Meet Jon Hurst: IL Corn’s Public Policy Manager

February 27, 2025

Tara Desmond

IL Corn is excited to spotlight Jon Hurst as our Public Policy Manager, focused on building relationships with legislators in the Chicagoland area. With a strong background in agricultural policy and trade, Jon brings valuable experience that will help amplify Illinois corn farmers’ voices at both the state and national levels.


Jon’s Background in Ag Policy

Before joining IL Corn, Jon worked for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative as a Special Advisor, where he provided guidance to Ambassador Doug McKalip and Ambassador Katherine Tai on agricultural trade issues. Prior to that, he served at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working under Secretary Tom Vilsack in the Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs and the Office of the Deputy Secretary.

Jon is a Vanderbilt University graduate with a degree in Public Policy and originally hails from Eastern Pennsylvania. Now, he’s settling into life in Chicago with his fiancée Val, their dog Daisy, and their cat Fiona—and he’s ready to get to work for Illinois farmers.


Fun Facts About Jon

To help you get to know Jon better, we asked him a few fun questions:

What’s a random fun fact about you?
I’m fluent in Spanish and an avid guitar player.

If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A good corn-fed ribeye with a side of crispy roasted potatoes.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“Rock N’ Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” – AC/DC

What’s one thing on your bucket list you’re determined to check off?
Having sushi in Japan.

What are you most excited about with joining IL Corn?
Getting to support all the communities that depend on corn production, from downstate Illinois to Chicago.

Jon’s passion for agriculture, trade, and public policy will make him a great advocate for Illinois corn farmers. We’re thrilled to have him on board and can’t wait for you to meet him.


A man in a suit and tie is featured in an employee spotlight
Chad Leman
By Lyndi Allen August 7, 2025
Chad Leman, a corn and hog farmer from Eureka, IL is speaking out on the far-reaching effects of California’s Proposition 12—a law that changes how Midwestern farmers do business.
back to school
By Jennie Abbott August 7, 2025
Resources for teachers who need ag lessons or for parents looking for fun activities for the kids at home.
Outline of Illinois in black, surrounded by colorful vegetables on a green background.
By Lyndi Allen August 7, 2025
The food environment atlas provides a map of statistics on food environment to overview a community's ability to access healthy food.
IL Corn staff
By Tara Desmond August 7, 2025
Celebrating Culture with Illinois-Grown Goodness: Corn and Meat Take Center Stage
The U.S. Capitol Building with its white dome, columns, and flag against a partly cloudy blue sky.
By Lyndi Allen August 5, 2025
With input costs climbing to unsustainable levels, IL Corn has joined with National Corn Growers Association in urging the Trump administration to take immediate action.
Ashley Deal in DC
By Tara Desmond August 4, 2025
Ashley reflects on building relationships and growing grassroots
Show More