McLean County Times

Gubernatorial candidate Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) and his wife recently joined the golden anniversary celebration of the Illinois Corn Growers Association (ICGA).

"Cindy and I had the pleasure to attend the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Illinois Corn Growers Association," Bailey shared on Facebook. "This organization has directly impacted [the] growth and expansion of agricultural efforts while supporting and providing meaningful opportunities for young people in the future of Agriculture. Glad to see my friend Congressman Darin Lahood (R-Peoria) attending last night as well. Congratulations on the milestone of 50 years, and we look forward to the next 50 ahead!"

The ICGA, a grassroots membership group established in 1972, has approximately 5,000 members. 

“Because the Illinois Corn Marketing Act precludes the use of corn checkoff dollars for legislative activities, ICGA utilizes membership dues to sustain a notable legislative presence in Springfield, IL, and Washington, DC," the ICGA website reads. 

ICGA volunteers raise consumer awareness of helpful programs and materials for corn market expansion including those coming from the Illinois Corn Marketing Board. 

"The ICGA achieves these goals through the distribution of educational materials such as the Captain Cornelius comic books, grocery store and service station promotions, educational exhibits at state and county fairs, and working with statewide media on issues like ethanol,” according to the ICGA website.

The ICGA celebrated its 50th anniversary on Aug. 8. It also recently trumpeted the number of jobs being created in the biofuel industry using corn products. The biofuels industry created 307 jobs in the state in 2022 according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

Bailey is a farmer himself, growing corn, wheat, and soybeans, at the Bailey Family Farm which he and his sons operate.