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IL CORN TV

IL Corn TV is a weekly web series with new episodes airing every Monday. Aimed at corn farmers, their families, and anyone interested in modern agriculture, the show combines news updates, technical deep dives, and inspiring farm stories. Hosted by on‑staff ag communicators, IL Corn TV covers topics like cutting‑edge farm tech, conservation initiatives, livestock diversification, and policy advocacy, all tailored to Illinois corn producers.

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Season 2 | Episode 1 | Farm Family Resource Initiative

Our first interview features Karen Stallman, who leads the Farm Family Resource Initiative for the Center for Rural Health and Social Service.

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Season 2 | Episode 1 | Farm Family Resource Initiative
Season 2 | Episode 2 | Farm Rescue

Ever wondered who helps struggling family farms? Meet Terry Johnston, a Development Officer at Farm Rescue.

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Season 2 | Episode 2 | Farm Rescue
Season 2 | Episode 3 | Ag in the Classroom

Kevin Daugherty, Education Director at Illinois Ag in the Classroom discussed the importance of staying informed about the evolving needs of students.

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Season 2 | Episode 3 | Ag in the Classroom

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We were proud to be a part of the Stars and Stripes Half Marathon, 10K & 5K last weekend in Hoffman Estates, IL! 👉Our goal? To connect with non-farmers and share how corn is more than just food and fuel -- it’s a sustainable solution for everyday items like plastic🌽 Big thanks to @morganmyersagency for representing and joining in the fun.

Wishing everyone a great holiday weekend!

Corn growth from June 2 to June 30 in central Illinois #Corn2025 #CropProgress

Meet Bella and Chelsea -- two inspiring FFA students who are already making waves in ag! 🌽💪 @peotoneffa From planning FFA events like yoga night to making artisan cheese 🧀, from teaching kids through Ag in the Classroom to dreaming of future farms 🐄🐓, these young leaders are proving that the future of ag is bright (and not just for kids with farming backgrounds!). John Hurst sits down with these amazing students to talk leadership, innovation, mentorship, and what FFA means for the next generation of ag professionals. Plus, there's a corny joke you won't want to miss 😉🌱 📺 Watch the full episode now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3oKgg4_3Is #ILCornTV #FFA #YouthInAg #AgEducation #FutureFarmers #WomenInAg #LeadershipStartsHere #NotYourGreatGrandpasFarm

Looking for a recipe for July 4th?! Look no further! Chex 6 cups corn Chex. 1.5 cups white melting chocolate. 1 cup powdered sugar. red, white, and blue m&ms food coloring 1. Split your corn Chex into 3 separate bowls with 2 cups Chex each 2. Melt 1/2 cup chocolate according to package per color 3. Pour over Chex 4. Add 1/3 cups powdered sugar to each color 5. Mix together and add m&ms!

Happy #NationalDairyMonth to all the cheese lovers out there! Are you one of them? 🧀🧀 You’ve got Illinois corn farmers to thank… by growing the corn that feeds our dairy cows, they help make every delicious, cheesy bite possible. 🧀🌽🥛🥛

We love this from @centralsisters.il

In this video, Tim reflects on: 👉 The advice he’d give his younger self about being bold early -- buying ground, building barns, and investing in tiling 👉 How conservation practices like no-till soybeans, strip-till corn, and CRP/pollinator habitats play a role in his operation 👉 The impact of technology in farming - from precision planting over anhydrous strips to the challenges of keeping high-tech equipment running

>Throwing back to 2000! Comment if you know someone pictured!

>> Corn Plastic: A Renewable Solution to Plastic Pollution<< ✅ New research shows bio-based plastics can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 45% compared to petroleum-based plastic. ♻️ For single-use items like bags and cups, switching to plant-based alternatives can reduce emissions by up to 62%! It’s one more way agriculture is part of the climate solution. 💡🌍 Read more: https://www.ilcorn.org/corn-plastic-a-renewable-solution-to-plastic-pollution #SustainableFarming #Bioplastics #ClimateSmartAg #CornBasedPlastic #AgInnovation

📍56 Illinois farmers responded to our survey and here are the results of how crops are looking -- 5.4% of farmers were not done planting Just for fun - CAPTION this photo!

