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. 6d ago

    History of Illinois Corn Groups and University of Illinois

    From uncovering forgotten agricultural manuscripts to tracing the evolution of hybrid corn and the IL Corn Growers Association, University of Illinois student and IL Corn intern Lyndon Shi joins host Lindsay Croke to explore how Illinois agriculture history continues to shape modern farming and global food systems. Episode Highlights: 0:00 - Intro 0:44 - The Internship Journey & Harold Guither’s Manuscript Discovery 2:05 - IL Corn: A Living History 2:40 - Davenport & the Roots of Ag Education 4:25 - The Rise of Seed Companies & Industry Transformation 6:11 - Inside the Two IL Corn Associations 9:23 - The Hybrid Corn Revolution Explained 10:47 -  Farming Futures: Costs vs Yield Reality Check 13:21 - Lyndon’s Taiwan Agriculture Policy Study 15:01 - Key Takeaways from IL Corn 15:49 - “Not To Be Corny” Moment Tune in to hear how Illinois agriculture evolved from early farmer organizations to global innovation in hybrid corn, and how research, policy, and education continue to shape the future of farming. Follow IL Corn TV: 📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts 📩 Want to be a guest on IL Corn TV? Contact: marketing@ilcorn.org Enjoyed this episode? Follow the show, rate it, and share it with someone interested in agricultural history, innovation, and the future of farming. #ILCornTV #HybridCorn #AgricultureHistory #CornGrowers #UniversityOfIllinois #AgEducation #CropScience #SoilHealth #SustainableAgriculture #AgTech #FoodSecurity #GreenRevolution #CornHistory #FarmEducation

    17 min
  2. Jun 1

    How Agriculture Drives 20% of the U.S. Economy

    Behind every meal, product, and paycheck is a system many don’t fully see, but it all starts with agriculture. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke sits down with John Bode, President and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, to break down the Feeding the Economy report and what it reveals about the true scale of agriculture in the U.S. economy. John shares how agriculture and its related industries make up nearly 20% of the U.S. economy and support one in five American jobs. He also unpacks the challenges farmers are facing today, from declining exports and trade deficits to growing economic pressure at the production level. The conversation highlights how deeply connected the entire system is, from manufacturing to food service—and why a strong foundation in ag production is critical. They also explore future opportunities through the bioeconomy, ethanol, and plant-based products, and what it will take to keep U.S. agriculture competitive. Episode Highlights 0:00 – Introduction: John Bode 0:56 – What is the Feeding the Economy report? 2:00 – Agriculture’s role in the U.S. economy 2:52 – Jobs and careers tied to agriculture 3:48 – Wage trends and pressures in ag production 5:01 – Why farmers are the foundation of the system 5:47 – Export challenges and trade concerns 8:18 – Beyond corn and soybeans: ag products explained 9:19 – The importance of global markets 9:56 – The future of agriculture and the bioeconomy 12:32 – Not To Be Corny 📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you found this episode helpful, follow the show and share it with someone interested in the future of agriculture and the farm economy. #ILCornTV #AgEconomy #FeedingTheEconomy #Bioeconomy #AgExports #FarmEconomy #CornRefinersAssociation

    14 min
  3. May 25

    Meet Yara - A Brazil Farmer, Agronomist & HR Expert

    Agriculture today is shaped not just by where you farm, but by how globally connected you are, and the leaders who step forward to share their voice. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Yara de Geus, a Brazilian agronomist, family farmer, and member of the Global Farmer Network. As we celebrate the Year of the International Woman Farmer, Yara shares her journey from growing up on a family farm in Brazil to studying and working in the United States and ultimately returning home to help lead and manage her family’s farming operation. From Pioneer seed production work in Iowa and Hawaii to running a 2,400-acre farm with cattle and a team of 35 people, Yara brings a powerful perspective on modern agriculture, leadership, and the importance of people management in farming. She also reflects on how the Global Farmer Network connects farmers worldwide to exchange ideas, challenges, and solutions that strengthen agriculture everywhere. 0:00 – Introduction 1:05 – Meet Yara de Geus: Brazil & Global Farmer Network 2:17 – Studying agronomy and working in the United States 3:30 – Experience with Pioneer in Iowa and Hawaii seed production 4:11 – Challenges and innovation in Brazilian agriculture 6:36 – Joining the Global Farmer Network 7:46 – Managing a large farm and the importance of HR in agriculture 8:49 – Why she chose to return to farming 9:54 – Advice for young and emerging farmers 12:27 – Not To Be Corny 📧 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 conversation, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in global agriculture, farm leadership, and the future of farming. #ILCornTV #GlobalFarmerNetwork #BrazilAgriculture #FarmLeadership #Agronomy #InternationalWomanFarmer #WomenInAgriculture #WorldFarming

