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

February 13, 2025

Tara Desmond

A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a sign that says employee spotlight.

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.

By Sand County Foundation August 28, 2025
Illinois Farmer Awarded Leopold Conservation Award
streambank erosion
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
Streambank Erosion: An Overlooked Threat to Illinois Farmland
By Tara Desmond August 28, 2025
What Experienced Farmers Wish They Knew Starting Out
Kacie and Captain us
By Jennie Abbott August 21, 2025
Farm Bureau Manager Kacie Claire shares about her past internship at IL Corn
whiskey
By American Craft Spirits Association August 21, 2025
The Farmer-Distiller: Best Bourbon resulted in a numerical tie, with two distilleries sharing the honor. Queens Reserve, a product of Wood Hat Spirits in Florence, Missouri scored identically to Bloody Butcher Bourbon, which is produced by Pathfinder Farm Distillery in Boonsboro, Maryland.
Green corn stalks in a field, blue sky with white clouds.
By Lyndi Allen August 21, 2025
The time for change is now, action is needed from Congress and the administration after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest World Agriculture and Supply and Demand Estimates report
Show More