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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Back to School, Back to Roots: Ag in the Classroom with Kevin Daugherty

By Tara Desmond • August 13, 2026

Growing Good Consumers: Inside Illinois' Ag in the Classroom Program

John Klemm, IFB's Steve Koellerm, ASA's Jim Martin, and Chad Dillenberger

IL Corn Attends Ag Legislative Roundtable

By Lyndi Allen • August 13, 2026

IL Corn farmer leaders joined the 2026 Illinois Ag Legislative Roundtable, hearing from gubernatorial candidates Darren Bailey and Gov. JB Pritzker, as well as U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy.

IL Corn, Illinois Farm Bureau, and Illinois Ag in the Classroom staff and interns at Marquis Energy

A Close-Up Look at Marquis’ Growing Impact

By Pearl McDade • August 13, 2026

Interns tour Marquis, exploring ethanol, carbon capture, and innovation that supports Illinois farmers and jobs.

Behind the Mic: Learning the Business of Farm Radio

By Tara Desmond • August 13, 2026

Intern Johnna Fulcher learns from RFD Radio veteran DeLoss Jahnke about farm broadcasting, agriculture, storytelling and life behind the mic.

U.S. Capitol building under a bright blue sky, with cars in front on a sunny day

Farm Bill Delay Extends Uncertainty for Illinois Corn Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • August 6, 2026

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry adjourned without advancing a Farm Bill, leaving farmers and the agriculture industry with uncertainty, as the current extension is set to expire on September 30.

Meet Andy Gilson: A New Precision Conservation Management Specialist

By Tara Desmond • August 5, 2026

Meet Andy Gilson, A new PCM specialist — a 4th-gen farmer bringing firsthand experience to conservation economics.