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.
