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. Jun 22

    Why E15 Is Safe for Modern Engines

    Explore the facts behind ethanol, E15, and the future of higher-octane fuels in America. Automotive engineer and ethanol researcher Brian West joins host Shane Gray to break down some of the biggest myths surrounding ethanol blends, fuel efficiency, engine performance, and consumer concerns around E15. Drawing from more than 30 years of research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Brian explains why ethanol continues to play an important role in modern engines, fuel affordability, and American energy independence. Inside This Episode 0:00 – Introduction to Brian West 1:35 – Common myths about ethanol 4:12 – Why ethanol boosts octane 6:48 – The growing support behind E15 9:14 – Does E15 really harm engines? 12:26 – Fuel economy and ethanol performance 15:42 – Which vehicles can use E15 safely? 17:36 – Why fuel pump labels confuse drivers 20:08 – Understanding E20 and E30 blends 23:41 – Expanding E15 infrastructure across the U.S. 26:18 – Why ethanol matters for consumers and farmers 28:02 – Not To Be Corny 📍 Learn more about IL Corn https://www.ilcorn.org/ 📧 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, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in ethanol, engines, and the future of American fuel. #ILCornTV #E15 #Unleaded88 #HigherOctane #RenewableFuel #FuelEfficiency #EnginePerformance #Biofuels

    17 min
  2. Jun 15

    How Corn Exports Impact Illinois Farm Profits

    What does it take to connect Illinois corn farmers to global markets, and why does trade policy matter more than most people realize? In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with Andrew Brandt, Director of Trade Policy for the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council, to break down how global trade decisions directly impact U.S. corn demand, farm profitability, and the long-term future of agriculture. Key Takeaways: 0:00 – Introduction 0:55 – What the  U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council Does 2:10 - How Trade Policy Impacts Illinois Corn Farmers 3:35 - Why Export Markets Matter for U.S. Corn Demand 5:20 - Key Growth Regions: Southeast Asia, India, and Africa 6:45 - China’s Evolving Role in Global Corn Trade 8:10 - The Rise of Ethanol Exports and Biofuel Demand 9:40 - SAF vs. Marine Fuel and the Future of Ethanol Use 11:05 - Bunker Fuel and Cleaner Shipping Alternatives 12:30 - Global Competition and Brazil’s Expanding Production 14:10 - The Value of Checkoff-Funded Market Development 16:00 - Building Long-Term Global Trade Relationships 17:30 - Why Market Development Takes Years to Pay Off 19:10 - Not To Be Corny 📍 Learn more about IL Corn TV: https://www.ilcorn.org/ 📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts 📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in the future of agriculture. #ILCornTV #AgPolicy #TradePolicy #CornExports #Ethanol #Biofuels #GlobalAgriculture #FarmEconomy #USGBC

    18 min
  3. Jun 8

    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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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

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.