Why I’ve been an IL Corn Growers Association Member for 40+ years

My name is Rob Elliott. We live and farm near Monmouth, IL in the West Central part of the state. I’ve been a member of the IL Corn Growers Association for more than 40 years. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as an officer and director of the Illinois board, as well as, the National Corn Growers Association board. Allow me to provide a brief perspective on what being a member in IL has meant to me and many farmers across the state.

We in ag probably have been somewhat guilty of taking success for granted in good times and complaining about things when times get challenging. Success in any business or industry from a big picture perspective, doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of a lot of hard work and effort coupled with some pretty significant investment. Prosperity and profitability in an industry don’t come quickly either. Change or market progress happen as the result of long-term efforts focused on strategic continuous improvement coupled with check-off type investments toward the future health of the industry. Illinois Corn Growers has led the charge to this end since its inception 50 some years ago.

Key success participation areas for IL Corn over the last several years –

Development of the ethanol industry creating new corn demand for 5 billion bushels of corn
Investment in new corn uses resulting in increased corn grind
New export market development with emerging world economies in conjunction with US Grains Council
Significant partnership efforts with the livestock industries and other commodity organizations
Longtime advocacy for upgrades and replacement to Locks and Dams on our inland waterway system
Numerous and diverse policy efforts including work on many Farm Bills
Biotech freedom to operate for corn traits around the world for approval and import
Image and advocacy efforts to maintain ag relevancy to a growing urban population

When it comes to the policy arena, whether in Washington DC or Springfield, IL, IL Corn has been a very respected voice and always taken a leadership role. The key strength for Corn Growers has always been the value of the organization’s grassroots nature – an entity of farmers led by farmers. That grassroots perspective is a competitive advantage in capturing the attention of legislative representatives. Policy tends to be a complex area that takes watchdog vigilance and continual efforts to keep pace with the issues affecting all of us as growers in so many ways. Often success in policy is not always what you get to happen but often what you keep from happening. We as Illinois farmers and corn growers have been represented well here.

So as we think back over the decades passed and long careers for many, we certainly have faced many challenges in our industry and market. In the final tally though, we have experienced significant success, increased profitability, and market growth. Many of these milestone achievements would not have been possible without the diligent efforts of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. I am proud to say being a member of the organization over those many years has been a positive experience and a great investment in each of our collective futures. My hope is that things can continue, new folks will step forward to participate, and future generations can benefit as many of us have experienced.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Hear from Lou Lamoreux: Livestock Farmer and Former IL Corn Board Director

By Tara Desmond • September 3, 2026

Livestock farmer Lou Lamoreux talks about his farming operation.

captain Cornelius at shake it up cocktail lounge

Cheers to Corn This Labor Day

By Tara Desmond • September 3, 2026

4.29M bushels of U.S. corn fueled beverage alcohol production in July 2026 alone — up 54% from July 2025. Corn's in your Labor Day toast!

Can Short Stature Corn Deliver? Steve Fourez Puts It to the Test

By Tara Desmond • September 3, 2026

Illinois farmer Steve Fourez tests short stature corn against conventional hybrids, exploring yield potential and late-season management benefits.

USDA Announces Plans to Modernize Agricultural Data Collection

By Lyndi Allen • September 3, 2026

This week, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Data Modernization Plan to put Farmers First, reduce unnecessary burdens on producers, and improve the timeliness, accuracy, and usefulness of the data that informs agricultural decisions. USDA data informs crop and livestock estimates, risk-management tools, disaster assistance, and critical business decisions made by farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, researchers, and policymakers. In February 2026, Secretary Rollins issued a Request for Information seeking feedback on the opportunities, challenges, and emerging areas in USDA data. That feedback helped shape the USDA Data Modernization Plan and its four pillars: Modernize the Data Reporting Experience: USDA will expand use of administrative data, improve mobile access to surveys, explore opportunities to use prefilled information where appropriate, and strengthen coordination across the Department. These changes will reduce duplicative requests and limit the amount of time producers spend reporting information. Enhance Acreage and Yield Estimation: USDA will conduct a pilot to evaluate the use of improved satellite imagery, geospatial tools, crop models, and other emerging technologies combined with essential producer-reported information to enhance acreage and yield estimations. USDA will also assess the use of optional field inputs to enhance and ground truth yield estimates and continue advancing yield research through collaboration with agricultural partners and land-grant universities. Integrate Data and Technology Platforms: USDA will modernize its technology infrastructure, expand secure data-sharing capabilities, and evaluate the responsible use of tools such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Better integrated systems will improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and allow USDA to produce more timely and useful information. Expand Trust and Transparency with Producers: USDA will protect producer privacy, clearly explain why information is requested and how it is used, and create additional opportunities for producers to provide feedback. USDA will also improve communication surrounding reports, methodologies, response rates, and data limitations. USDA will begin implementing actions under the plan immediately and will continue engaging farmers, ranchers, and agricultural stakeholders throughout the process. The Department will evaluate new approaches carefully, protect privacy and confidentiality, and publish clear methodologies and supporting information to maintain the integrity of USDA’s agricultural statistics. See USDA’s Full Data Modernization Plan

Cornfield beside a dirt path under a blue sky with wispy clouds

EPA Grants Biofuel Exemptions

By Lyndi Allen • September 2, 2026

EPA has granted 1.76 billion RIN exemptions to small refiners, raising concerns among farmers and biofuel producers about the potential impact on demand for renewable fuel.

Week Ending 8/28/26 Summary

By Lyndi Allen • August 28, 2026

News from IL Corn for week ending 8/28/26