🌽🎥 NEW on IL Corn TV! Thinking about expanding your livestock operation? Meet Justin Lewis from the Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG)—a FREE resource for farmers across the state! In this episode, Lyndi chats with Justin about: ✅ How ILDG helps farmers navigate livestock expansion ✅ Support with facility design, environmental management, and regulatory hurdles ✅ A heartwarming success story of a young farmer expanding a swine operation to return to the family farm ✅ Why adding livestock can be a smart move in today’s ag economy From sketching ideas on notebook paper to cutting the ribbon on a new barn, Justin is here to guide farmers every step of the way. Whether you're just starting out or expanding for the second (or third!) time. 📺 Watch full episode at www.youtube.com/ilcorn #ILCornTV #LivestockExpansion #ILFarmers #DiversifyYourFarm #FreeFarmHelp #NotToBeCorny

#dyk Illinois ranks second in the nation for corn production! With an average yield of 218 bushels per acre in 2024, Illinois continues to be a leading contributor to the nation’s corn-driven economy supporting farming, processing, and related industries.

Trade is one of IL Corn’s top policy priorities because of its critical role in driving corn demand and supporting the agricultural economy. Check out the top U.S. Corn export markets. Learn more about corn exports at www.ilcorn.org/export-trade

High sandy west side— well drained sandy soils = over 80 inches tall. Lower heavier gumbo soils = 10 inches tall. Southern Illinois corn!#ilcorn

For this #farmfridayfeature - We are featuring Topflight Grain Cooperative! Topflight is a farmer owned grain cooperative in the heartland of the USA in the middle of the Illinois grain belt. > They store and transfer corn, soybeans and wheat which go to end users for animal/human consumption and industrial uses. > They transport the grain by truck to local markets in Decatur IL, by rail to select markets usually in the south and southeast, and lastly by barge to overseas markets via the Illinois river. > They employ around 50-60 people throughout the year and push close to 100 during harvest. They're also being featured tonight at Normal CornBelters and on Normal Cornbelter's social media so hop over to their page to check it out!

We get excited every year for the State Fair and Ag Day Breakfast! Here's a couple #throwback photos from last year.🌽☀️ #TBT #ILStateFair #agday

We 💛our livestock partners and here's why...

Hear from Pat and Cassie - Farmers in Hampshire, Illinois!

👉👉Comment your crop quality and how tall your corn is! Crop Progress & Condition Report Week Ending June 15 USDA NASS

🚜 From the best dirt in the world to cutting-edge technology, this week’s episode of IL Corn TV is all about how farmers are doing more with less and doing it better. Lindsay Croke sits down with Matt from @heritagetractor to talk trends in ag equipment, why now is the best time to upgrade, and why trust is the secret sauce in any dealer relationship. 💬 “Deal with who you trust. Because when things break (and they will) you’ll want someone in your corner.” 🎥 Watch the full episode to learn how John Deere technology is helping farmers grow smarter, faster, and more efficiently than ever before -- link in comments or visit youtube.com/ilcorn #IllinoisCornTV #HeritageTractor #JohnDeere #FarmTech #ModernFarming #FarmEquipment #TrustYourDealer #BestDirtInTheWorld

Happy Father’s Day to the original field managers, life mentors, and early risers who taught us the value of hard work (and how to fix just about anything with duct tape and a wrench). Thanks, Dad. We wouldn’t be here without you...literally. 😄🌽 #FathersDay #FarmDadJokes #ILCorn #GenerationsOfFarming

Happy Flag Day! 🌽 Today we celebrate the symbol of our freedom, unity, and the values we hold dear as Americans. For farmers, that flag flying high over the barn or field isn’t just decoration, it’s a daily reminder of hard work, resilience, and the pride that comes with feeding a nation. From sunrise to sunset, you honor that flag with every seed planted and every harvest gathered. Thank you for standing tall for your land, your legacy, and your country. #FlagDay #FarmStrong #ProudToBeAFarmer #StarsAndStripesAndSoil #ILCorn

Don't forget it's Ag Night tomorrow at the Normal CornBelters! Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/agnight2026 - Use code 'corn' to get 50% OFF!

