The Stories & Videos Illinois Farmers Loved This Winter and Spring


By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026

The first three months of 2026 has been packed with stories and videos that shine a light on the people, practices, and policies shaping Illinois agriculture. From spotlighting innovative farmers to important policy updates, here’s a look back at our top five stories and top five videos.


Top 5 Stories


  1. USDA Opens Farmer Bridge Payments – Apply by April 17
    Farmers can now apply for bridge payments to help manage cash flow during uncertain market conditions. This timely announcement gives Illinois farmers a safety net as planting season ramps up.
  2. All Winners in Our Eyes: Celebrating Top Farm Photos
    We celebrated the photographers behind our photo contest on Facebook, highlighting the people, landscapes, and moments that make Illinois agriculture extraordinary.
  3. Efficiency in Action: Strip-Till, Nitrogen Management, and Nearly 300-Bushel Corn
    A deep dive into cutting-edge farming practices that push yields higher while managing nitrogen responsibly.
  4. Inside the Elevator: Meet Julie Day from TopFlight Grain
    Meet Julie Day, a grain elevator professional helping farmers navigate storage, logistics, and market opportunities in Illinois.
  5. USDA’s Vaden Speaks Out on Nutrien-Mosaic Fertilizer Price Collusion
    Important insights from USDA leadership on fertilizer market challenges, highlighting efforts to protect farmers from unfair pricing practices.


Top 5 Videos

  1. Record Corn Crop – Economist Krista Swanson talks supply and demand with new numbers released.
  2. Meet Kate: Illinois Pink Hat Farmer – Learn how Kate combines passion and perseverance to farm with heart.
  3. Meet Chris: Former Navy Pilot & Illinois Farmer – Discover how Chris transitioned from military life to farming in Illinois.
  4. Musician Chicago Farmer – Learn about musician Cody of Chicago Farmer and get a behind the scenes look at his music as a Delavan, IL native.
  5. Funny Meme 6-Second Video – A quick laugh that proves farming life can be both serious and silly.


From farm fields to policy discussions, and from serious yield strategies to lighthearted moments, the first quarter of 2026 reminds us why agriculture matters both to our communities and to the world.


Not a member?

Become one today!

SHARE THIS

Latest Posts

Steve Koeller, Justin Moore, Shane Gray, Rep. Katie Stuart, Chad Dillenberger, and Dale Haudrich
By Lyndi Allen April 8, 2026
Representative Katie Stuart and Illinois farmers visited NCERC for a tour, to learn about its expansion plans, and interview Illinois farmers
thumbnail from farmdoc webinar
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Researchers reveal most farmers operate from a single, highly consistent production plan and change it far less often than conservation advisors typically assume.
Shane and Marty
By Tara Desmond April 8, 2026
Farmer and past ICGA President Marty Marr shares insights on policy, conservation, and leadership and why staying involved matters in agriculture.
Randy thumbnail
By Tara Desmond April 2, 2026
An Illinois farmer shares lessons from 30 years of no-till, concerns about profitability, and opportunities for new corn demand in evolving markets.
Jared and his father
By Tara Desmond April 2, 2026
Illinois farmer Jared shares how 168 lbs of nitrogen produced 308 bu/acre and why cutting rates outperformed a high-input field by $200/acre.
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski of Illinois District 13
By Lyndi Allen April 1, 2026
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski responds to the Illinois Congressional District 13 farmers’ concerns on the current challenges and opportunities farmers are facing in today’s poor farm economy
Matt Raben
By Tara Desmond March 31, 2026
IL Corn builds global demand by partnering with poultry exporters because corn-fed poultry means stronger markets and more value for farmers at home.
thumbnail Mark Lambert
By Tara Desmond March 26, 2026
IL Corn's Mark Lambert reflects on decades of ag communications from stealing the office computer to Captain Corn and DC Metro takeovers.
Oliver
By Tara Desmond March 26, 2026
Marine veteran Oliver Kragelund lost his foot in a grain bin accident in Illinois. Now he's turning that tragedy into a mission for agricultural safety.
Evan Marr, Dan Parker, Don Guinnip, Tim Thompson, Marty Marr at Illinois Capitol
By Lyndi Allen March 26, 2026
The 56th Annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day was held on Tuesday, March 24. ICGA leaders attended the event, then met with eight key legislators to discuss IL Corn’s priorities.
Show More