Meet Illinois Farmer & New Board Director Chad Dillenberger

IL Corn is thrilled to welcome Chad Dillenberger as the newly elected director representing District 14, encompassing Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washington Counties for the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA).

A Monroe County native, Chad is a fourth-generation farmer from Waterloo, Illinois, with deep roots in Illinois agriculture. He is actively involved in the hands-on management of his family’s 1,600-acre grain farm near Valmeyer, where he raises corn, soybeans, and, in some years, wheat. With more than 30 years of farming experience, Chad utilizes a combination of no-till and minimal till practices to support long-term soil health and sustainability.

Chad earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Saint Louis University in 2004 and brings a strong background in agribusiness and finance to the IL Corn Board. He spent 15 years with Scottrade as a Regional Sales Manager before returning more directly to the agricultural sector. He currently serves as Divisional Retail Director for Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners, overseeing retail operations for nine John Deere dealerships across Illinois and Missouri.

In addition to his professional and farming roles, Chad is deeply engaged in his community. He previously served as President of the Waterloo Optimists and is currently Treasurer of the Monroe County Farm Bureau Board.

Chad and his wife, Katie—his high school sweetheart of 20 years—are raising their two sons, Henry (17) and Liam (15), on the family farm. Chad is committed to advancing the interests of Illinois corn growers and helping ensure a strong future for agriculture across the state.

Fun fact about Chad: he loves bourbon, fast cars, and farming!