Illinois Farmers Connect with Legislators Across the State
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
Rep. Sharon Chung visits Rod Weinzierl and Gracie Pierson's farm
Rep. Eric Sorensen hosts E15 press event with ICGA and Illinois Farm Bureau
Former Rep. Melissa Bean, running for 8th District, visiting Chris Gould's farm
Sen. Doris Turner, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, Rep. Katie Stuart, Illinois Dept. of Ag Director Jerry Costello, and IL Corn Rod Weinzierl at the NCERC expansion announcement
IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) connected with lawmakers and candidates this month through farm visits, renewable fuel events, and bioeconomy investments. Rep. Sharon Chung visited Gracie Pierson and Rod Weinzierl’s farm this week to see cover crops being planted and even got a chance to ride in the planter. Former U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, who is running to reclaim Illinois’ 8th Congressional District seat, also visited Chris Gould’s farm to learn more about Illinois agriculture. In Peoria Heights, Rep. Eric Sorensen hosted an E15 press event highlighting the importance of expanded access to higher ethanol blends. ICGA also joined leaders for the NCERC expansion announcement, including Sen. Doris Turner, Rep. Katie Stuart, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, and Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello, celebrating an investment in Illinois’ agricultural innovation and economic growth.
Other connections over the year:
Sen. Mike Halpin, Harrison Albright, and Makenna Frantz
Jon Hurst, Tim Thompson, Rep. Charlie Meier, Marty Marr, and Evan Marr
Brad Stotler, Tim Thompson, Rep. Tony McCombie, Don Guinnip, Evan Marr, and Rod Weinzierl
IFB Steve Koellerm, Justin Moore, Shane Gray, Rep. Katie Stuart, Chad Dillenberger, and Dale Haudrich
Sarah Hastings, Melinda Fourez, Sen. Chapin Rose, Mark Degler, Steve Fourez, and Dale Haudrich
Illinois farmers and FFA with Rep. Nikki Budzinski
Emery Bunselmeyer, Taylor Crouch, Mark Bunselmeyer, Rep. Jonathan Jackson, Jon Hurst, Jason Cochrane, and Chris Gould
Rep. Mary Miller, Terry Smith, and Bill Leigh













