IL Corn’s Dr. Laura Gentry Elected President of Ag Data Transparent Initiative

Illinois corn farmers know their agricultural data matters and now, one of their own is helping lead the charge to protect it. Dr. Laura Gentry, Director of Water Quality Science for IL Corn, was elected President of the Ag Data Transparent initiative (ADT) in January 2026.

What is Ag Data Transparent?
ADT is a national initiative focused on bringing transparency to ag data contracts. As farmers share more field-level data with ag tech companies, ADT ensures they understand how that data is collected, used, and protected. Companies that meet ADT’s standards earn a certification that signals trust and clarity for farmers.

Why it matters
Gentry’s leadership builds on her work with Precision Conservation Management (PCM), where farmers use secure, anonymized data to improve both environmental and financial outcomes. It’s a model rooted in trust and something ADT is working to scale across agriculture.

“Farmers are willing to share data when it helps move agriculture forward but they shouldn’t have to give up control to do it,” Gentry said. “Transparency builds trust, and trust drives better decisions.”

With an Illinois leader at the helm, Midwest farmers will have a strong voice in shaping how ag data is handled nationwide today and into the future.