June - July Highlights Annual Report

Tara Desmond
January 6, 2026
  • 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.
IL Corn TVThumbnail
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
ISU student Jacob Edens shares how a childhood tractor ride sparked a farming passion, a Ford 8N restoration, and building ag community at college.
Dr. Laura Gentry
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
Dr. Laura Gentry named ADT President, helping ensure transparency in ag data and keeping farmers in control of how their data is used and protected.
Lena and Callahan
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
Illinois corn farmer and board director Lena Head celebrates her first Mother’s Day after welcoming baby Callahan during planting season.
thumbnail of Brandy
By Tara Desmond May 6, 2026
Illinois farmer Brandy shares growing up with a mother with schizophrenia, breaking stigma and calling for rural mental health awareness.
thumbnail of Lindsay and DeAnne
By Tara Desmond April 30, 2026
IL Corn TV sits down with DeAnne Bloomberg to reflect on nearly four decades of agricultural change, from the ethanol boom to her new role in community philanthropy.
5 Ag Students
By Tara Desmond April 30, 2026
Five Outstanding Students Named to Receive Support for Careers in Agriculture
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