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 >
Green combine harvester in a harvested field under a cloudy sky

Farm Earnings Improve, but Tight Margins Remain

By Lyndi Allen • September 23, 2026
Illinois farmers saw their earnings improve in 2025, but the latest data shows that farm profitability remains well below recent averages.
Dolly Parton Maze from All Seasons Orchard

IL Corn TV: A Dolly Parton Corn Maze Brings Families Back to the Farm

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2026
A Woodstock, IL farm's Dolly Parton corn maze is one of 18 nationwide honoring the icon and benefiting her Imagination Library literacy program.
farmer next to engine with headphones on

Untreated Hearing Loss & Dementia

By Tamara H. Thompson • September 22, 2026
Untreated hearing loss strains and shrinks the brain and drives social isolation, raising the risk of dementia but early treatment with hearing aids or other devices can help protect against it.
Steve Fourez

Farmer's Stroke Story: Why He Almost Didn't Go to the ER

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2026
A farmer's stroke went unnoticed until family and coworkers insisted he get help. His Safety Week story on why every minute matters
Sen. Celina Villenueva, Chris Gould, Orlando Rojas, Ambassador Reyna Torres

IL Corn Celebrates Latino Contributions to Agriculture

By Lyndi Allen • September 18, 2026
IL Corn joined partners and community leaders highlight the role of the Latino community in Illinois agriculture and labor.
Tugboat pushing a barge along a river at sunset, with a bridge in the background.

House Passes WRDA 2026, Advancing Inland Waterways Construction Office

By Lyndi Allen • September 17, 2026
The House of Representatives took an important step towards strengthening the nation’s inland waterways by passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026
Show More