur, IL! We’ll see you there!