Illinois Corn Growers Association is pleased with Governor Rauner’s choice for the next Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Rauner has appointed life-long farmer Raymond Poe to the post. In a press release, the Governor’s office said that Poe’s experience as a legislator, as a businessman and as a farmer makes him the ideal choice to lead the agency. In a statement earlier this fall, ICGA President Kenneth Hartman, Jr., said that he hoped the Governor would appoint another farmer to the position. That is what has come to pass.

The Governor’s press release says Poe has represented the citizens of Central Illinois for the past 20 years as a member of the General Assembly. He’s a member of the Agriculture & Conservation; Appropriations-Higher Education; Personnel & Pensions; and Business Occupational Licenses (Republican Spokesperson) committees. He has farmed in Sangamon County his entire life. In addition to his legislative experience, he served on the Williamsville School Board, where he was president for three years. He is also the former president of the Sangamon County Farm Bureau and the former president of the Lincoln Land Farm Supply.