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.

pork power l
November 20, 2025
The Illinois Pork Producers Association and IL Corn share a longstanding partnership that strengthens livestock production, boosts grain demand, and supports food banks through the Pork Power program. Learn how this collaboration benefits farmers and families across Illinois.
World map showing corn-based biofuel production and transport routes, with a tanker, and a corn graphic.
By Lyndi Allen November 20, 2025
Trade deals and tariff negotiations are increasingly critical as farmers conclude the U.S. corn and soybean harvest; new opportunities could ease profitability pressures
shane, jena and f
By Tara Desmond November 20, 2025
Ducks Unlimited’s Fletcher Morgan and Jenna Herrick share how farmer involvement is growing — and transforming — DU’s work across the Big Rivers Initiative
turkey farm
By Tara Desmond November 20, 2025
Discover how Illinois farmers help raise nearly 3 million turkeys each year, the vital role Illinois corn plays in their growth, and how these birds make their way from local farms to Thanksgiving tables nationwide.
graphic of a furnace filter made from corn
By Tara Desmond November 19, 2025
Discover how Aerterra is transforming U.S. corn into high-performance, PFAS-free furnace filters and redefining clean air with renewable, bio-based materials.
Ducks
By Lyndi Allen November 13, 2025
Ducks Unlimited partners with Illinois farmers—helping them “farm the best and conserve the rest.”
Show More