This March, IL Corn farmers advocated for membership by sharing the organization’s top priorities with policy makers in Washington D.C.

On March 20- 23, farmer leaders talked with congressmen about the importance of the 2023 Farm Bill and the impact legislation has on farmers and consumers. Farmer leaders met in the offices of over 15 members of congress including Illinois’s Senators and all members of the House Agricultural Committee.

IL Corn’s Farm Bill priorities include: maintaining a robust crop insurance for Illinois farmers, increasing funds for Foreign Market Development (FMD) and Market Access Program (MAP), and supporting on-farm conservation practices. Leaders also shared the importance of low carbon, high octane fuel, trade, and lock and dam funding.

“IL Corn members belong to our association for representation in Washington D.C. and Springfield,” said IL Corn Grower Association President Matt Rush. “We delivered on that member benefit during our time at the Capitol in a big way.”

During IL Corn’s visit to Washington D.C., the Senate introduced the Next Generation Fuels Act to the 118th Congress. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Senators Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) cosponsored the bill along with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). In the last congress, the Next Generation Fuels Act was introduced in the House by former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. However, the bill never made it to the house floor.

IL Corn Growers Association Secretary Sarah Hastings said she was optimistic after meeting with numerous members from the Senate and House of Representatives. “I am always thankful for a chance to speak with our members of Congress about issues impacting my farm and those in Illinois,” said Hastings. “I think it makes such a difference when real farmers share our real priorities, and the way we impact everyone throughout the country.”

In addition to legislative meetings on the Hill, IL Corn also planted seeds at a Congressional Reception Wednesday night. The event was

hosted by the Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin Corn Growers Associations. Twelve Illinois delegation members attended.

“All politics are local, so the saying goes,” said IL Corn Director of Public Policy Brad Stotler. “Opportunities to visit Congressional offices allow lawmakers and their staff to hear from our farmers how their important decisions impact agriculture. Whether it is farm bill, ethanol policy or investment in our inland waterway system, the relationships we build here will be important throughout the 2023 legislative session.”

IL Corn’s next fly-in will be during the busy month of July, before Congress breaks for its August recess.

This article is part of the April 2023 Political Action Committee newsletter, click here for the full PDF.