Member Exclusive: ICGA Represents Your Farm’s Need for Export Market Demand

February 6, 2025

Lindsay Croke

Talk of tariffs have dominated the news this week, with the current positive result that relationships with Mexico and Canada will hold steady for the next month and China’s retaliatory tariffs don’t yet impact corn exports.

 

Even so, your IL Corn Growers Association and National Corn Growers Association have been engaged in the background – and sometimes in the public – monitoring issues that matter to you and telling the story of the Illinois corn farmer and your reliance on trade markets.

 

Kenny Hartman, President of the National Corn Growers Association and farmer from Waterloo, IL appeared on CBS National News to remind American leaders that the farm economy is in an economic downturn and farmers need export demand.

A man and a woman are driving a vehicle on a dirt road.

Fairfield, IL farmer and ICGA District 13 Director Matt Rush addressed trade markets on the Sunday morning NewsNation report.

A man in a plaid shirt is on a news nation show

Rounding out the robust leadership in southern Illinois, the ICGA President Garrett Hawkins from Waterloo had this to say on Monday morning:

 

"The farm economy is in a really tough spot right now with low commodity prices and high input costs. Export demand for corn products has been about the only positive in the market recently. Mexico, Canada and China are major buyers of our ag products, and any retaliation from these countries on our exports will likely target farmers. I know that President Trump supports farmers and the rural economies they're a part of, so we'll look for a quick resolution that protects our relationships and benefits both farmers and our end customers."

 

To better understand what the trade relationships between U.S. farmers, Mexico, and Canada really mean, check out our recent export data here.

Valentine's Day Corny Card
By Tara Desmond February 11, 2026
From chocolates to fuel tanks, discover the surprising ways corn connects to Valentine’s Day and find thoughtful gift ideas for your favorite farmer.
IL Corn is made up of ICGA and ICMB
By Tara Desmond February 11, 2026
Discover how ICGA and ICMB serve Illinois corn farmers through advocacy and checkoff investments—two roles working together as IL Corn.
graphic of John and steve
By Tara Desmond February 11, 2026
Feeding Illinois shares how farmers, food banks and volunteers work together through Farm to Food Bank and Grain for Good on IL Corn TV.
Aerial view of a busy port with cargo ships, cranes, and stacked shipping containers, with a body of water and city in the background.
By Lyndi Allen February 11, 2026
USMCA is known for being a trade success story for the various beneficial pathways that it provides for North Americans, which is why it must be fully enforced and renewed on time.
collage of pics of Chris Gould
By Tara Desmond February 5, 2026
Former Navy fighter pilot Chris Gould shares how military leadership, sustainability, and teamwork shape success on his Illinois corn farm.
graphic of where IL Corn goes
By Tara Desmond February 5, 2026
Illinois corn farmers invest checkoff dollars with one goal in mind: creating long-term value for every bushel grown.
Show More