    14 min
  4. May 18

    Autonomous AI Sprayer Changes Weed Control

    Bringing robotics and artificial intelligence into the field is changing how farmers think about weed control and efficiency. In this episode of ILCorn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Taylor Wetli, U.S. Commercial Manager for Solinftec, about the Solix Autonomous Sprayer and the future of precision agriculture. Taylor explains how AI-powered cameras detect weeds in real time, enabling plant-by-plant spraying that can reduce chemical use by up to 90%. He also shares how solar-powered autonomy, fleet-based deployment, and a simple, farmer-friendly design are helping scale this technology across the Midwest. From early-season herbicide use to future applications in fungicides and micronutrients, this conversation explores how robotics is reshaping crop management and the future of farming. Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Introduction 1:05 – Inside Solinftec & the Solix Autonomous Sprayer 2:00 – How AI Spots Weeds in the Field Instantly 3:55 – Solar-Powered Design & Simplicity in the Machine 5:38 – Ease of Use & Early Feedback 6:46 – The Fleet Approach to Farm Operations 9:13 – Herbicide, Fungicide & What’s Next 10:54 – Retail, Service & Access Model 12:05 – Policy Talk: Farm Bill & Precision Ag Direction 12:56 – Early Adopters: Who’s Using the Tech Today 16:13 – Cost vs Value: What It Means for the Market 16:41 – Not To Be Corny 17:33 – Final Thoughts 📍 Learn more about Solinftec: https://www.solinftec.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 robotics, precision agriculture, and the future of farming. Help spread how AI is transforming modern agriculture. #ILCornTV #AgTech #PrecisionAgriculture #AutonomousFarming #RoboticsInAg #SmartFarming #FarmInnovation #IllinoisAgriculture #WeedControl #FutureOfFarming #Solinftec

    18 min
  5. May 11

    Music: The Best Way to Teach Ag

    Making farm parody videos that reach millions of people doesn’t happen overnight. It takes creativity, consistency, and a willingness to tell agriculture’s story in a way that actually connects. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers to talk about how a simple classroom idea at Kansas State University turned into viral farm music parodies that helped shape one of agriculture’s most recognizable social media voices. Greg shares the story behind their first video, the unexpected viral success of “Tractorstuck,” and how their content evolved into a platform that now blends farming, storytelling, and business opportunities. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Peterson Farm Brothers built their brand while staying rooted in real farm life—and why authenticity still wins in ag content today. Episode Highlights 0:00 – Introduction 0:42 – Meet Greg Peterson (Peterson Farm Brothers) 1:45 – The First Viral Farming Parody 3:15 – Behind the Farm Parody Songs 4:46 – “Tractorstuck” & Going Viral 5:25 – From Content to Sponsorships 7:26 – Building an Ag Brand Online 8:23 – Standing Out in Ag Content 10:47 – Favorite Parody: “Forage Harvester” 11:32 – Farm Stereotypes: What’s Real? 12:52 – Best Farmer & Entertainer 14:42 – Not to Be Corny: Dad Joke 15:20 – Closing Thoughts 📺 Follow the Peterson Farm Brothers on YouTube: 🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PetersonFarmBros 📧 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, don’t forget to follow, share, and send this to someone who loves farming, storytelling, or good ag content. #ILCornTV #PetersonFarmBrothers #AgLife #FarmingLife #AgInfluencers #FarmStories #Agriculture #SocialMediaMarketing #FarmContent #RuralAmerica #AgEducation #ContentCreation

    16 min
  6. Apr 20

    Live From the Field: Planting with Brady Gray

    Running a farm and a trucking business at the same time takes more than hard work. It takes focus, communication, and smart decision-making. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke goes live from the field with Brady Gray of Gray Family Farms in central Illinois. While planting, Brady shares what it’s like working alongside his dad and grandfather, growing their operation over the years, and managing the day-to-day realities of two connected businesses.  Get an honest, in-the-field conversation about family, resilience, and what it really takes to keep a modern farm running strong. Episode Highlights 0:00 – From the Field: Lindsay Croke Intro 0:42 – Getting to Know Brady Gray of Gray Family Farms 2:04 – Life on the Farm + Running a Trucking Business 3:00 – Why Farming Still Feels Worth It 3:38 – What Season Hits Different on the Farm 4:09 – Memories From Growing Up Around Agriculture 4:48 – Meals in the Field & Family Rituals 5:17 – Dream Podcast Guest & Farm Logistics Talk 6:28 – Sunrise Starts vs Late Night Finishes 7:03 – Social Media & Modern Farm Voices 7:49 – Balancing Stress Between Two Businesses 9:24 – Advice for Farmers in a Tough Economy 11:20 – What Keeps Family Farms Running Smooth 11:44 – Not To Be Corny: The Corn Joke Moment 📍 Learn how staying efficient, keeping costs in check, and communicating well can help navigate today’s farm economy. 📧 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, don’t forget to follow, share, and send this to someone in ag. #ILCornTV #FamilyFarming #AgEconomy #FarmLife #ModernFarming #AgPodcast #FarmOperations #GrayFamilyFarms

    12 min

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.