🌽⚾ In our book, ALL farmers are MVPs....no question about it. But during our Farmer MVP Contest to celebrate baseball season, we gave a few extra cheers to these three standouts! 🏆🎉 Congrats to our randomly selected prize wheel winners: 🥇Tommy & Maddi Mullvain - 4th Generation Farmers 🥈 Doug Uphoff - 4th Generation Farmer 🥉 Ike Hutchcraft - 4th Generation Farmer Thanks to everyone who stepped up to the plate — and for all you do every day. 👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 You're the real all-stars! #FarmerMVP #BaseballSeason #ILCorn #ThankAFarmer

Updated Crop Progress and Condition report for week ending June 8, 2025. *18 State Report provided by USDA NASS

The new PCM Data Book is out and it’s packed with insights made possible by real farmers across Illinois. By anonymously sharing their data, PCM participants help uncover trends tied to today’s markets, conservation practices, and regulations. The result? Smarter, more profitable decisions for everyone. Go to precisionconservation.org to see the data!

👉👉New PCM Report Highlights Profit-Boosting Conservation Practices Precision Conservation Management just released its 2025 report in Prairie Farmer, featuring 10 years of real-farm data from Illinois. 📍The report offers actionable insights on improving profits through reduced tillage, smarter nitrogen use, and shifting focus from yield to ROI whether or not you’re enrolled in PCM. https://bit.ly/pcm2025data

🌽 Meet John Klemm — 5th generation farmer from Waynesville, IL and the #farmfridayfeature at Cornbelters tonight! John and his wife Megan are raising their 3 kids on a farm where they grow corn & soybeans, raise Angus cattle, and run a freezer beef business. He’s also a crop insurance agent, Farm Bureau board member, school board chair, IL Corn board director and church leader. Committed to conservation and community, John’s leadership and passion for ag run deep. 💪 #ILCorn #FarmerSpotlight #LeadershipInAg #farmfridayfeature #cornbelters

🌎 World Environment Day 🌱 Here in Illinois, every day is Environment Day when you’re a farmer. From improving soil health with cover crops to reducing tillage and protecting water quality, Illinois farmers are leading the charge in sustainable agriculture because caring for the land isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. 💡 Did you know? Illinois has over 27 million acres of farmland (that’s about 75% of the entire state). To put it in perspective, that’s more farmland than the entire country of Austria has land and they’re nearly the same size. When it comes to protecting the planet, farmers aren’t just part of the conversation, they’re part of the solution. 🌽🌾🌎 #WorldEnvironmentDay #SustainableFarming #IllinoisAg #EveryDayIsEnvironmentDay #ILCorn #AgFacts #SoilHealth #CleanWater #FarmersForTheFuture

Crop progress for week ending June 1, 2025.

🌽 This week, IL Corn had the honor of welcoming a delegation of top Japanese reporters for an in-depth look at the U.S. ethanol industry and the role of corn in creating clean, sustainable fuel. 📍 Organized by the @usgrainscouncil, the visit focused on how U.S. corn is used for food, feed, fuel -- and now, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). From ethanol producers to corn farmers and policy leaders, the delegation heard firsthand how Illinois corn is helping power a more sustainable future. 🌱 These conversations matter. Japan is a key export market for U.S. corn and ethanol, and media coverage from this trip will help Japanese consumers, end users, and policymakers better understand the reliability and environmental benefits of U.S. bioethanol. 💬 We’re proud to play a role in advancing global conversations about sustainable fuel—and we remain committed to growing opportunities for Illinois corn. #ILcorn #Bioethanol #SustainableFuel #USGC #CornToFuel #Ethanol #AgExports

Plant progress in Rock Island, Illinois. Comment with yours!

