Nearly Half of Corn Grown in Illinois Leaves the State

Lyndi Allen
March 27, 2025

Illinois is ranked number 2 in the U.S. for corn production in 2024, harvesting 10.7 million acres and producing 2.3 billion bushels with an average yield of 217 bushels per acre. Of the corn produced, 49 percent was shipped out of state. The top five U.S. corn export markets in 2023/2024 were Mexico, Japan, Colombia, China, and Canada.

A poster about illinois ag export facts on corn
Green U.S. map with corn stalk connected to a gas pump, representing biofuel.
By Lindsay Croke January 22, 2026
Farmers have been advocating for access to E15 year-round for 15 years. Congress must act to change the policy language, but has failed to act yet again.
a gas pump pou
By Lindsay Croke January 22, 2026
Illinois corn farmers urge Congress to act on year-round E15 access, calling inaction on ethanol policy a missed chance to support farmers and rural communities.
thumbnail of Ava on IL Corn TV
By Tara Desmond January 22, 2026
Illinois Agri-Women is honoring multi-generational farm families led by women. Watch the story + learn how to apply
yuton
By Tara Desmond January 21, 2026
Meet Joe Williams, location manager at Yuton Grain Elevator, and learn how logistics, teamwork, and relationships keep McLean County grain moving.
Rob Park
By Tara Desmond January 21, 2026
Seventh-generation McLean County farmer Rob Park shares how strip-till, nitrogen efficiency, and innovation drive high yields while doing more with less.
Family portrait with children, animals, and related activities, displayed in a collage.
By Lyndi Allen January 20, 2026
Bryan Tomm, the newly elected director representing District 13, encompassing Clay, Edwards, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties for the ICGA.
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