Kenny Hartman, Jr.: A Lifetime of Leadership and a Legacy for Future Farmers

When you talk about sustained commitment to Illinois corn farmers, few have a résumé as deep as Kenneth Hartman, Jr. Recently completing his term as President of the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA), Kenny joined IL Corn’s Lindsay Croke on IL Corn TV to reflect on decades of leadership — from local roots to national impact.

A Career Built Through Grassroots Involvement

Kenny’s journey began in the 1990s on the IL Corn Marketing Board, ultimately serving as vice chairman and chairman. Later, after a phone call from then-ICGA President Steve Ruh, he returned to serve on the IL Corn Growers Association board.

From there, his leadership expanded: vice president and president of ICGA, committee roles on national action teams, chairing Commodity Classic planning, and eventually ascending the NCGA officer rotation, culminating in his term as president.

What Has Been Accomplished

Kenny is quick to redirect credit to the organizations and farmers behind every win. But the list of policy achievements during his years of service is long:

• Creation and protection of the ethanol market
• Shaping Farm Bill tools like ARC/PLC and modern risk-management programs
• Strengthening crop insurance to protect farmers in volatile markets
• Expanding global export opportunities, doubling MAP and FMD funding
• Leading the U.S.–Mexico biotechnology dispute, helping secure continued access for U.S. corn
• Influencing tax policy, including the estate tax threshold critical for farm succession

“These are the tools that allow farmers to stay profitable today,” Kenny said. “We would not have the markets we have without IL Corn and National Corn Growers.”

Why Kenny Keeps Showing Up

Kenny describes corn growers’ grassroots structure as the reason he has stayed involved for so long.

“You hear people say you can’t make a difference. But we do make a difference,” he shared. “When we come together — state and national — we accomplish things.”

A Message for Young Farmers

Kenny’s advice to the next generation is simple: get involved now.

“What we’re doing today matters even more for the farmers who come after us,” he said.

Whether securing E15, advancing higher blends and sustainable aviation fuel, negotiating market access, or defending tools like atrazine, today’s policy work directly shapes tomorrow’s farming landscape.

A Legacy of Service

Kenny closed by thanking IL Corn and NCGA staff for helping farmers succeed in leadership roles:
“You all make us look good. I hope to stick around — I’ve enjoyed every moment.”

His service is a reminder that strong leaders don’t just represent farmers; they build the future for them.