IL Corn Top 10 Wins of 2024

Tara Desmond

1. Building Demand Through Exports 

• Mexico set a new record by importing 23.4 million metric tons of U.S. corn.
• A regulatory change long advocated for by U.S. farmers and U.S.Grains Council has also allowed the U.S. full access to the Japanese fuel market which more than doubles U.S. ethanol imports by Japan, the second-largest market.
• The largest U.S. ethanol market destination remains Canada and their imports increased 11% from 2022 / 2023 marketing year.

2. WRDA 2024

• The final Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2024 bill passed and includes a pivotal provision, which permanently adjusts the inland waterways cost-share formula for construction and major rehabilitation projects.
• This change is a significant win for the future of inland waterways infrastructure. The adjustment unlocks an estimated $1.4 billion in additional funding over the next decade for Energy & Water Development appropriations that support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, with annual IWTF revenues averaging $115 million, the 75%/25% cost-share increases available appropriations to $460 million—a $131 million boost compared to the previous formula.

3. USMCA Dispute Panel

• A United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute settlement panel ruled that Mexico violated the agreement by attempting to ban genetically modified corn imports, a win for Illinois corn farmers and trade proponents. This decision affirms IL Corn’s stance and supports free trade while addressing Mexico's unscientific overreach. As the largest U.S. corn export state, Illinois farmers welcome the ruling and look forward to strengthening trade relations with Mexico, their top export customer.

4. Consumer Education / Farmer Relevancy

• Programs like the Congressional Staff Tour bring D.C. policymakers to Illinois farms, fostering meaningful conversations.
• Broader awareness campaigns, such as Illinois Farm Families and public events like the White Sox 5K, highlight the critical role corn plays in addressing global challenges. 
• IL Corn continues to partner with Illinois Ag in the Classroom educating youth on corn reaching over 630,000 students in Illinois. 

5. Being At the Table

• IL Corn strengthened its presence where farmers need representation most. Staff member Megan was appointed to the EPA's Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee, ensuring farmers’ voices are heard on key issues. We launched the first-ever GROW program, preparing new farmer leaders to engage in lobbying efforts in DC. Additionally, we continue collaborating with Illinois commodity groups through the Farmer’s Council and maintain dedicated lobbyists in both Springfield and Washington, DC, advocating on behalf of farmers when they can’t be at the table. Through continued investment in partnerships and collaboration, we’re positioning Illinois farmers for growth and success in an ever-changing landscape.

6. Precision Conservation Growth

• Precision Conservation Management (PCM) achieved significant milestones in 2024, setting new records and expanding its reach. The program released four data publications and conducted five FarmDoc webinars focused exclusively on PCM and PCM data, both record-breaking achievements. PCM added 77 new farmers and approximately 80,000 new acres, bringing the total acreage represented in 2024 to around 555,000 acres. The program also showcased its work to influential audiences, including PepsiCo C-Suite executives, the World Economic Forum’s 100M Task Force, U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski, and others. These accomplishments highlight PCM’s dedication to advancing sustainable agricultural practices and its growing impact within the industry.

7. New Farmer Leaders

• IL Corn is proud to announce two new slates of board leadership for 2025, along with the addition of four fresh faces to the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) board. New leaders bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and renewed energy to the table, which is a huge win for Illinois farmers. These leaders are poised to tackle evolving challenges, explore new opportunities, and advocate with a modern approach that ensures Illinois agriculture remains competitive and resilient. Their diverse experiences and insights will help drive forward-thinking strategies that benefit all farmers in the state.

8. Growth in Ethanol Market

• Ethanol remains a cornerstone of corn demand. While policy challenges make domestic growth more difficult, IL Corn continues to build ethanol fuel infrastructure and support ethanol exports. 
• The SAF market is especially promising, and Illinois is well-positioned to lead. IL Corn is ensuring infrastructure will be ready to fuel this growing market as policies evolve. 

9. New Uses

• Innovation is key to securing long-term profitability. IL Corn is helping startups explore new uses for corn, such as renewable chemicals that could replace petroleum in paints and adhesives. 
• While these initiatives represent a long-term strategy, the potential impact is enormous. The winners of the Radicle Challenge alone could utilize nearly 2 billion bushels of corn annually—equivalent to Nebraska’s entire corn production. 

10. Illinois State Policy Wins

• IL Corn secured bipartisan legislation in Illinois establishing strong landowner protections for carbon capture and storage (CCS) while enabling safe industry advancements. This nation-leading law ensures surface owners retain pore space rights, requires 75% approval for sequestration wells, and imposes a CO2 pipeline moratorium until PHMSA regulations are updated or July 2026. CCS will help the ethanol industry create new markets, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), driving demand for corn-based ethanol.
• Illinois is pursuing laws to reduce transportation emissions. IL Corn and IL Farm Bureau are developing a technology-neutral approach to support renewable fuels and reward ag practices that cut carbon, unlike West Coast laws focused solely on EVs.
• IL Corn defended farmers against the passage of a bill to give the Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulatory oversight over Illinois wetlands. The bill as written would have given the state agency the authority to broadly define and regulate all types of bodies of water on landowner’s property.