The Importance of Contacting Legislators

Lyndi Allen
June 27, 2025

Interview with Eric Croft, one of our most active participants in IL Corn's Call to Actions

Eric Croft

What motivates you to take action when you receive a CTA?

When I receive a Call to Action, I respond and follow the steps to contact legislators because I know that it is effective.  Over the years, I have called & emailed congressmen and gone to Springfield to support legislation.  Speaking with the administrative assistant of a past Representative, she made it clear that it is important to contact them, because they keep tallies of the number of contacts for or against a bill. 


How easy or difficult is it to engage when you get a CTA?

Calls to Action make it very easy to contact your legislators and take very little time to complete. 

Eric Croft, Illinois farmer

Why do you think it’s important for farmers like you to speak up on policy issues?

It is important for us to speak up on policy issues because laws affect so much of agriculture, like profitability, longevity and the ability to keep a farm in the family for future generations.


How has participating in advocacy changed your view of agriculture beyond your farm?

Participating in advocacy has made me realize that in politics, sometimes it can take several years to get a particular piece of legislation passed. But, it is necessary to continue to contact our legislators through methods like Calls to Action. If we all work together, we can accomplish great things. 


Cliff Lane with Tara
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
While harvesting Cliff talks about his operation and conservation practices
Maren outside Franklin, IL
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
Maren, from Norway, tells her story about becoming an exchange student to a Franklin, Illinois family - the Thompsons
farmers in dc
By Tara Desmond October 2, 2025
An Illinois farmer - Lance -- tells the story of his experience in IL Corn's GROW Program.
U.S. Capitol Building with cloudy sky overhead.
By Lyndi Allen October 1, 2025
When the federal government shuts down, farmers feel the effects in their fields, finances, and futures. Government programs through the USDA can hurt farmers when not operating.
Dan Parker, Gabriel Mendoza: Consul for Economic and Cultural Affairs, Ambassador Reyna Torres: Cons
By Lyndi Allen October 1, 2025
Last week, IL Corn leaders Art Bunting and Dan Parker attended a series of trade meetings in Chicago that focused on trade relationships and the importance of agricultural exports.
Assortment of packaged food products arranged in front of a cornfield background.
By Lyndi Allen October 1, 2025
What the Make America Healthy Again Commission means for Agriculture in regards to pesticides, crop inputs, and high-fructose corn syrup
Show More