Meet Lindsay Croke: 20+ Years of Advocating for Illinois Farmers

For over two decades, Lindsay Croke has been a driving force behind IL Corn’s communications and marketing efforts. As the Communications and Marketing Director, she ensures that farmers' voices are heard through strategic campaigns, media relations, and major events like the Farm Progress Show. Lindsay’s passion for bridging the gap between farmers and consumers fuels her work, helping to highlight the dedication and innovation that define modern agriculture.

A University of Illinois graduate, Lindsay and her husband, Tony, have raised four adult children while she’s remained committed to telling the story of Illinois corn farmers. Now, let’s dive into some Q&A to learn more about her journey, insights, and the impact of her work! We asked her some fun questions-- get to know her better:

Q: What’s something you enjoy doing in your free time that might surprise people?

A: In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, reading, and crocheting.

Q: Do you have a favorite place to visit or a travel spot that’s at the top of your bucket list?

A: I always wanted to see Ireland and I feel so lucky that I got to see it several years ago! The next place I’d like to visit is some of the colonial New England states and historic sites.

Q: What’s a book, movie, or TV show you think everyone should experience at least once?

A: Read Gone with the Wind. If you have only seen the movie, you are missing out big time.

Q: Do you have a favorite family tradition or holiday activity that you look forward to each year?

A: Easter is my favorite holiday and our church choir sings the Hallelujah Chorus – it is among my most favorite songs and I look forward to hearing it every year! It gives me chills.

Q: What’s one thing you’re grateful for today that you think makes life a little brighter?

A: I have an amazing family – a husband I couldn’t live without, kids I love to death, a sibling and siblings-in-law that love and support me, a mom that I get to talk to nearly every day on the phone. We have nothing in this world if we don’t have love.

Q: What do you like about working for IL Corn?

A: I work with great people. The staff at IL Corn is stellar, but I also love the farmer leaders I have gotten to know and I enjoy meeting our members at events and when they call in. Farmers are just salt of the earth people.

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By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.