January-March Highlights Annual Report

Tara Desmond
January 6, 2026
  • 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.
Award winners from 2025 ICGA Annual Meeting
By Lindsay Croke • October 30, 2026
IL Corn's Annual Meeting to be Held 11/24
collin and jared
By Brownfield & Tara • October 29, 2026
Illinois FFA State VP Collin Johnson shares how the IL Corn checkoff partnership builds the next generation of ag advocates.
Sharon Chung, Gracie Pierson, and Rod Weinzierl
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) connected with lawmakers and candidates this month through farm visits, renewable fuel events and bioeconomy investments.
sky
By Aerterra and Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026
Illinois ranks 48th for air quality but indoor air is often worse. See how corn-based ethanol and PLA air filters help Illinois breathe easier.
picture of corn at harvest
By Tara Desmond • October 29, 2026
6 Illinois farmers share memories during harvest
Rep. Eric Sorensen hosting an E15 press event with IL Corn and Illinois Farm Bureau
By Lyndi Allen • October 29, 2026
Illinois drivers face higher gas prices than the national average. Learn how ethanol and year-round E15 access could lower costs, support farmers, and boost demand for Illinois corn.
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