June - July Highlights Annual Report

Building Future Advocates: ICGA + FFA in Washington, D.C.
ICGA remains committed to a mission to Washington, DC with Illinois FFA leaders, helping the next generation understand federal policy and giving students firsthand experience meeting lawmakers, agency staff, and national ag partners. This ongoing partnership strengthens future advocacy capacity and ensures young agricultural voices are heard in D.C.
Infrastructure & Export Advocacy
ICGA maintained steady pressure on Congress and federal agencies to fund locks and dams modernization—critical to Illinois’ export competitiveness and the nearly half of Illinois corn that relies on the river system.
Summer Member & Legislator Outreach
Throughout June and July, ICGA continued on-farm visits, district meetings, and summer ag events, deepening relationships with legislators and reinforcing the challenges of the current farm financial environment.

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Greg Goodwin Elected President of the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership

By Tara Desmond • March 5, 2026

The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is a collaborative network of organizations working together to advance sustainable agriculture across the state.

Shadow of a dome-shaped building cast over a cornfield at sunset.

Farm Bill 2.0 Passed Out of House Ag Committee

By Lindsay Croke • March 5, 2026

The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture discussed farm policy at length, debating amendments and working towards a bill that passed out of Committee in the early hours of March 5, 2026.

From Ancestral Genomes to Modern Fields: Researching Corn’s Roots to Improve Nitrogen Efficiency

By Tara Desmond • March 5, 2026

PhD research explores ancestral corn genetics and the maize microbiome to improve nitrogen efficiency and sustainability in modern corn production.

Greg and Janis Thoren to Receive Illinois Leopold Conservation Award

By Sand County Foundation • March 5, 2026

Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award®.

ICGA Statement on Fertilizer Pricing Investigation

By Lyndi Allen • March 5, 2026

Upon reading the Bloomberg report of a potential investigation into fertilizer prices, ICGA President and Illinois farmer Mark Bunselmeyer releases statement.

Illinois Musician Cody Diekhoff Talks Farming Roots

By Tara Desmond • March 5, 2026

Chicago Farmer joins IL Corn TV to discuss farming roots, storytelling, Midwest life and the parallels between agriculture and music.