Grassroots policy efforts brought forth by members of the Illinois Corn Growers Association at their annual policy meeting last November will be considered by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) delegate body at the organization’s so-called Corn Congress this week, during the Commodity Classic. Commodity Classic is America’s largest farmer-led, farmer-focused convention and trade show. Commodity Classic was established in 1996 and is now produced by the NCGA, American Soybean Association, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Sorghum Producers, and Association of Equipment Manufacturers.

Farmer leaders of IL Corn will serve as delegates to the Corn Congress, voting on the policy of the Corn Board, the leadership body of NCGA. IL Corn delegates will be watching policies of all sorts but especially those as they relate to IL’s top priorities, including crop insurance, expanding market access for higher ethanol blends, and passing new trade agreements, like the USMCA.

The Commodity Classic trade show features more than 360 exhibitors commanding nearly 2,000 booth spaces, and is open all three days. A wide range of educational sessions is offered throughout the three-day event covering topics such as soil health, fertility, marketing, farm policy, pollinators, cover crops and high-yield strategies.

Whether you spend one day or all three, the environment at Commodity Classic is educational, energizing and welcoming for all types of farmers. “There’s just a whole bunch of us there that are just folks…that are typical producers in farm neighborhoods, but we’re interested to learn how to be better farmers and better participants in the ag industry,” said Paul Taylor, an Illinois farmer and member of the Commodity Classic planning committee.