News

New Illinois Corn Growers Assn. President

Jim Reed, who farms near Monticello, Illinois in Piatt County, has been elected President of the Illinois Corn Growers Association. In an interview with Brownfield during the Illinois Commodity Conference on Tuesday, November 23, Reed said the ICGA will have its work cut out considering the changes in Washington, D.C. following the November elections.

“We very much have to develop relationships with all the new people coming to town, try to help them understand our industry, our problems, our issues, as well as still maintaining the contacts with our friends that we’ve had for a number of years that have worked on key legislative initiatives we’ve had in the past, and where possible, bring all those people together and help promote our industry,” Reed said.

When it comes to policy, Jim Reed says one of the issues identified during the organization’s listening sessions around the state was the need for some sort of safety net should direct payments be reduced or eliminated.

“Now whether that means improving the ACRE program or helping bolster other safety net issues,” said Reed. “Perhaps more money for crop insurance or different products in crop insurance to try to get those developed to help fill the gap.”

AUDIO: Jim Reed, President, IL Corn Growers Assn. (7:35 MP3)