New Episode of IL Corn TV coming out tomorrow with Tim Thompson!

Meet the 2025 IL Corn Communications Interns! 🌽🎉 We're thrilled to welcome our new communications interns to the IL Corn team! These talented individuals will be sharing the stories of Illinois corn farmers, advocating for agriculture, and bringing fresh perspectives to our communications efforts. Stay tuned as they take you behind the scenes of Illinois agriculture throughout the summer! 🚜📸 #ILCorn #AgInterns #FutureAgLeaders #InternshipExperience

🚨 Pest & disease watch for the 2025 corn crop! 🌽 As planting continues, two U of I experts are helping farmers stay ahead of threats in the field. 🔍 Dr. Nick Seiter reminds us: “Every year is different.” Migratory pests like corn leaf aphids & rootworm depend on weather patterns—not winter temps. Early-season pests to watch: seed corn maggots, white grubs, cutworms & more. Cool, wet conditions = higher risk. 🌾 Fast-emerging crops = less damage. Scout slow-growing fields closely. 🦠 Dr. Boris Camiletti says: “Tar spot is here to stay.” His research is improving fungicide timing, decision apps, and understanding mycotoxins—a growing concern for ethanol. 👉 Stay informed. Scout smart. And spray only when needed. Listen to full audio interview here: https://soundcloud.com/ilcorn/scouting-the-season-illinois-experts-weigh-in-on-corn-pests-and-disease @ilextension #ILCorn #Plant24 #CornPests #TarSpot #CornScouting #UofIResearch #FarmingSmart

#ThrowbackThursday to the 90s! 🕶️📼 IL Corn’s Board of Directors has always been made up of farmers leading for farmers. These farmer-leaders were the voice of Illinois corn growers in Springfield and D.C. --just like they are today. Here’s to the dedicated directors of the 1990s who paved the way! 🌽🇺🇸 #TBT #ILCorn #FarmerLeaders #AgLeadership

Comment below on your crop progress and what part of Illinois you're in! There were 4.0 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending May 25, 2025. Statewide, the average temperature was 59.4 degrees, 6.0 degrees below normal. *Sources: USDA NASS

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. As farmers, we know the value of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication - values our fallen heroes lived by every day. Today, we remember them with gratitude, from fields that flourish because of the freedoms they defended. #MemorialDay #FarmStrong #GratefulNation #ThankYouVeterans

If you're grilling out this weekend - Follow these tips!

Rooted in tradition, growing toward the future! Be part of the legacy with NCGA’s #YieldContest. Early entry is now open at ncga.com/YieldContest. Let’s break new ground together! #AmericasCrop Where innovation meets tradition. Step into the next era of excellence with the #YieldContest. Early entry is live — claim your place in history at ncga.com/YieldContest. #AmericasCrop A proud legacy. A bold future. Join generations of growers who have shaped agriculture through the #YieldContest. Early entry is happening now at ncga.com/YieldContest. Let’s grow the next chapter! #AmericasCrop @corngrowers

#TBT to when Captain Cornelius hit the big leagues spreading corn-fed cheer at the St. Louis vs. Cubs game last year! ⚾🌽 Nothing like baseball, good company, and a mission to grow excitement for corn from the stands to the field. Look out for us this season! St. Louis Cardinals Chicago Cubs #CornBelongs #BaseballAndBushels #CaptainCornelius

Jun 3, 2025 @ 11:00 AM | 10 Years of PCM Data: What Actually Pays on Your Farm? 👉What in-field practices are really making money on Midwest farms? Join us for a webinar on June 3rd as we dig into 10 years of PCM financial analysis from Illinois farms. 👉We’ll show how reduced tillage systems, optimal nitrogen rates, and strategic use of cover crops can protect your margins - especially in years where profitability is a challenge. 👉Learn what the most profitable farmers are doing differently and how you can apply these insights to your own operation. Register here (link in comments too!): https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4021500507183045464

There were 5.8 days suitable for fieldwork in the week ending May 18, 2025.

