View from the Cab: New ICGA leadership

By Kent Casson

A farmer from Waterloo, Illinois is the new president for the Illinois Corn Growers Association.

Garrett Hawkins was elected for 2024-2025 during the ICGA’s reorganizational meeting held following the organization’s annual meeting last week in Bloomington.

Hawkins has served on the ICGA board since November 2017, most recently as vice president. He will continue his role as District 14 director for the duration of his term as president, representing corn farmer members in Bond, Clinton, Madison, Monroe, St. Clair and Washington counties.

Others in leadership roles include Vice President Mark Bunselmeyer of Maroa, Treasurer Dan Parker of Dwight and Secretary Ellan Rahn of Mount Carroll.

Sarah Hastings chairs the Exports Committee while Mike Shane of Peoria is vice-chair. Industrial Committee leaders include Don Guinnip of Marshall and Vice Chairman Michael Houston of Golden. Grassroots Committee leadership includes Chairman Shane Gray and Vice Chair Chris Gould.

The three farmers re-elected as directors include Sarah Hastings of Sidney, Michael Houston of Golden and Don Guinnip of Marshall.

Newly elected directors serving farmers in Districts 3 and 15 include Phil Fuhr of Taylor Ridge and Pervis Ellis of Harrisburg. Newly elected at-large directors serving all of the corn farmers in Illinois include Clint Gorden of Blue Mound and Evan Marr of Jacksonville.

ICGA Board of Directors and the counties each represent are detailed on the website www.ilcorn.org/about-us/icga/directors.

Illinois Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization which represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, D.C. and Springfield. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly and successfully.

The organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects and educational programs.

For more on the work and involvement of ICGA, visit www.ilcorn.org.