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 Kate Baker: Helping Farmers Balance Conservation and Economics

By Tara Desmond • February 26, 2026

Meet Kate Baker, PCM’s newest specialist serving Southeastern Illinois, bringing soil science expertise and economic insight to conservation.

Frost Seeding: What It Is & How to Do It Right

By Tara Desmond • February 26, 2026

Frost seeding is a simple, cost-effective way to introduce or thicken forage stands by taking advantage of natural freeze–thaw cycles in late winter and early spring.

Emergency Preparedness for Grain Bin Accidents: What Every Farmer Should Know

By Tara Desmond & John Lee • February 26, 2026

The most common shortcut farmers take? “I’m only going in for a second.” Most grain entrapments happen when someone is working alone and they believe the risk is minimal.

USDA Opens Farmer Bridge Payments – Apply by April 17

By Tara Desmond • February 26, 2026

USDA opens $11B Farmer Bridge Assistance payments for 2025 crops. Illinois corn and soybean growers must apply by April 17, 2026.

From High School FFA to Agricultural Leadership: 3 Alumni Share Their Journey

By Tara Desmond • February 24, 2026

Illinois FFA alumni share how high school leadership, competitions, and friendships helped them grow into successful agricultural leaders.

IL Corn Growers Association Weighs in on Supreme Court Decision, Trade Deals

By Lindsay Croke • February 20, 2026

Upon hearing the Supreme Court ruling regarding President Trump’s use of tariffs, ICGA President and Illinois farmer Mark Bunselmeyer issues statement.