What does PCM offer that's unique? Watch this sneak peek of a new episode of IL Corn TV! Full episode at youtube.com/ilcorn

👉👉Serious mental illness (#SMI) affects millions, yet stigma keeps many from seeking help. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s make sure everyone gets support. Learn more: samhsa.gov/mental-health/serious-mental-illness/managing-life #EndtheStigma #mham2025 May is #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

It's #farmerfriday so we are featuring farmer Opey Rowell who farms in Mason County in Illinois 👉He’s been farming since 2015, and five years ago, he started incorporating cover crops thanks to a tip from a friend. Now, nearly every acre he farms has a cover crop growing on it. 📍Opey uses wheat ahead of corn and cereal rye ahead of soybeans, and he keeps it simple. “If you are new to cover crops, start basic,” he advises. “You're going to get rewarded.” Read More: https://bit.ly/opeyFarmer

We’re heartbroken to say goodbye to our dear friend and colleague, Dave Loos. His passion for agriculture, his pioneering work in biofuels, and his deep love for people made an unforgettable impact on Illinois and on all of us at IL Corn. Dave wasn’t just part of our team; he was family. We will miss his wisdom, his laughter, and his unwavering belief in the future of farming. Read more: https://bit.ly/rememberingdaveloos

🌱 Cover Crops in Action: Crimson Clover & Balansa 🌱 Check out this Illinois farmer's field where crimson clover and balansa are thriving! Soon, corn will be planted right into this cover - no tillage needed. The farmer uses double disk openers that slice through the cover crop with ease, and cast iron Yetter Twister closing wheels that perform beautifully in these conditions. 👉Why crimson clover? It helps manage the carbon penalty we often see with cereal rye, which can tie up nitrogen. By using crimson, they can typically reduce nitrogen rates by about 40 pounds per acre — a solid win for both efficiency and the environment. 👉This field sits on Highly Erodible Land (HEL), so soil disturbance is kept to a minimum. The farmer deep bands nutrients using Yetter Magnum units with a single disk opener, and then plants a couple of inches off the nutrient band. The cover crop is terminated after planting but before the corn emerges. Smart practices. Strong conservation. Better soil health. 🌾 Photo Credit: @progressiveagronomyconsulting #CoverCrops #CrimsonClover #BalansaClover #NoTillFarming #SoilHealth #SustainableAg #ILCorn #ConservationInAction #CarbonPenalty #HELground

🚨BIG MOMENT FOR IL CORN IN DC🚨 Today, Megan Dwyer, farmer, mom, certified crop advisor, and Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship for IL Corn testified before Congress, and let’s just say… she crushed it. 💪🌽 Representing Midwest farmers and speaking from the heart of her own lived experience, Megan brought real, grounded insight to Capitol Hill. She’s not just talking conservation -- she’s living it. From running her family farm and raising the next generation, to advocating for science-based, farmer-friendly policy, Megan proves that our team belongs at the table where decisions are made. ✅ She called for smarter conservation funding. ✅ She championed flexible, regionally tailored programs. ✅ She reminded lawmakers that Illinois is more than Chicago -- it’s 70% farmland. ✅ And she made the case that protecting our most productive soils is essential for feeding the world. Her chocolate chip cookie analogy? 🧑‍🍳 Perfection. This is why IL Corn fights to be in DC. Because the voices of real farmers especially ones as brilliant and passionate as Megan must be heard in rooms where policies are shaped. 📣 Let’s hear it for Megan! Drop a congrats in the comments if you're proud to have her representing Illinois farmers on the national stage. Watch her full testimony here: https://www.agriculture.senate.gov/hearings/perspectives-from-the-field-part-4-conservation @farmin_88 #ILCorn #ConservationMatters #SoilHealth #FarmersInDC #WomenInAg #FarmBill #ProtectOurSoil #AgPolicy

Illinois Crop Progress and Condition for week ending May 11, 2025 from USDA NASS.

