Meet the New ICMB Chair: Matt Raben

Matt Raben farms corn and soybeans in Gallatin, Saline, and White Counties alongside his mother, brother, and two sisters. The family operation has moved toward minimal and no-till practices, and last year they added a cover crop program to the mix. Off the farm, Matt serves as Senior Grain Merchandiser for Lakeside Grain Trading, LLC. As he steps into his role as the new IL Corn Marketing Board Chair (ICMB), we sat down with him to learn a bit more about his background, his outlook for the industry, and what drives him.

Q: What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: My father and I farmed in Brazil in the 2000's before venturing into Brazilian investment property.

Q: If you weren't farming, what do you think you'd be doing?
A: I would be a race car driver for NASCAR. But on a more serious note, I was studying to be dentist before moving back into Agriculture.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
A: Breakfast with my father and grandpa. When they were here, we would have breakfast just about every morning. Even though I didn't know it at the time I was learning about hard work, patience, resilience, and stewardship.

Q: What's one thing you've learned from your years in agriculture that has stuck with you?
A: If you care for the soil, it will take care of you. From my grandpa.

Q: What do you think is the biggest opportunity for Illinois corn farmers in the years ahead?
A: Ethanol. Global demand continues to grow, driven by rising international blending mandates. We also might have opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel and maritime transport.

From breakfast-table lessons with his grandfather to a stint farming in Brazil, Matt brings a wide-angle view to his new role as ICMB Chair grounded in family, hard-won patience, and a clear eye toward where corn's next markets are headed. Illinois corn farmers can expect his leadership to keep pushing on the opportunities for new and growing corn markets.