Farm policy impacts our members, their farms, and their families
Our overarching goal is to promote policy that drives corn demand, as demand will ultimately help family farmer profitability.
Our specific priorities are:
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Ethanol policies like clearing up the Renewable Volume Obligation issue and maintaining the Renewable Fuel Standard will ensure the health of the ethanol market.
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Trade policies like new free trade agreements and new investment in international markets will provide new avenues to sell Illinois corn.
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Secure funding for the Navigational Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) which will enable new and upgraded locks and dams along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. This relates to our second priority, as adequate infrastructure is needed to ship more corn overseas.
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Preserve a robust and sustainable crop insurance for U.S. farmers to help them manage weather risk. Our members tell us that crop insurance is working to keep them in business.
A Government Shutdown Could Impact Farmers
The days are ticking as Congress approaches the reality of a government shutdown. Although political debates in Washington D.C. may feel far from the midwest, the agriculture industry would be...
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A Bustling Washington Takes on Issues Important to Farmers as Fall Arrives and Deadlines Loom
Fall is quickly arriving in the nation’s capital and with it comes the sense that Congress has much to accomplish in a very short period with potential roadblocks along the way. Perhaps the most...
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Ethanol and Biofuels Drive Conversation at Farm Progress Show
During the Farm Progress Show, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-13) stood alongside farmers and biofuels experts to confirm ethanol’s role in lowering carbon and supporting rural economies....
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Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Grain and Livestock Industries
This spring, Illinois pork producer Chad Leman received a grim announcement from the Supreme Court on his fiftieth birthday. On May 11, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition...
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Members of Congress Head Home to Hear from Constituents During August Recess
I still remember arriving in Washington, D.C., as a young congressional intern and quickly figuring out my favorite and not so favorite aspects of the city. The hot, sticky summers here were one...
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Maize Matters: Blue Jackets on the Hill
This story is a feature article in ICGA's PAC Newsletter: Maize Matters Blue corduroy jackets were hot and heavy in Washington D.C during July, but Illinois FFA members said they were honored...
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Illinois Farmers Council looks ahead at the future of agriculture
Yesterday, the IL Corn Growers Association teamed up with agricultural organizations throughout the state to discuss emerging markets and legislation impacting the industry. The 2023...
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ICGA and FFA grows roots in DC
IL Corn farmer leaders and Illinois FFA were seen throughout the United States’ Capitol last week advocating for membership priorities and attending the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn...
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History, Current Challenges, Highlight Need for a Robust Farm Bill
Imagine for a moment that it’s 1933, and you’re in a quaint, white farmhouse somewhere in the middle of America. Fascism is on the rise and the country is heading for a second world war while...
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Illinois Farmers Council meets with Durbin and Jackson
The Illinois Farmers Council joined U.S. Senator Richard Durbin and U.S. Representative Johnathan Jackson (IL-1) to discuss the 2023 Farm Bill, last week in Bloomington, Illinois. Senator...
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IL Corn Growers Association and National Corn Growers Association Express Concerns to the President, Build New Coalition
In a letter to President Biden, 90 trade groups outlined significant concerns with the EPA’s proposed recent rules and the need to preserve consumers’ access to affordable, reliable and efficient...
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EPA “Bets the Farm” on EVs
The Environmental Protection Agency’s vehicle emissions standards are driving the United States towards electric vehicles and away from renewable fuels. The EPA proposal, released in April, will...
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IL Corn Top Priority Discussed in D.C.
Representative Jonathan Jackson (D-1) questioned witnesses about funding the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development (FMD) program during a House Agriculture Subcommittee...
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Corn Growers Are Heard Through Congressional Hearings
Spring is proving to be a busy time between corn planting and grower leaders taking full advantage of every opportunity to talk about our priorities for the farm bill. The farm bill, which...
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IL Corn Advocates Ethanol Incentive Before State Senate Revenue Committee
IL Corn Director of Public Policy Brad Stotler testified last week in Springfield before the Senate Revenue Committee on SB 1869, legislation sponsored by Sen. Pat Joyce to incentivize fuels with...
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Rep. Mary Miller Cosponsors Bill Supporting Trade Funding in Upcoming Farm Bill
Representative Mary Miller cosponsored the “Agriculture Export Promotion Act of 2023” (H.R.648) this week, a bill that is a top priority for the IL Corn Growers Association. The bill supports...
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IL Corn Supports Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act was introduced today, cosponsored by Illinois Congressman Mike Bost, to protect Americans’ freedom of choice when purchasing...
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Legislative Team Strengthens Voice for Farmers
With fewer lawmakers representing rural America in Congress and in the state legislature, it is more important than ever for farmers to be well represented in Washington D.C. and at our state...
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New Year Brings Continued Negotiations with Mexico Over Biotech Corn Imports
As we enter 2023, we are reminded that we are now one-year out from the effective date of the decree banning most corn imports from the U.S. into Mexico. The National Corn Growers Association,...
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IL Corn Joins Farmer Leaders from Across the Country in Calling on Biden to Set Quick, Firm Timeline While Pressing Case on Biotech Corn with Mexico
Bloomington, IL – The presidents of 23 state corn grower groups, joined by the president of the National Corn Growers Association, sent a letter to President Biden today calling for him to take...
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