Who are Illinois corn farmers?

One of our priorities is to help non-farmers understand who you are and what you do. We’ve focused quite a few our efforts in Chicago, knowing from research that consumers in Chicago are particularly disengaged from the agriculture going on downstate and that their votes impact your farms and families.

For a general overview of the outreach that we’re involved in, check out the following programs:

Illinois Farm FamiliesIL Corn provides this program in coalition with IL Beef, IL Milk, IL Pork, IL Soybean Associations, and the IL Farm Bureau to talk with Chicago moms and give them on-farm experiences.

Illinois Runs on HomeGrown Corn: This program gives non-farmers the opportunity to “visit” a farm using the newest technology!  We’re using virtual reality viewers and 360-degree filming technology to produce on-farm videos throughout the growing season.

CornBelters: IL Corn tests messages locally and attempts to change opinions in our own college town of Normal, IL by working with the Normal CornBelters.

U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Association: Through the National Corn Growers Association, IL Corn participates in this national collaborative, bringing factual information about agriculture to anyone who wants to know more.  This partnership also brought you the documentary, Farmland.

ARE YOU ATTENDING THE ILLINOIS COMMODITY CONFERENCE?

November 18th, 2010  |  Today's News |  Public Outreach

The Illinois Commodity Conference is next Tuesday, November 23, 9 am to 3 pm.  You’ve probably received a brochure in the mail by now, but you can also review the agenda here. The conference...

More

1 MILLION U.S. CHILDREN WENT TO BED WITHOUT DINNER IN 2009

November 16th, 2010  |  Today's News |  Public Outreach |  Additional Research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a report this week that illustrates the staggering level of food insecurity in this country. In fact, the report indicates that in 2009, as many as 15%...

More

POP CULTURE MYTHS ABOUT FARM POLICY ENDURE DESPITE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY

November 12th, 2010  |  Today's News |  Public Outreach

It’s so frustrating. That is, that common sense and scientific analysis have no place in dissuading the public from their mistaken beliefs on so many things. There is a culture of disbelief…don’t...

More

ENHANCE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS TODAY TO IMPACT POLICY TOMORROW

November 5th, 2010  |  Today's News |  Public Outreach

This week’s elections have meant a lot of things to a lot of people. The ramifications of policy and regulations on farming and farmers are yet to be seen. But no doubt, there will be discussions...

More

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR THE ILLINOIS COMMODITY CONFERENCE YET?

November 2nd, 2010  |  Today's News |  Public Outreach

The Illinois Commodity Conference is three weeks from today, November 23, 9 am to 3 pm.  You’ve probably received a brochure in the mail by now, but you can review the agenda here. The conference...

More