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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Love Is Everywhere (Especially in Corn)

By Tara Desmond • February 11, 2026

From chocolates to fuel tanks, discover the surprising ways corn connects to Valentine’s Day and find thoughtful gift ideas for your favorite farmer.

Two Sides of the Same Field: How Illinois Corn Farmers Invest in Their Future

By Tara Desmond • February 11, 2026

Discover how ICGA and ICMB serve Illinois corn farmers through advocacy and checkoff investments—two roles working together as IL Corn.

Feeding Illinois: Connecting Farmers to Local Food Pantries

By Tara Desmond • February 11, 2026

Feeding Illinois shares how farmers, food banks and volunteers work together through Farm to Food Bank and Grain for Good on IL Corn TV.

Aerial view of a busy port with cargo ships, cranes, and stacked shipping containers, with a body of water and city in the background.

What’s at Risk if USMCA Isn’t Enforced or Renewed

By Lyndi Allen • February 11, 2026

USMCA is known for being a trade success story for the various beneficial pathways that it provides for North Americans, which is why it must be fully enforced and renewed on time.

Meet Chris Gould: Former Navy Pilot and Illinois Farmer

By Tara Desmond • February 5, 2026

Former Navy fighter pilot Chris Gould shares how military leadership, sustainability, and teamwork shape success on his Illinois corn farm.

Growing Markets, Trust, and Conservation: How IL Corn Checkoff Dollars Work for Farmers

By Tara Desmond • February 5, 2026

Illinois corn farmers invest checkoff dollars with one goal in mind: creating long-term value for every bushel grown.