IL Corn’s Megan Dwyer Nominated for EPA’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee

Megan Dwyer, IL Corn’s Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship, has been appointed to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee where she will provide policy advice and recommendations to the EPA Administrator on crucial environmental issues affecting agriculture and rural communities.

Members were chosen for their expertise in key EPA priority areas, including climate change and sustainable agricultural practices, and represent a variety of agricultural sectors, rural stakeholders, and diverse geographies.

Dwyer is not only a family farmer but also represents Illinois corn farmers in many conversations related to conservation practice adoption, Endangered Species Act, 45Z tax guidance, nutrient management, and more. Finally, Dwyer is a certified crop advisor and shares in ownership of Ag Authority, an agronomy consulting opportunity for farmers to improve sustainability and in-field efficiency.

To say that Dwyer is well qualified for this opportunity to represent Illinois farmers on crucial environmental policy issues is an understatement. Her nomination was supported by IL Corn, Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, and former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.