IL CORN TV

What really drives the price of fertilizer? From global supply chains to trade relationships and limited competition, farmers are dealing with a market where events halfway around the world can quickly affect what they pay.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Collin Watters talks with Josh Linville, Vice President of Fertilizer at StoneX, about the forces shaping today’s fertilizer market. They unpack what’s happening with nitrogen, phosphate, and potash, and why producing more fertilizer in the U.S. isn’t always as simple as it sounds.

Josh also shares how market consolidation can affect competition, supplier relationships, and farmers’ ability to speak openly about pricing concerns. The conversation also explores fertilizer innovation and what it could take to build a more reliable and stable supply for farmers.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Inside Today’s Fertilizer Market
2:46– Why Fertilizer Prices Keep Moving
3:00 – When Global Events Hit the Farm
4:46 – Why Is U.S. Nitrogen Production So Limited?
9:00 – Where Competition Comes In
10:30 – When Supply Drives the Price
12:10 – Speaking Up in the Fertilizer Market
13:41 - Corny Joke
14:51 – What a More Reliable Supply Could Look Like
19:02 – Can Fertilizer Innovation Change the Game?
21:15– Final Thoughts on the Fertilizer Market

📍 Learn more about StoneX: https://www.stonex.com/en/

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in fertilizer markets, farming, agriculture, and the future of U.S. fertilizer supply.

#ILCornTV #Fertilizer #FertilizerPrices #Farming #Agriculture #Farmers #Nitrogen #Phosphate #Potash #FertilizerMarket

Telling the story of modern agriculture takes more than facts. It takes communication, shared values, and a willingness to speak up.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Michelle Miller, better known as the Farm Babe @thefarmbabe, about her journey from an urban background to farming and her work helping consumers better understand modern agriculture.

Michelle shares how her own misconceptions about farming changed after she became involved in agriculture. They discuss GMOs, pesticides, food labels, social media misinformation, and how farmers can have more productive conversations with consumers. Michelle also shares the story of how speaking up about a Burger King campaign led to a conversation with the company and a new approach to telling the story of farmers and sustainability.

Key Takeaways:  
0:00 – Meet the Farm Babe
1:58 – Trading City Life for Farm Life
4:48  – The Beliefs Farming Changed
5:53 – Why Farmers and Consumers Feel So Far Apart
7:30 – Talking Agriculture Without the Fight
10:03 – The Burger King Conversation
12:50 – Why Speaking Up Matters
14:31 – Not to be Corny
15:18 – Building Trust With Consumers
16:23 – Wrapping Up

Learn more about The Farm Babe: https://thefarmbabe.com/

More about Illinois Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

#ILCornTV #FarmBabe #MichelleMiller #Agriculture #ModernAgriculture #AgCommunication #Farmers #GMOs #Pesticides #AgAdvocacy

Sometimes a school project can turn into something much bigger.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, Lyndi Allen talks with Madelyn Davin, an Illinois FFA State Champion and national finalist from Staunton High School, about her specialty crop project, FFA experience, and interest in the future of agriculture.

Madelyn shares how she started growing luffa gourds with just 10 plants and grew the project to around 30 plants. She explains how she grows, cleans, and sells the luffas, turning a school project into a small business. They also discuss her research into agrivoltaics, why solar panels shouldn’t always go on productive farmland, and how agriculture and renewable energy can work together.

Episode Highlights:
000:00 – Meet Madelyn Davin
01:00 – From FFA to the Soccer Field
1:19 – Growing Luffa Gourds
2:19 – Turning Luffas Into a Business
2:52  – A Favorite FFA Memory
3:35 – Agrivoltaics: Solar Panels Meet Farmland
5:12 –  The Spark Behind Madelyn's Research
5:46 – Final Thoughts

📍 Learn more about IL Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/

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📩 Sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

#ILCornTV #FFA #IllinoisFFA #SpecialtyCrops #Agrivoltaics #AgEducation #Agriculture #FutureOfFarming #IllinoisAgriculture #ILCorn

What happens when Dolly Parton meets the world of corn mazes? This fall, farms across the U.S. and Canada are bringing Dolly’s legacy to life while creating new ways for families to experience agriculture.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke talks with Annette Jenkins, Manager at All Seasons Orchard, and Kamille Combs, Marketing Director for The Maize, about the growing world of corn mazes, family farms, and the special Dolly Parton collaboration supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Annette shares what makes All Seasons Orchard a favorite fall destination, while Kamille explains how corn mazes can help small farms diversify their income. They also explore the story behind the Dolly Parton collaboration and how 20 farms are turning corn mazes into memorable family experiences.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Welcome to All Seasons Orchard
1:00 – More Than Just a Corn Maze
1:31 – Bringing New Life to the Family Farm
3:04 – How Dolly Parton Came to the Maze
4:40 – What Makes the Maze a Hit
4:58 – A Few Corny Moments
5:30 – Apples, Family & Farm Traditions
6:38 – Behind the Scenes at the Orchard
7:24 – A Big Year for the Corn Maze
8:29 – More Than Just Getting Lost
9:48 – The Memories That Bring Families Back
11:15 – Find a Dolly Maze Near You
11:54 – Wrapping Up the Conversation

📍 Learn more about All Seasons Orchard and The Maize: https://www.allseasonsorchard.com/
https://themaize.com/

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in Dolly Parton, corn mazes, family farms, agritourism, and Illinois agriculture.

