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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New IL Corn TV: How Trade Shapes Illinois Corn

By Tara Desmond • June 18, 2026

What Illinois Farmers Should Know About the People Opening Global Doors for Their Grain

Managing Gray Leaf Spot: Timing Fungicides for Maximum Return

By Matt from Becks • June 18, 2026

Fungicide Timing and Today's Disease Challenges

How Illinois Farmers Are Fighting Hunger Close to Home

By Tara Desmond • June 18, 2026

In honor of National Dairy Month, Illinois farmers and IL Corn helped deliver thousands of pounds of milk to food-insecure families.

Rooted Since the 1850s: Evan Leeper

By Lyndi Allen • June 17, 2026

Meet Evan Leeper, a fifth-generation farmer working ground in Macon County that his family has farmed since the 1850s. A former infantryman who farms alongside his father and brother-in-law.

USDA Invests $125 Million in Ag Research Facilities

By Lyndi Allen • June 17, 2026

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a historic $125 million annual investment in agricultural research infrastructure across America, an opportunity for Illinois Universities

Corn to Cup: How Field Corn Becomes Plastic

By Pearl McDade • June 12, 2026

Explore how corn is converted into PLA bioplastic for cups, food packaging, and 3D printing as demand grows for sustainable materials.