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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Green combine harvester in a harvested field under a cloudy sky

Farm Earnings Improve, but Tight Margins Remain

By Lyndi Allen • September 23, 2026

Illinois farmers saw their earnings improve in 2025, but the latest data shows that farm profitability remains well below recent averages.

Dolly Parton Maze from All Seasons Orchard

IL Corn TV: A Dolly Parton Corn Maze Brings Families Back to the Farm

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2026

A Woodstock, IL farm's Dolly Parton corn maze is one of 18 nationwide honoring the icon and benefiting her Imagination Library literacy program.

farmer next to engine with headphones on

Untreated Hearing Loss & Dementia

By Tamara H. Thompson • September 22, 2026

Untreated hearing loss strains and shrinks the brain and drives social isolation, raising the risk of dementia but early treatment with hearing aids or other devices can help protect against it.

Farmer's Stroke Story: Why He Almost Didn't Go to the ER

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2026

A farmer's stroke went unnoticed until family and coworkers insisted he get help. His Safety Week story on why every minute matters

Sen. Celina Villenueva, Chris Gould, Orlando Rojas, Ambassador Reyna Torres

IL Corn Celebrates Latino Contributions to Agriculture

By Lyndi Allen • September 18, 2026

IL Corn joined partners and community leaders highlight the role of the Latino community in Illinois agriculture and labor.

Tugboat pushing a barge along a river at sunset, with a bridge in the background.

House Passes WRDA 2026, Advancing Inland Waterways Construction Office

By Lyndi Allen • September 17, 2026

The House of Representatives took an important step towards strengthening the nation’s inland waterways by passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026