IL Corn Announces Scholarship Recipients

Logan Bend

Earlville, IL

“I am so blessed and honored to have been awarded an IL Corn Growers Association scholarship. Receiving financial support to attend college from such a prominent and important agricultural organization means so much to me. This scholarship demonstrates how strongly members of the agriculture industry believe in the benefit of higher education, and that level of support and community makes agriculture so special.”

Kylee Cook

Toluca, IL



"I have been immersed in agriculture and the grain industry since I could walk, following my grandparents and parents around the farm soaking up anything they would teach me. As I grew, I got even more involved at the farm, got a job at our local grain elevator, and developed a deep passion for agriculture. This passion led me to pursue a major in agribusiness with a minor in accounting. By the age of 20, I aim to graduate with my bachelor's degree and secure a full-time position in an ag-accounting or finance position, while also staying very involved at my family farm, as the farm is what built me into the person I am today."

Adam Loker

Keenes, IL



"Receiving the IL Corn Scholarship means a lot to me because of the huge role that Illinois agriculture has played in my life. Growing up on a farm and surrounded by corn fields, like many others, I quickly learned that to be a grower and producer is a rare and important job. Recently, I have realized just how special our role as corn growers in Illinois is, which is why I have a passion for telling the story of Illinois agriculture by studying agricultural communications and agribusiness economics at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. This scholarship directly helps me to do that- thank you IL Corn!"

Grant Simmons

Forsyth, IL

"Growing up involved in the family farm, I saw agriculture as a complex and fascinating field, not just back-breaking labor. It sparked a passion for the science and business that keeps this industry going. Launching my own pumpkin farm in 2020 and managing it for three years solidified my desire to be a part of it's innovative future. An agricultural engineering degree is my chance to not only help my family farm thrive by building on generations of knowledge, but also to contribute to a more sustainable and productive future for all farmers."

Ava Splear

Waterman, IL



"The agricultural industry holds a special place in my heart, shaped by my upbringing in the industry. I am grateful for the support from the IL Corn Growers Association and honored to be a recipient of this year’s scholarship. Scholarships like this allow me to engage in Registered Student Organizations on campus, serve in leadership roles, volunteer in the community, pursue part-time internships throughout the academic year, and maintain strong academic standing."

IL Corn proudly announces the recipients of its 2024 scholarships, marking another successful year in supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

"Entering our second year, we are delighted by the increasing level of participation in our scholarship program," remarked Dave Rylander, President of ICGA and a farmer in Oneida, IL. "We take pride in our role in supporting future generations of agricultural farmers and leaders, and we are committed to fostering continued growth in agricultural education."

Missed the chance to apply to our scholarship program? Check back next year.