Q and A with Evan Marr: New IL Corn Board Director

December 12, 2024

IL Corn is thrilled to welcome Evan Marr as one of our newest IL Corn Growers Association board members. A fourth-generation farmer with a deep commitment to agriculture, Evan brings a wealth of experience and a passion for stewardship to our team. Beyond managing his family’s farming operations, Evan owns Elite Ag Sales, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. His dedication to sustainable practices, such as minimal till and cover crops, reflects his commitment to preserving the land for future generations.

 

Get to know Evan with some fun Q and A

Q: Tell me about your farming experience

A: I have farmed my whole life starting out as a carpet farmer on our living room floor as a child and growing up in the cabs of tractors riding along side with my dad Marty. In all seriousness, I have farmed full time now for ten years with my family after returning from college in New Berlin, Illinois.

 

Q: What conservation practices does your farm operation participate in and why?

A: We are a minimal till, strip till operation while also incorporating no till in several areas as well as utilizing cover crops where we feel necessary. We care about taking care of the land that takes care of us. These practices help improve soil health and reduce erosion so the land remains productive for generations to come.

 

Q: If you could turn any mundane task into an Olympic sport, what would you win gold for?

A: If I could turn running a forklift and loading seed out in the winter and spring into a sport- I could dominate.

 

Q: What are you thankful for this past year?

A: I am incredibly grateful to God for blessing me with the opportunity to be part of my family farm, as it truly feels like my calling and brings me joy every day. I'm also extremely proud of the success we achieved during this planting and harvest season. And, above all, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my fiancée, Allie Lashmett, for her love and support during this incredible year—we got engaged in 2024, and I couldn’t be more thankful for her.

 

Q: What spirit animal would you be and why?

A: My spirit animal would be a wolf. I don’t know why but it just feels right to me.

 

We’re excited to see how his leadership and insights will help advance our mission and benefit our members. Join us in welcoming Evan to the team as he volunteers his time and talents to make a difference for agriculture.

 

Did you know there are districts in Illinois that each board member represents so that you can contact them with your questions? Learn more.

tara at white sox stadium
By Tara Desmond • October 16, 2026
Five years at IL Corn with farming, farmers, corn, and storytelling—with a few hot dogs, viral videos, and plenty of Midwestern waves.
Mexican CANAMI (National Chamber of Industrialized Corn) members at Illinois farm
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
IL Corn & USGBC hosted Mexican masa millers on southern Illinois farms and river terminals, strengthening ties with our top corn customer.
holding a cover crop
By IDOA & Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
Pre-enrollment opens Nov. 30 for IDOA’s Fall Covers for Spring Savings program, worth up to $5/acre off 2027 crop insurance premiums.
Josh Linville and Collin Watters
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
What’s really driving your fertilizer bill? StoneX’s Josh Linville breaks down global supply, competition, and the long-term fix on IL Corn TV.
thumbnail of Megan and Jared
By Tara Desmond, Megan Dwyer and Brownfield Ag • October 15, 2026
Illinois Corn and U of I built lease addenda to help farmers and landowners build cover crops, soil health and nutrient goals into rental agreements.
headshot of Jenny Webb IFCA president
By Tara Desmond • October 15, 2026
Jenny Webb has spent her career in Illinois agriculture. Now she’s about three months into a new job as president of the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA), the group that represents the ag retailers, applicators and suppliers who get fertilizer and crop protection products to your farm when you need them. Webb came to IFCA from Illinois Farm Bureau. She’s new to the fertilizer and chemical side of the business, but not to farmers or to the policy and regulatory issues that affect them. IL Corn sat down with her to talk about what she’s learned so far, the issues facing Illinois ag retailers, and why the work happening behind the scenes deserves more credit than it gets.
Show More