Today, the IL Corn Growers Association named Matt Rush, a Fairfield, IL farmer, the new Vice President of the association. Rush will serve until November 2022 after Terry Smith of Clayton, IL was unable to complete his term as Vice President. “We’re thrilled to have Matt step in as Vice President, says Marty Marr, ICGA President, “We will benefit from his leadership and strategic thinking skills.”

During his six-year tenure on the ICGA Board of Directors, Smith served as Industrial Committee Chair, Exports Committee Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. He also served a term on the Market Development Action Team for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) from 2020-2021 and the NCGA Feed, Food and Industrial Action team in 2019. The association is extremely grateful for Smith’s contribution to Illinois corn farmers, specifically his extensive knowledge of ethanol issues and thanks him for his service.

The shift caused other leadership changes for the association. Don Guinnip of Marshall steps up as Chair of the Industrial Committee, Kate Danner of Aledo will serve as Chair of the Exports Committee and Dave Rylander of Victoria will serve as Chair of the Grassroots Committee.  Joe Murphy of Harrisburg will remain Secretary and Mark Bunselmeyer of Maroa will remain Treasurer.

ICGA is left with a vacancy in District 9, serving farmers in Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, Pike, and Schuyler Counties. Members who are interested in serving on the IL Corn Growers Association Board from one of these counties can express their interest by calling or emailing the IL Corn office at 309-846-6622 or kgallagher@ilcorn.org. 

Pictured above from left to right.  Mark Bunselmeyer, Marty Marr, Matt Rush, Joe Murphy.