IL CORN TV

True progress is measured by the clarity of the air we share. Join Lindsay Croke from IL Corn TV as she sits down with Bailey Arnold, Director of Healthy Air Solutions for the American Lung Association. They explore the powerful link between corn and public health, discussing how higher ethanol blends serve as a vital solution for cleaner air by replacing toxic chemicals found in traditional gasol...

Follow the immense value of Martin Barbre’s journey from the family farm to the USDA, and learn how his leadership in policy and financial management is vital for the future of agriculture.  In this interview, Martin opens up about the grit required to survive drought years, the behind-the-scenes push for ethanol in motorsports, and the reality of leading federal programs with a producer’s mindset...

Illinois's inland waterways are a $20 billion economic engine and a model for sustainable growth. Paul Rohde of the Waterways Council joins us to discuss the incredible opportunity to modernize the state's 26 locks and dams, ensuring the reliable, low-cost transport of corn and soybeans for decades to come. Inside this episode: 0:55 – The Waterways Council's Core Advocacy 1:44 – $20...

Get to know Kaylee Gerlach, a proud IL Corn Scholarship recipient from a tiny town with a big heart for farming. She talks with Lyndi Allen about her childhood in a town of just 200, the moments that sparked her love for agriculture, and the mentor who shaped her dreams. Kaylee shares eye-opening insights about farm life, money challenges, and the new technologies transforming agriculture today. I...

From small-town jam sessions to international festival stages, bluegrass musician and multi-instrumentalist Robbie Morris joins host Shane Gray to share the story of the Grasstime Band and the meaning behind their newest single, “Cotton, Corn, and Hay.” Robbie dives into the band’s origin, their creative process, and how bluegrass music continues to celebrate rural life and farming communities. Ep...

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke sits down with Kenneth Hartman Jr., former National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President, to explore his decades of leadership and service to Illinois farmers. From shaping the Farm Bill to protecting key crop tools, Kenny shares how grassroots advocacy truly drives change for the next generation of agriculture. He reflects on major wins—from...

The best defense against a tight agricultural economy is a sharp pencil. Join Dr. Laura Gentry and Dr. Gary Schnitkey as they dissect the tough financial forecasts for 2025 and 2026, which are being squeezed by elevated costs for inputs and machinery. Dr. Schnitkey offers three key equipment strategies to manage overhead. Drawing on 10 years of PCM data, they demonstrate how moving to no-till or s...

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke talks with John Hinners from the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) about how U.S. red meat exports create global opportunities while strengthening the value of Illinois corn. From blending beef liver into nutrient-rich burgers for Peru to growing international demand in South Korea, John shares how U.S. agriculture feeds the world and why that ma...

Tune in to IL Corn TV as Shane Gray sits down with Jenna Herrick, Manager of Conservation, and Fletcher Morgan, Central Illinois Regional Director for Ducks Unlimited (DU), for a great conversation about their work and impact. What You’ll Learn in This Video: 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – Growth of agricultural engagement within Ducks Unlimited 01:30 – Shane shares his experience at DU events and f...

In this episode, we dive into a fascinating study revealing how U.S. red meat exports directly impact corn utilization and farmer profitability. A third-party analysis shows that roughly one out of three hogs and 14% of cattle raised in the U.S. are destined for international markets — creating major ripple effects across the ag economy. Show Notes: ⏱️ 0:00 – Introduction ⏱️ 1:01 – The Ducks Unlim...

What happens when a farmer rethinks everything he knows about soil, livestock, and sustainability? Dan Sanderson from Pasture Grazed Farm shares how curiosity and care for the land led him toward conservation agriculture, and how that shift reshaped his family farm and his mindset. Episode Guide: 00:40 – Conservation ag inspiration 01:20 – Building farm community 03:00 – Virtual fencing on the fie...

From early conservation efforts in the 1980s to winning the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award, farmer and author Dan Sanderson joins host Shane Gray to share how conservation practices, virtual fencing, and his book Grounded transformed his farm and perspective. Episode Highlights: 1:51 - Early Conservation: Lessons from the '80s 5:38 - Dan's Conservation Journey Begins 6:23 - The Tran...

