IL Corn Donates over $600 to FFA Thanks to Farmer Water Testing Engagement

June 17, 2020
Il corn 2020 water testing program a huge success

IL Corn donated $635 to Illinois FFA chapters, a result of Illinois farmers testing water supplies on their farms for nitrates.


The program focused on raising awareness on Illinois farms of potential for nutrient loss through water supplies. IL Corn Grower Association members received testing strips and submitted their results anonymously. Each submittal generated a $5 donation to an FFA chapter in Illinois of the farmer’s choice.


According to the most recent Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy Biennial report, Illinois lost 425 million pounds of nitrate-N/yr between 2013-2015. Survey work tells us that many farmers in Illinois do not believe they are losing valuable nutrients from their farm. Water quality research tells us that nutrient runoff is a problem, costing farmers money and contributing to the loads entering our waterways.

The data submitted will be used to summarize nitrate loads per region in Illinois. Check back at www.ilcorn.org to review how your results might compare with the average of all submittals in your region.

< Older Post

Newer Post >
collage

Kenny Hartman, Jr.: A Lifetime of Leadership and a Legacy for Future Farmers

By Tara Desmond • December 11, 2025
Interview with former NCGA President Kenny Hartman, Jr., reflecting on decades of service to Illinois corn farmers, major policy accomplishments, and why young farmers should get involved to shape the future of agriculture.
IL Corn office

Japanese Media Visit Highlights Illinois Corn’s Role in Global Biofuel Future

By U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council & IL Corn • December 11, 2025
Illinois corn was on full display as a delegation of Japanese journalists toured the U.S. biofuels value chain to better understand how American corn and corn ethanol contribute to a lower-carbon energy future.
Ilinois group n

Illinois Agriculture Unites to Donate Over 109,000 Pounds of Pork to Food Banks Across the State

By Tara Desmond • December 11, 2025
Illinois agriculture is once again stepping up to fight hunger.
Rows of green crops in a field at sunset, with the sun's rays shining through the clouds.

$12 Billion in Bridge Farm Aid for Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • December 10, 2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration announced a one-time package of $12 billion in “bridge payments” to support American farmers.
CEO Justin Brown

LAKRIL: Turning Corn Into Tomorrow’s Green Chemicals

By Tara Desmond • December 10, 2025
Lakril CEO Justin Brown explains how corn-based sugars become low-carbon acrylic acid, creating new markets for farmers as the company expands in Illinois.
Deer by a stream with

Illinois Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Applicants

December 5, 2025
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.The award honors farmers who go above and beyond in their management of their working land.
Show More