Millions of Illinois consumers learn about the sustainability of corn bioplastic

IL Corn partnered with six restaurants in the Chicago area to take over their takeout, replacing traditional takeout containers with corn-based alternatives. This project was designed to help Chicago consumers understand how corn and corn co-products are an important solution to global challenges and it was a success.

The project is an extension of the Illinois Farm Families project. Illinois Farm Families is a coalition of Illinois Beef Association, IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association, and Midwest Dairy that works to connect farmers and non-farmers. Ultimately, the coalition aims to build trust in Illinois farmers that they are growing food with care.

Here are the results.

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Green combine harvester in a harvested field under a cloudy sky

Farm Earnings Improve, but Tight Margins Remain

By Lyndi Allen • September 23, 2026

Illinois farmers saw their earnings improve in 2025, but the latest data shows that farm profitability remains well below recent averages.

Dolly Parton Maze from All Seasons Orchard

IL Corn TV: A Dolly Parton Corn Maze Brings Families Back to the Farm

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2026

A Woodstock, IL farm's Dolly Parton corn maze is one of 18 nationwide honoring the icon and benefiting her Imagination Library literacy program.

farmer next to engine with headphones on

Untreated Hearing Loss & Dementia

By Tamara H. Thompson • September 22, 2026

Untreated hearing loss strains and shrinks the brain and drives social isolation, raising the risk of dementia but early treatment with hearing aids or other devices can help protect against it.

Steve Fourez

Farmer's Stroke Story: Why He Almost Didn't Go to the ER

By Tara Desmond • September 22, 2026

A farmer's stroke went unnoticed until family and coworkers insisted he get help. His Safety Week story on why every minute matters

Sen. Celina Villenueva, Chris Gould, Orlando Rojas, Ambassador Reyna Torres

IL Corn Celebrates Latino Contributions to Agriculture

By Lyndi Allen • September 18, 2026

IL Corn joined partners and community leaders highlight the role of the Latino community in Illinois agriculture and labor.

Tugboat pushing a barge along a river at sunset, with a bridge in the background.

House Passes WRDA 2026, Advancing Inland Waterways Construction Office

By Lyndi Allen • September 17, 2026

The House of Representatives took an important step towards strengthening the nation’s inland waterways by passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026