In this episode of IL Corn TV, farmer and board member Shane Gray sits down with Charlie Arnot, CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, to explore how farmers can build real trust with today’s consumers. From the power of storytelling to the challenges of a post-truth world, Charlie shares what it takes to connect, engage, and communicate with meaning. What’s Inside:  0:49 – Inside the Center for Fo...

Join intern Jenny Abbott and Lorelei as they share what it’s like spending a summer with IL Corn. From a trip to Washington, D.C., to fun “corny” questions about superhero corn powers, tractor yachts, and popcorn in space, this lighthearted conversation brings fresh perspectives on agriculture from the next generation. In This Conversation:  0:00 – Meet intern Jenny Abbott & Lorelei 0:47 – Why...

From the film set to the heartland, world-traveling producer Maren Klakegg shares her incredible story. In this episode of IL Corn TV, Maren talks about her journey as a foreign exchange student in Illinois, her initial impressions of "corn country," and how her experience with a farming family gave her a new appreciation for rural life and the people who live it. Inside This Episode: 0:...

A family farm thrives on a blend of tradition and innovation. In this episode of IL Corn TV, we hear from Missy Friestad, a fourth-generation farmer who's proving that wisdom isn't just measured in years.  Missy shares how she's bringing modern technology to her family's operation, the powerful connections she's built through social media, and what it's truly like to...

Learn how the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center is shaping the future of renewable fuels. 🌽 From ethanol to sustainable aviation fuel, discover the breakthroughs that could transform farming and energy worldwide. Inside This Episode: 0:50 - The NCERC Mission 3:19 - Scaling Up Sustainable Aviation Fuel 5:06 - Corn's Future Beyond Ethanol 6:29 - A Legacy with Illinois Corn 7:27 - The On...

What started as a simple winemaking hobby turned into Star Union Spirits, a thriving distillery in Peru, Illinois. Host John Klemm sits down with co-owner Bob Windy to talk about their journey and the role Illinois-grown corn plays in every bottle. Highlights from the Episode: 00:22 — Meet Bob Windy & the story behind Star Union Spirits 01:18 — From backyard winemaking to running a full distil...

Inland waterways quietly power ag exports, but they’re aging fast. Lindsay Croke talks with Thomas Heinold of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers about the high stakes of lock and dam maintenance, billion-dollar backlogs, and the crews working nonstop to keep grain moving. This episode covers: 0:30 – Why locks and dams matter to ag 2:36 – Barge shipping by the numbers 4:00 – Who keeps the system movi...

Growing Ag Leaders with Amanda Martin. Amanda shares how IALF has been cultivating strong, effective leaders for over 40 years, helping Illinois farmers gain the tools, networks, and confidence they need to advocate for agriculture locally and globally. Discover Amanda’s vision for the future, the importance of partnerships like IL Corn’s, and the surprising insights participants gain during the p...

Balancing Conservation and Farming: Insights from U.S. Fish and Wildlife. In this episode of IL Corn TV, Megan Dwyer, Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship, sits down with Kraig McPeek from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore the vital connections between agriculture, conservation, and regulations. Episode Highlights: 0:20 – Kraig McPeek: Farm & Conservation 1:20 – Farmer...

Conservation that works isn’t just luck—it’s strategy, tech, and experience.  Illinois farmer Dirk Rice joins host Leyton Brown to talk no-till, cover crops, and the tech that’s helping him make conservation pay off—backed by PCM data and years of real-world trial and insight. Here’s what’s coming up: 1:02 – How PCM data helps 1:52 – Lessons from challenges 2:30 – Cover crop insights 3:34 – Precis...

How do farmers build trust with consumers in today’s digital world? In this episode of IL Corn TV, Lindsey Crook sits down with Gracie Pearson, Consumer Engagement Manager at Illinois Farm Bureau, to explore how the Illinois Farm Families coalition is connecting rural agriculture with urban audiences through powerful storytelling, farmer ambassadors, and strategic social media efforts. What You’ll...

What does it take to make conservation work? In this IL Corn TV episode, Megan Dwyer chats with Kristopher Reynolds of American Farmland Trust about how trust, cover crops, and farmer-landowner collaboration are driving real change in sustainable ag. Here’s what’s coming up: 0:52 – How Conservation is Evolving 2:05 – Myths That Need Busting 2:49 – A Win for One Landowner 4:54 – Policy, Incentives...