IL Corn Attends Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day

Lyndi Allen
April 10, 2025
A collage of photos of people in suits and ties

On Wednesday, April 9, IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) took part in the Annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day (IALD), hosted by Illinois Department of Agriculture, joining other ag organizations and FFA students to advocate for Illinois’ agricultural priorities in Springfield, Illinois.


The day began at the FFA’s IALD program featuring guest speakers who discussed the importance of agriculture in Illinois. ICGA board members were able to meet and talk with FFA students and other agriculture professionals.


Following the program, ICGA board members had 14 meetings with legislators at the Capitol and Stratton Building, discussing our top policy issues that impact Illinois corn farmers. Our top priorities included:

  • Support Renewable Fuel Infrastructure Program
  • This bill would use existing industry funds to provide grants for upgrading fuel infrastructure to accommodate higher blends of renewable fuels. We ask that legislation co-sponsor and support its inclusion in the budget.
  • Support Family Farm Preservation Act
  • Reforms the Illinois Estate Tax and provides tax relief for Farm Families. The legislation Changes the current $4 million dollar threshold in 3 ways for estates that may claim the 2032a IRS agricultural special use valuation rule for Illinois Estate Tax Purposes.
  • Oppose Pesticide Notification for Schools
  • This bill introduces complex and redundant requirements for pesticide applications near schools. We urge lawmakers to pause the bill and pursue a collaborative, data-driven approach—like expanding existing mapping tools—to improve communication without adding regulatory complexity or hindering agriculture.


IL Corn thanks the lawmakers who took the time to meet with us and listen to the needs of Illinois corn farmers. IL Corn remains committed to advocating for policies that protect and provide opportunities for agriculture in our state.


Stay informed and get involved! Sign up for IL Corn’s Phone-to-Action to know when your voice is needed in Springfield.

Dr. Yan Zhang, Justin Moore, Rod Weinzierl, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, Dr. Christopher Slaten, and Dr. Pr
By Lyndi Allen May 26, 2026
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is requesting federal funding for the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center through her Community Project Funding requests.
Shane and Taylor
By Tara Desmond May 21, 2026
Solinftec's Solix robot uses AI to target weeds in real time, cutting chemical use up to 90%. Solar-powered, autonomous, and built for Midwest farms.
Photo taken in McLean County Museum of History
By Tara Desmond May 21, 2026
Illinois Ag Across Time - Episode 2: Tracing 200 years of Illinois farm families, innovation, and the land that fed a nation.
Don Meyer
By Tara Desmond May 21, 2026
Illinois Ag Across Time — Tracing 200 years of Illinois farm families, innovation, and the land that fed a nation.
Hammer striking corn kernels on a wooden surface, with kernels scattering in a rustic barn setting
By Lyndi Allen May 21, 2026
Ethanol is a powerhouse for American farms, fuels American vehicles, and has strengthened America’s economy for decades, but remains one of the most misunderstood fuels on the road today.
Cargo containers lined up at a port beside a canal, under a bright sky
By Lyndi Allen May 21, 2026
For decades, America’s inland waterways operated on a system that couldn’t keep up—aging infrastructure, delayed projects, and a funding model that forced farmers and shippers to wait.
Show More