#ILCornTV #DollyParton #CornMaze #Agritourism #FamilyFarms #IllinoisAgriculture #DollysImaginationLibrary #AllSeasonsOrchard

There’s a lot more to farming than planting and harvesting. For Clayton DeYoung, it’s also about spotting problems in the field, trying new technology, and finding creative ways to grow his business.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Clayton, a farmer and agricultural entrepreneur from Melvin, Illinois, about crop scouting, photography, and his work with agricultural drones.

Clayton shares what he’s learned from identifying crop diseases, how photography turned into a side business, and where drones can make a real difference in the field. They also talk about spray drones, LiDAR, drone training, and what new technology could mean for the next generation of farmers.

Episode Highlights
0:00 – Introduction: Clayton DeYoung
1:54 – Crop Scouting Insights
4:23 – From Photography to Business
6:53 – Agricultural Drone Operations
8:08– How Spray Drones Improve Productivity
10:12 – Becoming a Certified Drone Operator
11:18 – Inspiring the Next Generation
11:50 – Not to be Corny
12:26 – Closing Thoughts

📧 Get notified when new episodes air via text: https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup

📩 For inquiries about IL Corn TV sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, follow, and share it with someone interested in farming, ag technology, drones, and the future of agriculture.

#ILCornTV #Agriculture #Farming #AgTechnology #DronesInAgriculture #PrecisionAg #CropScouting #IllinoisFarmers

The future of corn demand may depend on what happens beyond the farm and inside the research facilities working to turn new ideas into real-world fuel solutions.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Evan, a visiting research fellow and operator at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, about the research and innovation shaping the future of ethanol and renewable fuels.

Evan gives a look inside NCERC and explains how researchers test new technologies, explore ways to improve ethanol production, and identify opportunities to create more demand for corn. The conversation also explores the potential of sustainable aviation fuel and maritime fuel, along with the financial and production challenges that must be addressed before these markets can grow at scale.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet Evan and NCERC
2:34 – Inside NCERC
3:30 – New Ways to Create Demand for Corn
3:50 – Not to Be Corny
4:55 – What’s Holding Back Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
5:55 – The Potential of Maritime Fuel
7:06 – How Farming Practices Affect Ethanol
8:08 – How Illinois Corn Growers Support NCERC
9:37 – The Future of Ethanol by 2035
10:30 – Closing Thoughts

📍 Learn more about the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center: https://www.siue.edu/ncerc/

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in ethanol, renewable fuels, corn demand, and the future of agriculture.

#ILCornTV #Ethanol #CornDemand #NCERC #Biofuels #RenewableFuels #SAF #SustainableAviationFuel #AgTech #CornInnovation #IllinoisAgriculture #FutureOfFarming

Building a farm that lasts for generations takes more than hard work. It takes family, adaptability, good stewardship, and a willingness to keep learning and sharing what works.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Lou Lamoreaux, a 2024 Master Farmer from Lanark, Illinois, about his family’s farm, beef cattle production, and the lessons he has learned through decades in agriculture and leadership.

Lou shares the history of his family farm, established in 1867, and how the next generation has stepped into management. 

Key Takeaways:
0:00 – Meet Lou Lamoreaux, 2024 Master Farmer
1:25 – Farming Secrets Worth Sharing
2:00 – Why Farmers Share What Works
2:30 – A Family Farm Since 1867
4:49 – Bringing the Next Generation Back
5:13 – Growing More Than Just Corn
5:28 – Not to Be Corny
6:16 – Why Genetics Matter in Cattle
8:25 – The Rising Cost of Raising Cattle
9:59 – Why Comfort Matters for Cattle
11:00 – Keeping Cattle Healthy and Comfortable
12:24 – The Best Part of Raising Cattle
13:05 – The Future of Beef Farming
14:16 – The Labor Challenge in Agriculture
16:00 – What the Illinois Corn Checkoff Supports
17:20 – New Uses for Corn
18:04 – Closing Thoughts

Learn about Lamoreux Family Farms: https://www.facebook.com/Lamfambeef/

More about Illinois Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

📲 Follow @ilcorn on social media for updates, industry insights, and future episodes.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, follow, and share it with someone interested in family farming, livestock production, leadership, and the future of agriculture.

