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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Back to School, Back to Roots: Ag in the Classroom with Kevin Daugherty

By Tara Desmond • August 13, 2026

Growing Good Consumers: Inside Illinois' Ag in the Classroom Program

John Klemm, IFB's Steve Koellerm, ASA's Jim Martin, and Chad Dillenberger

IL Corn Attends Ag Legislative Roundtable

By Lyndi Allen • August 13, 2026

IL Corn farmer leaders joined the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable, hearing from gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey and Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.

IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom staff and interns at Marquis Energy

A Close-Up Look at Marquis’ Growing Impact

By Pearl McDade • August 13, 2026

Interns tour Marquis, exploring ethanol, carbon capture, and innovation that supports Illinois farmers and jobs.

Behind the Mic: Learning the Business of Farm Radio

By Tara Desmond • August 13, 2026

Intern Johnna Fulcher learns from RFD Radio veteran DeLoss Jahnke about farm broadcasting, agriculture, storytelling and life behind the mic.

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.