Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

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.

Fueling the Festivities

From backyard fireworks to your drive to the lake, field corn powers much of the summer fun. Ethanol made from corn reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40–45% compared to fossil fuels, and about 98% of U.S. gasoline contains at least 10% ethanol.

Fireworks, too, rely on corn. The starch that helps fireworks explode in vivid color is made from field corn. Roughly 350 bushels of corn are needed for just one season’s supply of starch.

Corn in Your Cup

Corn is also behind one of America’s fastest-growing summer spirits: vodka. Corn-based vodka sales increased 91% during summer holidays, according to Instacart. And in 2023, Illinois sold approximately 3.3 million 9‑liter cases of vodka, making it the fourth-largest vodka-consuming state in the U.S.

That cocktail in your hand? Very likely brought to you by Illinois corn.

A Crop That Does It All

Corn-based plastics used in cups, straws, and packaging offer a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products and often show up in picnic baskets and party setups. The versatility of field corn touches nearly every part of your summer celebration.

So while apple pie may be the symbolic staple of Americana, corn is the true workhorse, quietly powering your grill, your car, your cocktail, and even the grand finale fireworks.

From field to festival, corn proves time and again: it really might be more American than apple pie.

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From the Archives to the Field: A Student's Take on Illinois Corn History

By Tara Desmond • June 11, 2026

How much do you know about the farmers who came before you and the decisions that still shape Illinois agriculture today? That's what University of Illinois student Lyndon Shi set out to explore during his internship with IL Corn . What began as an archival research project became a deeper look at the history of farmer leadership, innovation and advocacy in Illinois. While digging through university archives, Lyndon uncovered an undigitized manuscript from agricultural economist Harold Guither explaining the case for checkoffs. When he mentioned the discovery to IL Corn Director Rod Weinzierl, he got an unexpected response: "Oh yeah, I know him. We worked with him." It was a reminder that agricultural history isn't as distant as it may seem. Lyndon's research connected two eras of the IL Corn Growers Association: the original organization founded in the 1890s and the modern ICGA established in the 1970s. He learned how University of Illinois agriculture dean Eugene Davenport helped organize corn growers and sent professors across the state on "Corn Gospel Trains" to share the latest farming research. One story stood out in particular: the adoption of hybrid corn. Farmers who once judged corn by the appearance of the ear had to shift their focus to yield. Lyndon sees a similar transition today, as farmers increasingly balance yield with profitability amid rising input costs. "Illinois corn farmers are very good at organizing, and they are genuinely very grassroots," Lyndon said. "They've had a much more active role in shaping policy rather than just being on the receiving end." This Summer and Fall, Lyndon will travel to Taiwan on a federal scholarship to study food security. He'll do so with a new appreciation for Illinois agriculture's global connections, including Taiwan's longstanding role as an important trading partner. Watch the full conversation on IL Corn TV to hear Lyndon's research firsthand and discover how Illinois corn's history continues to influence the future.