View from the Cab: Meeting season coming

By Kent Casson

Now that the calendar has flipped to November, we are embarking on another winter agriculture meeting season here in Central Illinois.

From farm shows to seminars, there is something for every farmer to learn more about the industry and stay on top of current trends, regulations and products. This reminds me that I have to start filling out my winter meeting calendar now.

One of the meetings that kicks it all off includes the Illinois Corn Growers Association annual meeting on Nov. 26 at the AgriCenter in Bloomington from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All ICGA farmer members, leaders and members of the media are invited to the event at 14171 Carole Drive in Bloomington.

The meeting will feature updates from Dave Rylander, ICGA President; Rodney Weinzierl, IL Corn Executive Director; Jeff Scates, IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman; and Kenneth Hartman, Jr., National Corn Growers Association President. 

ICGA also holds its annual awards ceremony at this event, recognizing farmers and leaders with the Mike Plumer Environmental Award, Randy Stauffer Stewardship Award, Ethanol Award, Excellence in Media Award, and World of Corn Award.

Following the business session of the meeting, ICGA will welcome speakers to address the group including Mary Kay Thatcher, Syngenta; Seth Meyer, USDA; and Dr. Marc Busch, Georgetown University. Please see the attached agenda for more details.

Topics will include:

• State of ICGA, accomplishments of 2024 and goals for 2025

• State of ICMB, accomplishments of 2024 and goals for 2025

• Comments on the profitability playbook, and the checkoff investments that will drive demand

• Discussion on farm bill programs and IL Corn priorities for a new farm bill

• Progress of carbon capture and sequestration in Illinois

• Understanding 45Z tax guidance and helping farmers position their families to participate

• Litigation from IL Corn and our partners against the EPA and DOTs rulemakings for EVs

• Conservation adoption and the upcoming Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy interim deadline