IL Corn Marketing Board Chair Highlights Demand Drivers for Corn by IL Corn

Incoming IL Corn Marketing Board Chair Tim Thompson, a farmer from Morgan County, shared his vision at the 2025 Farm Progress Show. Thompson emphasized the board’s work to strengthen exports (nearly half of Illinois’ corn moves downriver to markets like Mexico, Japan, Colombia, and Canada), while also pushing for year-round E15 to expand domestic demand. Conservation remains another priority, ensuring long-term soil health and sustainability. Partnering with groups like the U.S. Grains Council, the board uses checkoff dollars to build markets and opportunities for Illinois corn both at home and abroad.