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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Green U.S. map with corn stalk connected to a gas pump, representing biofuel.

Only Congress Can Fix Arbitrary E15 Barrier

By Lindsay Croke • January 22, 2026

Farmers have been advocating for access to E15 year-round for 15 years. Congress must act to change the policy language, but has failed to act yet again.

ICGA Reacts to Congress’s E15 Proposal

By Lindsay Croke • January 22, 2026

Illinois corn farmers urge Congress to act on year-round E15 access, calling inaction on ethanol policy a missed chance to support farmers and rural communities.

Celebrating Generations of Women Who Shape Agriculture

By Tara Desmond • January 22, 2026

Illinois Agri-Women is honoring multi-generational farm families led by women. Watch the story + learn how to apply

Inside the Elevator: Joe Williams Keeps Grain Moving at Yuton

By Tara Desmond • January 21, 2026

Meet Joe Williams, location manager at Yuton Grain Elevator, and learn how logistics, teamwork, and relationships keep McLean County grain moving.

Efficiency in Action: Strip-Till, Nitrogen Management, and Nearly 300-Bushel Corn

By Tara Desmond • January 21, 2026

Seventh-generation McLean County farmer Rob Park shares how strip-till, nitrogen efficiency, and innovation drive high yields while doing more with less.

Family portrait with children, animals, and related activities, displayed in a collage.

Meet Illinois Farmer & New Board Director Bryan Tomm

By Lyndi Allen • January 20, 2026

Bryan Tomm, the newly elected director representing District 13, encompassing Clay, Edwards, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White Counties for the ICGA.