Representative John Shimkus: World of Corn Recipient

John Shimkus, Illinois 15th District Congressperson, was honored for his service to Illinois corn farmers by the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA) at their virtual annual meeting.

Shimkus is from Collinsville, IL and represents the 15th District of Illinois in the United States House of Representatives. Shimkus has served as a Representative since 1996, first representing District 20 and later District 19 as redistricting occurred. Prior to that, Shimkus served in the army and then taught high school before running for his first public office in 1989.\

“Mr. Shimkus has been a friend and a listening ear for farmers from all over Illinois throughout his tenure in office,” said ICGA President Bill Leigh. “It means so much to Illinois farmers to have access to their representatives in Washington, DC. We especially appreciate the leadership Mr. Shimkus has shown on ethanol issues over the years.”

Today, Shimkus serves as senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Republican Leader of its Environment & Climate Change Subcommittee. In this role he has been an important voice regarding the important role corn-based ethanol can play in improving the environment and building the rural communities he represents.

Congressperson Shimkus was also an instrumental part of the 2005 Renewable Fuel Standard in the Energy and Policy Act of 2005, and it’s later revision in 2007. These bills required transportation fuel sold in the U.S. to contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. He was also involved in the passing of the 1998 law to allow the use of biodiesel in fleet cars that would lead to making this renewable fuel more available across the country.

“Thank you John for your work on behalf of corn farmers during a lifetime in public service,” said Leigh.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.