IL CORN TV

Hosted by IL Corn

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Episodes

116

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

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June 15, 2026Episode 11517 min

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 – Introduction0:55 – What the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council Does2:10 - How Trade Policy Impacts Illinois Corn Farmers3:35 - Why Export Markets Matter for U.S. Corn Demand5:20 - Key Growth Regions: Southeast Asia, India, and Africa6:45 - China’s Evolving Role in Global Corn Trade8:10 - The Rise of Ethanol Exports and Biofuel Demand9:40 - SAF vs. Marine Fuel and the Future of Ethanol Use11:05 - Bunker Fuel and Cleaner Shipping Alternatives12:30 - Global Competition and Brazil’s Expanding Production14:10 - The Value of Checkoff-Funded Market Development16:00 - Building Long-Term Global Trade Relationships17:30 - Why Market Development Takes Years to Pay Off19:10 - 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

June 8, 2026Episode 11416 min

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 - Intro0:44 - The Internship Journey & Harold Guither’s Manuscript Discovery2:05 - IL Corn: A Living History2:40 - Davenport & the Roots of Ag Education4:25 - The Rise of Seed Companies & Industry Transformation6:11 - Inside the Two IL Corn Associations9:23 - The Hybrid Corn Revolution Explained10:47 - Farming Futures: Costs vs Yield Reality Check13:21 - Lyndon’s Taiwan Agriculture Policy Study15:01 - Key Takeaways from IL Corn15:49 - “Not To Be Corny” MomentTune 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.orgEnjoyed 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

June 1, 2026Episode 11313 min

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 Highlights0:00 – Introduction: John Bode0:56 – What is the Feeding the Economy report?2:00 – Agriculture’s role in the U.S. economy2:52 – Jobs and careers tied to agriculture3:48 – Wage trends and pressures in ag production5:01 – Why farmers are the foundation of the system5:47 – Export challenges and trade concerns8:18 – Beyond corn and soybeans: ag products explained9:19 – The importance of global markets9:56 – The future of agriculture and the bioeconomy12:32 – 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

May 25, 2026Episode 11213 min

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 – Introduction1:05 – Meet Yara de Geus: Brazil & Global Farmer Network2:17 – Studying agronomy and working in the United States3:30 – Experience with Pioneer in Iowa and Hawaii seed production4:11 – Challenges and innovation in Brazilian agriculture6:36 – Joining the Global Farmer Network7:46 – Managing a large farm and the importance of HR in agriculture8:49 – Why she chose to return to farming9:54 – Advice for young and emerging farmers12:27 – Not To Be Corny📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.orgIf 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

May 18, 2026Episode 11118 min

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 – Introduction1:05 – Inside Solinftec & the Solix Autonomous Sprayer2:00 – How AI Spots Weeds in the Field Instantly3:55 – Solar-Powered Design & Simplicity in the Machine5:38 – Ease of Use & Early Feedback6:46 – The Fleet Approach to Farm Operations9:13 – Herbicide, Fungicide & What’s Next10:54 – Retail, Service & Access Model12:05 – Policy Talk: Farm Bill & Precision Ag Direction12:56 – Early Adopters: Who’s Using the Tech Today16:13 – Cost vs Value: What It Means for the Market16:41 – Not To Be Corny17:33 – 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

May 11, 2026Episode 11015 min

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 Highlights0:00 – Introduction0:42 – Meet Greg Peterson (Peterson Farm Brothers)1:45 – The First Viral Farming Parody3:15 – Behind the Farm Parody Songs4:46 – “Tractorstuck” & Going Viral5:25 – From Content to Sponsorships7:26 – Building an Ag Brand Online8:23 – Standing Out in Ag Content10:47 – Favorite Parody: “Forage Harvester”11:32 – Farm Stereotypes: What’s Real?12:52 – Best Farmer & Entertainer14:42 – Not to Be Corny: Dad Joke15:20 – 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

