October - November Highlights Annual Report

State-Level Advocacy: Tariff Hearing & Executive Order Signing
House Agriculture Chair Sonya Harper (D-Chicago) held a subject matter hearing on the impact of tariffs on Illinois’ farm economy, where IL Corn’s Director of Exports and Logistics, Collin Watters, testified alongside other commodity leaders and the Illinois Department of Agriculture. ICGA also attended Governor Pritzker’s signing of Executive Order 2025-07 on a Taylorville farm—an acknowledgment of the multi-year economic strain caused by trade disruptions, falling demand, and high input costs.
National Recognition as Expert Voices
This fall, ICGA staff and farmer leaders were featured speakers across major national and regional conferences, underscoring ICGA’s role as a leading voice on sustainability, biofuels, and farmer economics. ICGA participated in panels elevating Illinois corn farmers in national policy and climate-smart agriculture discussions.
Organizational Momentum at the ICGA Annual Meeting
New officers and directors were elected for 2025–2026, and ICGA honored leaders through the World of Corn Award and Media Award—reinforcing the organization’s strength, credibility, and member-driven leadership.

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IL Corn Welcomes Summer Intern

By Pearl McDade • May 29, 2026

IL Corn welcomes summer intern Pearl McDade

Panel of Farmers at Fed Up Event in Texas

Farmers welcome FTC’s investigation into fertilizer industry pricing practices

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

IL Corn farmers support FTC investigation into fertilizer pricing, calling for transparency, competition, and relief from rising input costs.

From Iowa State to Brazil: One Farmer's Journey Home

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Brazilian agronomist Yara shares her journey from Iowa State to a 2,400-acre family farm and how the Global Farmer Network is uniting farmers worldwide.

Meet John Klemm: An IL Corn TV Host

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Meet John Klemm - 5th-generation Illinois farmer, IL Corn TV host, coffee addict, and the guy who can't stop quoting the Menard's jingle.

The Myth of “Corn Sweat” and Heat Waves

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Does “corn sweat” cause heat waves? 🌽 Learn the science behind the Midwest myth and why weather systems - not corn - drive extreme heat.

A Gentleman, a Teacher, a Farmer: Remembering Ted Mottaz

By Tara Desmond • May 28, 2026

Remembering Ted Mottaz: a farmer, teacher, veteran, and IL Corn leader whose legacy of service and stewardship lives on.