IL CORN TV

IL Corn

IL Corn is made up of two farmer-led organizations that serve corn farmers in Illinois: IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and IL Corn Marketing Board (ICMB). ICGA represents the interests of Illinois corn farmers in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL, while ICMB is focused on growing demand, creating new markets, and fostering understanding of corn farmers and the corn industry. Through these two organizations, IL Corn seeks to position corn farmers to create and capture profit opportunities, preserve their independence, and prosper for generations.

  1. 4h ago

    How Farmers Can Fight Food Misinformation

    Telling the story of modern agriculture takes more than facts. It takes communication, shared values, and a willingness to speak up. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Michelle Miller, better known as the Farm Babe @thefarmbabe, about her journey from an urban background to farming and her work helping consumers better understand modern agriculture. Michelle shares how her own misconceptions about farming changed after she became involved in agriculture. They discuss GMOs, pesticides, food labels, social media misinformation, and how farmers can have more productive conversations with consumers. Michelle also shares the story of how speaking up about a Burger King campaign led to a conversation with the company and a new approach to telling the story of farmers and sustainability. Key Takeaways:   0:00 – Meet the Farm Babe 1:58 – Trading City Life for Farm Life 4:48  – The Beliefs Farming Changed 5:53 – Why Farmers and Consumers Feel So Far Apart 7:30 – Talking Agriculture Without the Fight 10:03 – The Burger King Conversation 12:50 – Why Speaking Up Matters 14:31 – Not to be Corny 15:18 – Building Trust With Consumers 16:23 – Wrapping Up Learn more about The Farm Babe: https://thefarmbabe.com/ More about Illinois Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org #ILCornTV #FarmBabe #MichelleMiller #Agriculture #ModernAgriculture #AgCommunication #Farmers #GMOs #Pesticides #AgAdvocacy

  2. Sep 21

    How Family Farms Are Thriving Through Agritourism

    What happens when Dolly Parton meets the world of corn mazes? This fall, farms across the U.S. and Canada are bringing Dolly’s legacy to life while creating new ways for families to experience agriculture. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke talks with Annette Jenkins, Manager at All Seasons Orchard, and Kamille Combs, Marketing Director for The Maize, about the growing world of corn mazes, family farms, and the special Dolly Parton collaboration supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Annette shares what makes All Seasons Orchard a favorite fall destination, while Kamille explains how corn mazes can help small farms diversify their income. They also explore the story behind the Dolly Parton collaboration and how 20 farms are turning corn mazes into memorable family experiences. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Welcome to All Seasons Orchard 1:00 – More Than Just a Corn Maze 1:31 – Bringing New Life to the Family Farm 3:04 – How Dolly Parton Came to the Maze 4:40 – What Makes the Maze a Hit 4:58 – A Few Corny Moments 5:30 – Apples, Family & Farm Traditions 6:38 – Behind the Scenes at the Orchard 7:24 – A Big Year for the Corn Maze 8:29 – More Than Just Getting Lost 9:48 – The Memories That Bring Families Back 11:15 – Find a Dolly Maze Near You 11:54 – Wrapping Up the Conversation 📍 Learn more about All Seasons Orchard and The Maize: https://www.allseasonsorchard.com/ https://themaize.com/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in Dolly Parton, corn mazes, family farms, agritourism, and Illinois agriculture. #ILCornTV #DollyParton #CornMaze #Agritourism #FamilyFarms #IllinoisAgriculture #DollysImaginationLibrary #AllSeasonsOrchard

  3. Sep 14

    Why Farmers Are Turning to Spray Drones

    There’s a lot more to farming than planting and harvesting. For Clayton DeYoung, it’s also about spotting problems in the field, trying new technology, and finding creative ways to grow his business. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Clayton, a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur from Melvin, Illinois, about crop scouting, photography, and his work with agricultural drones. Clayton shares what he’s learned from identifying crop diseases, how photography turned into a side business, and where drones can make a real difference in the field. They also talk about spray drones, LiDAR, drone training, and what new technology could mean for the next generation of farmers. Episode Highlights 0:00 – Introduction: Clayton DeYoung 1:54 – Crop Scouting Insights 4:23 – From Photography to Business 6:53 – Agricultural Drone Operations 8:08– How Spray Drones Improve Productivity 10:12 – Becoming a Certified Drone Operator 11:18 – Inspiring the Next Generation 11:50 – Not to be Corny 12:26 – Closing Thoughts 📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For inquiries about IL Corn TV sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow, and share it with someone interested in farming, ag technology, drones, and the future of agriculture. #ILCornTV #Agriculture #Farming #AgTechnology #DronesInAgriculture #PrecisionAg #CropScouting #IllinoisFarmers

  4. Sep 7

    Can Corn Fuel the Future of Flight

    The future of corn demand may depend on what happens beyond the farm and inside the research facilities working to turn new ideas into real-world fuel solutions. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Evan, a visiting research fellow and operator at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, about the research and innovation shaping the future of ethanol and renewable fuels. Evan gives a look inside NCERC and explains how researchers test new technologies, explore ways to improve ethanol production, and identify opportunities to create more demand for corn. The conversation also explores the potential of sustainable aviation fuel and maritime fuel, along with the financial and production challenges that must be addressed before these markets can grow at scale. Episode Highlights: 0:00 – Meet Evan and NCERC 2:34 – Inside NCERC 3:30 – New Ways to Create Demand for Corn 3:50 – Not to Be Corny 4:55 – What’s Holding Back Sustainable Aviation Fuel? 5:55 – The Potential of Maritime Fuel 7:06 – How Farming Practices Affect Ethanol 8:08 – How Illinois Corn Growers Support NCERC 9:37 – The Future of Ethanol by 2035 10:30 – Closing Thoughts 📍 Learn more about the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center: https://www.siue.edu/ncerc/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in ethanol, renewable fuels, corn demand, and the future of agriculture. #ILCornTV #Ethanol #CornDemand #NCERC #Biofuels #RenewableFuels #SAF #SustainableAviationFuel #AgTech #CornInnovation #IllinoisAgriculture #FutureOfFarming