Farm moms, IL Corn moms, dog moms, tough-love moms, soft-hearted moms - Happy Mother’s Day to all the strong, caring women who help grow more than just crops. 🌽❤️ #MothersDay #FarmMoms #ILCorn

>>CONTEST ALERT<< • Nominate a MVP of your farming operation for their chance to win $100 gift card and a free suite at the Cornbelters baseball stadium • To enter send a photo of your nominee (or nominate yourself) with your/their name, where the farm is located and what generation farmer they/you are to marketing@ilcorn.org by June 5th at 5pm CST. • Two winners will be randomly selected through a prize wheel on June 6th and announced on social media with their photos. @normal_baseball @normalcornbelters

#farmerfriday - New episode of hog farmer Chad coming next Monday! Chad Bell

#TBT to the many years IL Corn has proudly supported Pork Power - a program that gets high-quality pork into local food banks across Illinois. 🐷💪 Since the very beginning, we’ve invested in this incredible effort because we believe in the power of protein and the power of farmers giving back. Protein is essential. Community is everything. And Pork Power brings them both together. ❤️ 📸 Swipe through the years with us serving food banks, standing beside farmers, and strengthening our state, one donation at a time. @illinoispork #PorkPower #ILCorn #FarmersFeedFamilies #GivingBack #FoodSecurity #ProteinMatters #ThrowbackThursday

For the week ending 5/4/25 in Illinois the average temp was 59.2. 👉👉32% corn planted in Illinois and 8% emerged

📈 For 51 years, IL Corn and the U.S. Grains Council have done more than grow markets - we’ve grown leaders, connections, and opportunity. What started with shadowing IL Corn staff has led to global leadership, shared innovation, and a stronger future for farmers. Because when partnerships last, they make a lasting impact. 🌽 Strong partnerships. Stronger results. Congrats to USGC on 65 years! Watch full episode at youtube.com/ilcorn #AgPartnerships #GrowingMarkets #FarmLeadership #SustainableAg #ILCornTV

🌽✨ May the 4th Be With You! ✨🌽 A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away… Corn was the chosen one. It fuels starships (thanks, ethanol), feeds alien livestock (even banthas need gains), and pops into the perfect snack for your Jedi movie marathon. The Force is strong with this crop. Here's to the true hero of the galaxy - corn: defender of fuel, food, and fun. 🚀🌽💥 #MayThe4thBeWithYou #CornWars #ILCorn #TheCornAwakens #BanthaApproved #PopcornNotStormtroopers

Flexibility is Key with Cover Crops

Planting update from Southern Illinois

Congrats to our 5 Scholarship Recipients! Read a little about them here: https://bit.ly/2025ilcornstudents Stay tuned for social media spotlights on them!

For #worldlaughterday caption EITHER of these photos! A random winner will be drawn to win some IL Corn socks!

From the farm to D.C. and Springfield, our IL Corn Growers Association farmer-leaders are on the ground advocating for YOU and your farm. Want your voice heard? Join ICGA today. www.ilcorn.org

E-mail devin@illinoisbeef.com by May 2 to get your mom recognized!

Comment with your planting status!

