January-March Highlights Annual Report

Rod Weinzierl Testifies in Washington, D.C.
ICGA Executive Director Rod Weinzierl provided federal testimony in the House Agriculture Committee, delivering firsthand insight on farmer economics, transportation challenges, and biofuels policy.
His testimony reinforced ICGA’s leadership role on national issues and brought Illinois farmers’ priorities directly to federal decision-makers.
E15 in Illinois
EPA’s summer waiver permitted E15 sales in Illinois throughout the 2025 driving season.
While this supports ethanol demand and consumer choice, the waiver is temporary. IL Corn continues advocating for a permanent, nationwide fix.
Strong Federal Advocacy Presence
ICGA leaders participated in a major Washington, D.C. fly-in, meeting with 17 Congressional offices and 50+ partners, embassies, and agencies.
ICGA brought new farmer voices into the GR.O.W. (GrassRoots Orientation to Washington DC) leadership program, building long-term advocacy capacity.
Discussions centered on: the severe ag economic downturn, ethanol policy, lock and dam modernization, and conservation funding.
ICGA helped support and participate in the Illinois Future of Fuels: Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Beyond Conference, ensuring Illinois corn farmers were represented on stage as key contributors to the growing SAF economy. The event brought together airlines, fuel producers, manufacturers, and state leaders to discuss Illinois’s competitive advantage — including its SAF tax incentive, strong ag supply chain, and carbon-reduction potential. ICGA’s involvement positioned corn growers at the center of future low-carbon fuel markets and highlighted the new opportunities SAF could bring to rural Illinois.

IL Corn in DC

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Group of people in suits posing in a room with blue walls, two leather chairs in the foreground.

Faces of Humanity

Portraits of people from around the globe

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Rod Testifying

Stark beauty of desolate dunes

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Two men in suits stand in a room, beneath a screen displaying

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Woman in glasses smiles, resting hand on cheek, talking with a person, seated indoors.

Three people at a podium with a US Grains Council backdrop. A man holds an award; all are smiling.

Two men shaking hands in a hotel lobby. One wears a patterned blazer, the other a navy blazer. Both smile.

Three people at US Grains Council event: man holding plaque, flanked by two others. Background banner.

Group of people posing on a stage, with a green backdrop. Some are wearing suits, smiling.

Two men posing, smiling, inside a crowded event space, banner reads

Two women smiling, posing for a photo. One in a red blazer, the other in a black blazer. Striped shirts, black pants, patterned floor.

Panel of men in suits on stage; event backdrop with corn.

Two men in suits shaking hands in a room with red walls, a sofa, and artwork.

Three people smiling at a formal event, woman in red blazer and necklace, man in suit and tie.

Group of people in suits posing near an American flag.

Group of people posing on steps in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

Group of people in a room, posing for a photo. There's a flag, shelves, and a TV on the wall.

Man speaking at a podium, wearing a suit and tie, with a blue background.

Panel of men sitting on stage at a conference, facing the audience, blue backdrop.

Two men in suits holding an award. One man is smiling and holding the plaque.

Two men holding plaques, smiling in front of a curtain. One wears a red tie, the other a blue tie.

Group poses with plaque on stage; man holds plaque, others smile.

Group of seven people posing with an award in a formal setting.

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Meet Chris Gould: Former Navy Pilot and Illinois Farmer

By Tara Desmond • February 5, 2026

Former Navy fighter pilot Chris Gould shares how military leadership, sustainability, and teamwork shape success on his Illinois corn farm.

Growing Markets, Trust, and Conservation: How IL Corn Checkoff Dollars Work for Farmers

By Tara Desmond • February 5, 2026

Illinois corn farmers invest checkoff dollars with one goal in mind: creating long-term value for every bushel grown.

Split image: Left side, Illinois Capitol Building. Right side, US Capitol Building at sunrise.

IL Corn Announces 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities

By Lyndi Allen • February 4, 2026

IL Corn Announces 2026 State and Federal Legislative Priorities. ICGA is advocating for demand growth and family farm profitability to create a successful future for Illinois farmers.

People First, Results Always: Lessons from the Women in Ag Panel at Illinois Agricultural Summit

By Tara Desmond • February 4, 2026

Leaders from finance, farming, and ag retail share honest insights on change, consolidation, technology, and relationships shaping agriculture’s future.

USCMA = Protecting Corn’s Top Export Markets

By Lyndi Allen • February 4, 2026

USMCA is a free trade agreement to benefit North Americans. This agreement is vital for U.S. corn farmers as Mexico is the #1 export market for corn and Canada is the #1 export market for ethanol.

Corn field under a vibrant orange sunset.

ICGA Statement on Release of 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit

By Lindsay Croke • February 3, 2026

Upon the U.S. Treasury’s release of the long-awaited proposed final regulation for the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit, IL Corn is pleased to see future opportunities for farmer participation