  5. Aug 31

    The Secret to a 159-Year Family Farm

    Building a farm that lasts for generations takes more than hard work. It takes family, adaptability, good stewardship, and a willingness to keep learning and sharing what works. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Lou Lamoreaux, a 2024 Master Farmer from Lanark, Illinois, about his family’s farm, beef cattle production, and the lessons he has learned through decades in agriculture and leadership. Lou shares the history of his family farm, established in 1867, and how the next generation has stepped into management.  Key Takeaways: 0:00 – Meet Lou Lamoreaux, 2024 Master Farmer 1:25 – Farming Secrets Worth Sharing 2:00 – Why Farmers Share What Works 2:30 – A Family Farm Since 1867 4:49 – Bringing the Next Generation Back 5:13 – Growing More Than Just Corn 5:28 – Not to Be Corny 6:16 – Why Genetics Matter in Cattle 8:25 – The Rising Cost of Raising Cattle 9:59 – Why Comfort Matters for Cattle 11:00 – Keeping Cattle Healthy and Comfortable 12:24 – The Best Part of Raising Cattle 13:05 – The Future of Beef Farming 14:16 – The Labor Challenge in Agriculture 16:00 – What the Illinois Corn Checkoff Supports 17:20 – New Uses for Corn 18:04 – Closing Thoughts Learn about Lamoreux Family Farms: https://www.facebook.com/Lamfambeef/ More about Illinois Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 📲 Follow @ilcorn on social media for updates, industry insights, and future episodes. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in family farming, livestock production, leadership, and the future of agriculture. #ILCornTV #BeefCattle #FamilyFarming #Agriculture #Livestock #FarmLife #CattleProduction #Ethanol #SustainableAviationFuel #NextGenerationFarmers

  6. Aug 24

    Water Quality Starts on the Farm

    How can farmers protect water quality while also improving soil health and farm profitability? Host Megan Dwyer sits down with Rachel Curry, an Agriculture and Agribusiness Educator at the University of Illinois Extension @UIExtension, to explore nutrient loss, water quality, and the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. The conversation breaks down where nutrient loss comes from, how point and non-point sources differ, and why addressing water quality requires a statewide effort. Rachel also shares how conservation practices such as cover crops and no-till can help farmers retain nutrients in the soil, reduce input costs, and support long-term farm profitability. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Meet Rachel Curry & Nutrient Loss Reduction 00:48 – The Importance of Open Communication 01:35 – Understanding the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy 03:52 – Point Source vs. Non-Point Source Pollution 05:30 – Not To Be Corny 06:10 – Connecting Water Quality, Soil Health & Profitability 07:25 – How Conservation Practices Can Reduce Input Costs 09:22 – Common Misconceptions About Agriculture & Nutrient Loss 12:12 – Challenges of Cover Crops, No-Till & Rented Ground 12:42 – Why Farmers Care About Water Quality 13:29 – Protecting Water, Farmers & Communities 13:43 – Final Thoughts Find more: University of Illinois Extension: https://illinois.edu/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in water quality, soil health, conservation, and the future of Illinois agriculture. #WaterQuality #NutrientLoss #SoilHealth #Conservation #CoverCrops #NoTill #IllinoisAgriculture #FarmProfitability #ILCornTV

  7. Aug 17

    Cover Crops Made Farming More Profitable

    Building a stronger farm starts with making decisions that improve soil health, protect resources, and support long-term profitability. Host John Klemm sits down with Jay Whalen, a fifth-generation farmer at Whalen Farms and seed specialist with ProHarvest Seeds, to discuss his journey implementing cover crops, no-till farming, and other conservation practices on his Illinois operation. Jay shares how he started small with cover crops, learned through trial and error, and gradually expanded conservation practices across his entire farm. The conversation explores how soil health, data, and hands-on experience have helped Jay improve his operation, reduce inputs, and make more informed decisions. Jay also discusses the challenges of adopting new farming practices, the importance of finding the right fit for each operation, and why return on investment and profitability remain at the center of every farm decision. Key Takeaways: 0:00 – Meet Jay Whalen and his family farming legacy 1:47 – Not to be corny 2:30 – Meet Jay & ProHarvest Seeds 3:13 – Jay’s Journey Into Cover Crops 4:05 – Honoring Conservation Leadership 5:19 – The Challenges of Conservation Adoption 6:11 – Starting Small With Cover Crops 7:23 – Scaling Cover Crops Across the Farm 11:28 – Building Healthier Soils 13:00 – The ROI of Conservation 14:00 – Finding What Fits Your Farm 15:04 – Final Thoughts 🌱 Learn more about IL Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in conservation agriculture, soil health, and the future of farming. #ILCornTV #ConservationAgriculture #CoverCrops #SoilHealth #NoTillFarming #FarmManagement #CornFarmers #IllinoisAgriculture #SustainableFarming

About

IL Corn is made up of two farmer-led organizations that serve corn farmers in Illinois: IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and IL Corn Marketing Board (ICMB). ICGA represents the interests of Illinois corn farmers in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL, while ICMB is focused on growing demand, creating new markets, and fostering understanding of corn farmers and the corn industry. Through these two organizations, IL Corn seeks to position corn farmers to create and capture profit opportunities, preserve their independence, and prosper for generations.