👉 Sweet corn is what you eat fresh, canned, or frozen. It’s harvested while still young and soft, giving it that deliciously sweet flavor we all love at summer cookouts. 🌾 Field corn (also called dent corn) makes up the majority of corn grown in the U.S. It’s harvested when dry and mature and have over 4,000 uses including livestock feed, ethanol, cornmeal, and all sorts of everyday products. So next time you drive by a cornfield, know it’s probably not meant for your dinner plate - unless you're fueling your car or feeding livestock first! 😉 #CornFacts #SweetCornVsFieldCorn #KnowYourFood #FarmToFork

How PepsiCo Partners with Illinois Farmers @pepsico

Last year in May we visited Head Brothers Land & Cattle farm while they were planting. #Throwback2024 Lena Head is Co-Owner and External Relations Manager at Head Bros. Land and Cattle LLC., a family farming operation located in central Illinois growing primarily corn, soybeans and wheat, in addition to running a herd of 500 cow calf pairs specializing in embryo transfer services. Outside of her duties at the farm, Lena is also the Director of Partnership Management at AgVend, a Series A agtech startup and leader in digital enablement software solutions for the ag retail industry. She has spent the bulk of her career focused on advancing innovation in the agriculture industry and prior to joining AgVend she spent eight years working for GSI, the global grain equipment manufacturer, focused on driving global product strategy and development, in addition to founding and managing the company's first corporate innovation office. Lena also serves on the IL Corn Marketing Board representing Christian, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery and Shelby Counties.

While every day is Earth Day for a farmer, our PCM (Precision Conservation Management) farmers went above and beyond last year to make a real impact. If you’re not familiar, PCM is IL Corn’s premier conservation program, helping farmers implement practices that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Where are you at in planting?

🌱 This Easter, we’re reminded that new life and hope begin in the soil, on the farm and in our hearts. Wishing you a season of faith, growth, and renewal. “As surely as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown to grow, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all nations.” — Isaiah 61:11

Corn: One Solution To The Plastics Problem Our world is overcome with plastic. About 90 percent of the plastics we use are never recycled, leaving us literally drowning in plastic – in our landfills, incinerators, oceans, and forests. The solution is bioplastics.

At every holiday - here we are! It is estimated that around 108 million pounds of ham is purchased in the U.S. for the Easter holiday. How much corn would you need to feed those pigs? 30 Million bushels.

This video is from last April (2024) so it's a great #throwback with some good tips still on cover crops!

>>Raising a Glass to Farmers: IL Corn Sponsors 2025 Heartland Whiskey Competition IL Corn helps to sustain the most prestigious craft whiskey competition in the country. The Heartland Whiskey Competition is a judged, biennial competition overseen by the American Craft Spirits Association. @craftspiritsus Read more about the competition here: https://bit.ly/ilcornwhiskey

🌽 A New Chapter for Corn: From Fields to Paints! 🎨 Lakril is unlocking an exciting new use for corn transforming 3 million metric tons into bio-based acrylic acid for paints, coatings, and adhesives. This isn’t just innovation...it’s a whole new market for field corn, powered by Illinois farmers. 💥 Watch full episode at www.youtube.com/ilcorn #CornInnovation #SustainableChemistry #Lakril #NewUseForCorn #ILcorn

It’s official we are at 1% planting completion for the state of Illinois as of April 13th according to USDA NASS. Have you started?

#dyk Illinois exports almost half of the corn grown out of state! Our farmers have a competitive advantage with the waterways.

We're hopping on this trend because it's so darn cool. Shane is an all star Board Director who farms near Springfield, Illinois. On the IL Corn Growers Association board he helps to advocate for farmers in Springfield and D.C. Currently, he farms with his son-Brady and father-in-law-Bob Johnson in both Morgan and Sangamon counites where they grow soybeans and corn. Shane also owns and acts as the agent of Johnson Risk Management Crop Insurance Services. They provide risk management for farmers in 14 different Central Illinois Counties. He also owns and operates S&J Gray Trucking Inc. with his wife Joni, son Brady, and daughter Grace. We haul a variety of commodities from grain, field tile, fertilizers, and rock to paper, cardboard, and food grade products all over the Midwest.

😍😍😍We completely agree with Barn Talk Show!

Looking at soil moisture across the state as of April 7th thanks to NASA and USDA Crop-CASMA tool. Also pictured is 2024 soil moisture.