May 4, 2026Episode 1095 min

Student Farming Journey Without a Family Farm

You don’t need a farm in your family to find your place in agriculture. In this episode of IL Corn TV, Lyndi Allen chats with Jacob Edens, an Illinois State University student who discovered his passion for farming early on.Jacob shares what it was like starting his first farm job with no experience, restoring his great-grandfather’s Ford 8N tractor, and turning those early experiences into opportunities—like helping rebuild Alpha Gamma Rho and mentoring fellow students.Episode Highlights:0:00 – Welcome: Lyndi Allen & Jacob Edens0:42 – Growing up around ag (but not on a farm)1:55 – How FFA helped shape his path3:05 – First memories in a tractor4:00 – Learning everything from scratch5:20 – Bringing the Ford 8N back to life7:30 – From project to winning at shows8:20 – College life and getting involved9:30 – Building a mentor program10:50 – Not To Be Corny moment11:20 – Wrap upIf you’re into real stories about how people find their path in agriculture, this one’s worth a listen.📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: marketing@ilcorn.org👍 If you liked this episode, feel free to follow, share, or send it to someone who might enjoy it too.#ILCornTV #FutureFarmers #FFA #AgEducation #IllinoisStateUniversity #YoungFarmers #FarmLife #TractorRestoration #Agriculture

April 27, 2026Episode 10813 min

35 Years in Farming: What Changed?

Hear how decades in agriculture shaped one leader’s career and community impact.DeAnne Bloomberg, Vice President of Programs at the Galesburg Community Foundation and former Illinois Farm Bureau leader, reflects on nearly 35 years in farming—from the 1980s farm crisis to the rise of ethanol and changing grain markets. She shares lessons on leadership, growth, and giving back to rural communities.Episode Highlights:0:00 – Meet DeAnne Bloomberg1:10 – 35 Years of Change in Agriculture1:34 – The Farm Crisis & Early Career Lessons1:50 – Ethanol & Market Shifts2:12 – From Phone Calls to Digital Grain Markets3:12 – Growth in Ag & FFA Programs6:16 – Leadership Challenges & Career Growth9:27 – Transition to Community Foundation Work12:54 – Not To Be Corny📍 Learn more: https://www.ilcorn.org/📧 Stay updated on new episodes: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup#ILCornTV #AgLeadership #CornFarmers #Ethanol #RuralCommunities #IllinoisFarmBureau #GalesburgCommunityFoundation

April 20, 2026Episode 10712 min

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 Highlights0:00 – From the Field: Lindsay Croke Intro0:42 – Getting to Know Brady Gray of Gray Family Farms2:04 – Life on the Farm + Running a Trucking Business3:00 – Why Farming Still Feels Worth It3:38 – What Season Hits Different on the Farm4:09 – Memories From Growing Up Around Agriculture4:48 – Meals in the Field & Family Rituals5:17 – Dream Podcast Guest & Farm Logistics Talk6:28 – Sunrise Starts vs Late Night Finishes7:03 – Social Media & Modern Farm Voices7:49 – Balancing Stress Between Two Businesses9:24 – Advice for Farmers in a Tough Economy11:20 – What Keeps Family Farms Running Smooth11:44 – 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

April 13, 2026Episode 10612 min

County Fair Queen Advocates for Agriculture

What does it take to be a queen and an ambassador for Illinois agriculture?IL Corn TV host Shane Gray talks with Krista Phillips, the 2026 Illinois County Fair Queen. Krista shares her journey from pageants to public speaking, how she connects with FFA students and legislators, and what it means to “harvest attention and plant curiosity.” She also reflects on building confidence, advocating for ag education, and inspiring the next generation of farmers.Key Takeaways:0:00 – Introduction0:30 – Krista’s background & pageant journey1:40 – Representing Illinois agriculture as County Fair Queen3:05 – Networking & public speaking insights5:10 – Overcoming challenges & building confidence7:00 – Advocating for agricultural education9:15 – Harvesting attention & planting curiosity10:10 – Not To Be Corny📍 Learn more about IL Corn: 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 passionate about agriculture, community leadership, or education.#ILCornTV #CountyFairQueen #AgAmbassador #FFA #AgriculturalEducation #Leadership #KristaPhillips #IllinoisAgriculture #PageantLife