#ILCornTV #BeefCattle #FamilyFarming #Agriculture #Livestock #FarmLife #CattleProduction #Ethanol #SustainableAviationFuel #NextGenerationFarmers

How can farmers protect water quality while also improving soil health and farm profitability?

Host Megan Dwyer sits down with Rachel Curry, an Agriculture and Agribusiness Educator at the University of Illinois Extension @UIExtension, to explore nutrient loss, water quality, and the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy.

The conversation breaks down where nutrient loss comes from, how point and non-point sources differ, and why addressing water quality requires a statewide effort. Rachel also shares how conservation practices such as cover crops and no-till can help farmers retain nutrients in the soil, reduce input costs, and support long-term farm profitability.

Key Takeaways:
00:00 – Meet Rachel Curry & Nutrient Loss Reduction
00:48 – The Importance of Open Communication
01:35 – Understanding the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy
03:52 – Point Source vs. Non-Point Source Pollution
05:30 – Not To Be Corny
06:10 – Connecting Water Quality, Soil Health & Profitability
07:25 – How Conservation Practices Can Reduce Input Costs
09:22 – Common Misconceptions About Agriculture & Nutrient Loss
12:12 – Challenges of Cover Crops, No-Till & Rented Ground
12:42 – Why Farmers Care About Water Quality
13:29 – Protecting Water, Farmers & Communities
13:43 – Final Thoughts

Find more: University of Illinois Extension: https://illinois.edu/

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in water quality, soil health, conservation, and the future of Illinois agriculture.

#WaterQuality #NutrientLoss #SoilHealth #Conservation #CoverCrops #NoTill #IllinoisAgriculture #FarmProfitability #ILCornTV

Building a stronger farm starts with making decisions that improve soil health, protect resources, and support long-term profitability.

Host John Klemm sits down with Jay Whalen, a fifth-generation farmer at Whalen Farms and seed specialist with ProHarvest Seeds, to discuss his journey implementing cover crops, no-till farming, and other conservation practices on his Illinois operation.

Jay shares how he started small with cover crops, learned through trial and error, and gradually expanded conservation practices across his entire farm. The conversation explores how soil health, data, and hands-on experience have helped Jay improve his operation, reduce inputs, and make more informed decisions. Jay also discusses the challenges of adopting new farming practices, the importance of finding the right fit for each operation, and why return on investment and profitability remain at the center of every farm decision.

Key Takeaways:
0:00 – Meet Jay Whalen and his family farming legacy
1:47 – Not to be corny
2:30 – Meet Jay & ProHarvest Seeds
3:13 – Jay’s Journey Into Cover Crops
4:05 – Honoring Conservation Leadership
5:19 – The Challenges of Conservation Adoption
6:11 – Starting Small With Cover Crops
7:23 – Scaling Cover Crops Across the Farm
11:28 – Building Healthier Soils
13:00 – The ROI of Conservation
14:00 – Finding What Fits Your Farm
15:04 – Final Thoughts

🌱 Learn more about IL Corn:
https://www.ilcorn.org/

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https://mailchi.mp/ilcorn/sms-signup

📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in conservation agriculture, soil health, and the future of farming.

#ILCornTV #ConservationAgriculture #CoverCrops #SoilHealth #NoTillFarming #FarmManagement #CornFarmers #IllinoisAgriculture #SustainableFarming

Helping students understand where their food comes from starts with meaningful conversations in the classroom.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, John Klemm talks with Kevin Daugherty, Director of Ag in the Classroom with Illinois Farm Bureau (@IAITC), about how educators across Illinois are bringing agriculture into everyday lessons. They discuss the importance of agricultural literacy, hands-on learning experiences, and the resources that help teachers connect agriculture with science, history, math, and language arts.

Kevin shares how Ag in the Classroom helps students discover the role agriculture plays in their daily lives, from exploring the science behind a corn kernel to understanding how transportation systems like roads, rivers, rails, and Route 66 help move agricultural products across the country.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet Kevin Daugherty & Ag in the Classroom
1:21 – Not To Be Corny
2:07 – Kevin’s Journey Into Agricultural Education
3:06 – Bringing Agriculture Into the Classroom
4:26 – How Route 66 Shaped Illinois Agriculture
5:17 – Connecting Transportation and Agriculture for Students
8:17 – Helping Teachers Bring Ag Lessons to Life
9:00 – Building Informed Consumers Through Ag Education
9:45 – Teaching Agriculture Through Books and Stories
13:45 – Digital tools for ag learning
15:10 – Kevin’s Corny Joke
15:36 – Closing thoughts

Learn more about Illinois Ag in the Classroom: https://www.agintheclassroom.org/

📍 Learn more about IL Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org/

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📩 Sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

#ILCornTV #AgLiteracy #AgInTheClassroom #IllinoisFarmBureau #AgricultureEducation #CornFarmers #Agriculture #ILCorn