May is Monarch Month. May is also the perfect time to sow milkweed seeds or direct transplant a small plant. Now, before you shut down on the idea of purposely adding milkweed to your farm, hear us out. IL Corn understands that weeds impact your profitability. We also know that access to technology and chemistry is also important to your profitability. We know that you want to do the right...
It’s been a busy first week for U.S. Department of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Here’s an audio update with more details of what the Secretary has been working on.
IL Corn is joining other organizations in bringing attention to the value of our export markets this month, as May is designated World Trade Month. In Illinois, 38% of our corn leaves the state bound for markets elsewhere, including our world trading partners. We know that a large amount of corn equivalent also leaves Illinois bound for export markets, as ethanol, DDGS, or finished meat...
Oh, what a difference a conversation can make. A few weeks ago, Illinois Farm Families took about two dozen consumers, professionals, and government officials to St. Louis to tour the Monsanto Research Center. Prior to the experience, just 22% of the participants reported being not very or not at all concerned about GMOs. After just a few hours there talking with scientists and farmers, that...
On the banks of the Ohio River today in Cincinnati, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that he will reorganize his Department, adding a new Undersecretary of Trade position as was directed in the 2014 Farm Bill, a change which IL Corn supported. The timing was perfect as we are celebration May as World Trade Month. Remember that 38% of your corn production is...
IL Corn has been working to expand market access for higher ethanol blends in Illinois. Unfortunately, some longstanding myths about ethanol are entrenched in the minds of many people. To get around that, IL Corn has engaged the help of outside spokespeople. Most recently, through a sponsorship of the Crappie Masters Tournament Trail, tournament spokesperson and professional angler, Brian IL...
The growing season has started and most corn farmers have already applied nitrogen. It is a very expensive plant food and, as is explained in this audio report, getting the rate right may mean using a little less.
L Corn joins 138 food and agriculture trade associations and companies in congratulating Robert Lighthizer on his Senate confirmation as the U.S. trade representative (USTR). The coalition of groups, which includes the National Corn Growers Association, has worked collectively for some time to encourage this confirmation. The full Senate’s vote comes following a 26-0 vote on April 25 by the...
