Rooted in Leadership: Marty Marr on Advocacy, Innovation and the Future of Farming


By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026

Lifelong Central Illinois farmer and past IL Corn Growers Association President Marty Marr has never been one to sit on the sidelines.


In a recent episode of Illinois Corn TV, Marr reflects on his years of service, both on and off the farm, and the impact of staying actively involved in agriculture. From helping shape state and national farm policy to advocating for farmers in Washington, D.C., Marr emphasizes that progress comes from collaboration. “It’s not about me, it’s about we,” he said, highlighting the collective effort behind key initiatives like the Farm Bill, E15, and the Next Generation Fuels Act.


Marr also points to the value of programs like Precision Conservation Management (PCM), where farmers lead the way in testing and adopting conservation practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. On his own farm, that has meant evolving from traditional practices to incorporating no-till, strip-till, and new fertilizer strategies aimed at improving both efficiency and sustainability.


“Farmers are proving what works,” Marr said. “It’s about finding better, smarter, and more economical ways to farm.”


Beyond policy and conservation, Marr is passionate about leadership development and encouraging others to get involved. Whether through commodity groups, local boards, or community organizations, he believes engagement brings value back to the farm and helps shape the future of the industry.


“Stay involved. Stay educated,” he advised. “It makes you a better producer and a better leader.”


As agriculture continues to evolve, Marr’s story is a reminder that strong leadership, openness to change, and a commitment to collaboration are key to long-term success.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

agronomy angle
By Matt Montgomery May 18, 2026
Watch for fireflies and cottonwood fluff - they tell you exactly when rootworms are hatching and whether spring rains actually hurt their numbers.
thumnail of shane and Greg
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers joins IL Corn TV to discuss viral ag content, growing a family farm, and building a social media brand.
crop progress photo
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
Nitrogen, Family, Scholarships, Agronomy, Advocacy and More. Check out April stories featuring some amazing people.
cover crops
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
16-year farmer & professor Pete Fandel shares expert cover crop species tips for corn and soybean rotations in the Midwest.
Fuel price signs on the U.S. Capitol lawn with the Capitol dome in the background
By Lyndi Allen May 14, 2026
The U.S. House of Representatives took a major step toward nationwide, year-round E15 sales this week by passing H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act
Annie H.
By Tara Desmond May 14, 2026
The Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG) recently welcomed Annie Hadden as its new Director of Livestock Development. As one of several commodity partners supporting ILDG alongside the Illinois Beef Association , Illinois Farm Bureau , Illinois Milk Producers Association , Illinois Pork Producers Association and Illinois Soybean Association , IL Corn has a vested interest in seeing livestock production thrive across the state. A strong livestock industry means a stronger market for Illinois corn, and a stronger Illinois agriculture overall. Get to Know Annie: Where It All Began For Hadden, the livestock industry isn't a career she stumbled into but one she was born into. Growing up in Southeastern Indiana, she spent every Sunday on her grandfather's farm, where her love for agriculture first took root. "My passion for the livestock industry started at a young age, right there on my grandpa's farm every Sunday afternoon," Hadden said. "Though at a small scale comparatively, there is livestock on both sides of my family lineage tracing back as far as the eye can see." When her family eventually moved to the farm after her grandfather's passing, Hadden threw herself into 4-H, showing dairy feeder steers, beef steers, and eventually sheep adding fuel to a fire that still burns brightly today. "My passion for the livestock industry grew and developed over time, and today, it burns as bright as ever," she said.
Green logo with Illinois outline, corn graphic, and bold white text reading “NEWS RELEASE”
By Lindsay Croke May 13, 2026
IL Corn Growers Association President Mark Bunselmeyer reacted to the U.S. House of Representatives passage of year-round E15 legislation
IL Corn TVThumbnail
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
ISU student Jacob Edens shares how a childhood tractor ride sparked a farming passion, a Ford 8N restoration, and building ag community at college.
Dr. Laura Gentry
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
Dr. Laura Gentry named ADT President, helping ensure transparency in ag data and keeping farmers in control of how their data is used and protected.
Lena and Callahan
By Tara Desmond May 7, 2026
Illinois corn farmer and board director Lena Head celebrates her first Mother’s Day after welcoming baby Callahan during planting season.
Show More