ICGA ELECTS NEW OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS

November 26, 2024
A group of people standing in front of a sign that says ilcorn

Garrett Hawkins, a farmer from Waterloo, IL, has been elected president of the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) for 2024-2025 at their re-organizational meeting, which was held today immediately following the organization’s annual meeting. 

 

Hawkins has served on the ICGA board since November 2017, most recently as vice president. He will continue his role as District 14 director for the duration of his term as president, representing corn farmer members in Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair, and Washington Counties. 

Joining Hawkins in leadership roles are Vice President Mark Bunselmeyer of Maroa, Treasurer Dan Parker of Dwight, and Secretary Ellen Rahn of Mount Carroll. 

 

The Exports Committee will be led by Chairman Sarah Hastings of Sidney and Vice Chairman Mike Shane of Peoria. Elected to lead the Industrial Committee were Don Guinnip of Marshall and Vice Chairman Michael Houston of Golden. Grassroots Committee leadership for the coming year are Chairman Shane Gray of Waverly and Vice Chairman Chris Gould of Maple Park. 

 

Three farmers were re-elected and will continue in their positions as directors. They are Sarah Hastings of Sidney, Michael Houston of Golden, and Don Guinnip of Marshall. 

 

Two newly elected directors will serve farmers in Districts 3 and 15; they are Phil Fuhr of Taylor Ridge and Pervis Ellis of Harrisburg. Newly elected At-Large Directors who serve all of the corn farmers in Illinois include Clint Gorden of Blue Mound and Evan Marr of Jacksonville. 

 

The ICGA Board of Directors and the counties each represents are detailed on our website at www.ilcorn.org/about-us/icga/directors

 

IL Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.

Greg Goodwin headshot
By Tara Desmond March 5, 2026
The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership is a collaborative network of organizations working together to advance sustainable agriculture across the state.
Shadow of a dome-shaped building cast over a cornfield at sunset.
By Lindsay Croke March 5, 2026
The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture discussed farm policy at length, debating amendments and working towards a bill that passed out of Committee in the early hours of March 5, 2026.
Holly
By Tara Desmond March 5, 2026
PhD research explores ancestral corn genetics and the maize microbiome to improve nitrogen efficiency and sustainability in modern corn production.
Thoren on the farm
By Sand County Foundation March 5, 2026
Greg and Janis Thoren are the recipients of the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award®.
anyhydrous
By Lyndi Allen March 5, 2026
Upon reading the Bloomberg report of a potential investigation into fertilizer prices, ICGA President and Illinois farmer Mark Bunselmeyer releases statement.
thumbnail of shane and cody
By Tara Desmond March 5, 2026
Chicago Farmer joins IL Corn TV to discuss farming roots, storytelling, Midwest life and the parallels between agriculture and music.
Show More