Lance from the Sand County Foundation shares what some Leopold Conservation Award winners have done on their farms. May 1st is the deadline to nominate a farmer or yourself for the 2025 award.

What are you seeing that's grown on the side of the road? Most likely it's field or dent corn. It's not the kind we eat like sweet corn in the summer.

Explore the shrinking land challenge that details how solar farms, wind farms, and urban development are competing with prime agricultural land and threatening food security. 🎥🎥Full Video link in our comments This video is based on the 2023 ACS publication here: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsagscitech.2c00250

After more than 30 years of shaping agricultural policy, Rodney Weinzierl has been recognized as an Honorary Master Farmer. His decades of leadership within the IL Corn Growers Association and the IL Corn Marketing Board have allowed him to build strong, bipartisan relationships with policymakers and industry leaders, enabling him to drive meaningful change at both state and federal levels.

Farming isn't just a job—it's a legacy. This fifth-generation farmer (Don Guinnip) shares how his family has cared for the land since the 1830s, adapting conservation practices to keep the soil productive and in place. Learn about his approach to nitrogen management, crop rotation, no-till practices, and how technology helps maximize efficiency while protecting the land for future generations. #ilfarmer #southernillinois #illinoisfarming #illinois

IL Corn Launches a Dating App for Farmers Introducing “Corn-nections”, a new dating app exclusively for farmers looking for love. The app matches people based on their tillage practices and favorite brand of boots. From Carl: “We met when we both swiped right on ‘no-till’ farming, and now we’re growing a future together.” #aprilfools #butthismaybeagoodidea?

We sat down with Richard Profit, CEO of Cool Farm Alliance, to learn how the Cool Farm Tool helps farmers -- for free. 👉👉Watch the full episode at www.YouTube.com/ilcorn

Happy National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day! 🎉👩‍🌾👨‍🌾 When we think of small businesses, we often picture charming storefronts and family-run shops. But let’s not forget Illinois farmers are some of the original mom-and-pop business owners! 🌽🚜 Farm families work tirelessly to feed, fuel, and clothe the world, making business decisions every day that impact not only their own operations but also entire communities. They balance risk, adapt to challenges, and pass down their expertise from generation to generation. Today, we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of farm families everywhere. Drop a ❤️ to show your support for our nation’s farmers! #NationalMomAndPopBusinessOwnersDay #FarmFamilies #ShopLocalEatLocal #SupportFarmers

Do you use cover crops? Comment with the ones you use and why! #farming #covercrops

This #throwback is a Farm Family we featured last summer at the Normal Cornbelters. >>Crider Farms is a 5th generation farm. Jason and his wife Lauren live in Ellsworth with their children Joel and Kylee. Jason farms with his dad, Dan, and sells Pioneer seed. The family raises soybeans, yellow corn and white food grade corn. They also raise Angus cattle and enjoy showing them at the fair. Are you an Illinois farmer and you want to be featured? Message us! Have you started planting? Comment below.

IL Corn was thrilled with the success of the second annual Illinois Future of Fuels: Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Beyond Conference held a couple weeks ago. The Illinois Manufacturers' Association did a great job of bringing industry experts worldwide to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) opportunities, particularly focusing on corn-based ethanol and the opportunity to position Illinois as a future home for the growing SAF industry.

When you think of NASA and agriculture, you might picture astronauts growing food in space. But did you know NASA has been helping with global ag issues since the 1960s? Full Episode at youtube.com/ilcorn

Whiskey Acres Distilling Co. is on the newest IL Corn TV episode! Watch full episode at YouTube.com/ilcorn

We're #throwingback today to some farm cuties from past year contests. Comment with a photo of your cutie.

Thank you to Illinois Department of Ag for proclaiming today Ag Trade Day!

Happy National Ag Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Where does the beer you're drinking today come from? Corn! *Alien art from OB's Cervezaria

IL Corn farmer leaders had over 70 meetings this week in DC.

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