What Does My Checkoff Fund: U.S. Grains Council

April 27, 2021
A field of corn plants growing in the sun.

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. corn, ethanol and distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) via their presence in 28 international locations and programs in more than 50 countries. The Illinois corn checkoff funds the U.S. Grains Council to assist in these efforts.

 

Trade is the number one market for Illinois corn. Our competitive advantage in the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers makes Illinois farmers a lowest cost transporter of corn, ethanol, and DDGS to international locations. Because of this demand driver, a good portion of your checkoff dollars fund the U.S. Grains Council to keep international markets open and eliminate trade disputes when they occur.

Currently, Ridgway, Illinois farmer Jim Raben is Chair of the U.S. Grains Council.

 

Watch this recently released video to learn more about our important partner.

collage
By Tara Desmond December 11, 2025
Interview with former NCGA President Kenny Hartman, Jr., reflecting on decades of service to Illinois corn farmers, major policy accomplishments, and why young farmers should get involved to shape the future of agriculture.
IL Corn office
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Illinois corn was on full display as a delegation of Japanese journalists toured the U.S. biofuels value chain to better understand how American corn and corn ethanol contribute to a lower-carbon energy future.
Ilinois group n
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Illinois agriculture is once again stepping up to fight hunger.
Rows of green crops in a field at sunset, with the sun's rays shining through the clouds.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Trump Administration announced a one-time package of $12 billion in “bridge payments” to support American farmers.
CEO Justin Brown
By Tara Desmond December 10, 2025
Lakril CEO Justin Brown explains how corn-based sugars become low-carbon acrylic acid, creating new markets for farmers as the company expands in Illinois.
Deer by a stream with
December 5, 2025
Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.The award honors farmers who go above and beyond in their management of their working land.
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