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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U.S. Capitol building under a bright blue sky, with cars in front on a sunny day

Farm Bill Delay Extends Uncertainty for Illinois Corn Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • August 6, 2026

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry adjourned without advancing a Farm Bill, leaving farmers and the agriculture industry with uncertainty, as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.

Meet Andy Gilson: A New Precision Conservation Management Specialist

By Tara Desmond • August 5, 2026

Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.

Farmer Kent Bohnhoff Recognized for a Career Built on Conservation

By Tara Desmond • August 4, 2026

Retired NRCS conservationist and ICGA member Kent Bohnhoff reflects on decades promoting no-till, cover crops, and soil health on Illinois farms.

IL Corn Marketing Board Member Jon Rosenstiel Elected Secretary-Treasurer of U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council

By Tara Desmond • August 3, 2026

Jon Rosenstiel was elected Secretary-Treasurer of the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council, representing Illinois farmers and advancing global trade.

1994 Ethanol Expo IL Corn banner and stage

The Evolution of Ethanol: 40 Years of Progress

By Pearl McDade • July 31, 2026

From the oxygenate debates of the 1990s to today’s push for year-round E-15, IL Corn has promoted ethanol's impact on corn prices, cleaner fuel, and energy security.

A Summer of Advocacy and Impact: Pearl McDade's IL Corn Internship

By Pearl McDade • July 31, 2026

After a 10-week summer internship with IL Corn, Pearl McDade leaves with new insights into advocacy, education, and leadership in agriculture.