IL CORN TV

Behind every farm decision is a mix of experience, numbers, and what’s actually happening out in the field.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke talks with Andy Gilson, a farmer and Precision Conservation Management specialist in Western Illinois, about what it means to bring both farming experience and conservation economics into the same conversation. 

Andy shares his perspective from running a multi-generational family farm while also working with other growers to better understand the real costs and returns behind conservation practices. They discuss how things like tillage systems, no-till, and cover crops can look very different once you start digging into the numbers, and why those conversations are often best coming from other farmers.

Episode Highlights
0:00 – Introduction: Andy Gilson
1:10 – Life and farming in Western Illinois
3:00 – What PCM is and how it works
5:10 – Cover crops on Andy’s farm
7:00 – Advice to his younger self
8:30 – Farmer-to-farmer conversations
10:15 – The economics of conservation practices
12:30 – Cost-share programs and support options
14:10 – A moment from the field
15:30 – Closing thoughts

📍Learn more about PCM: https://precisionconservation.org/farmers/western-illinois-region/

📧 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, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in conservation farming, farm economics, and the future of sustainable agriculture.

#ILCornTV #AgEconomy #PrecisionAg #ConservationFarming #CoverCrops #SoilHealth #FarmEconomics

Understanding what drives corn yield goes far beyond weather and inputs; it comes down to the management decisions made throughout the season.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke talks with Dr. Fred Below, Professor of Crop Physiology at the University of Illinois, about the “Seven Wonders of the Corn Yield World,” a research-based framework built from years of field data that explains what really moves yield potential in corn.

Dr. Below walks through the biggest yield drivers, including weather, fertility, hybrid selection, and nitrogen timing, and why getting nitrogen right between V8 and R2 can make a major difference. He also breaks down the importance of the 4Rs of nutrient management and why applying fertilizer too early can lead to losses in both efficiency and profit.

Key Takeaways:
00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Fred Below
01:20 – What are the “Seven Wonders of Corn Yield World”?
03:10 – Why weather still leads yield drivers
04:15 – Nitrogen timing and peak uptake (V8–R2)
06:10 – Common mistakes in fertilizer timing
07:40 – The 4Rs of nutrient management
09:00 – Why over-applying nitrogen reduces profitability
10:20 – Hybrid selection and genetic improvements
12:10 – Yield gaps in modern corn production
14:00 – What we used to believe about corn
16:30 – Discoveries in root systems and plant physiology
18:40 – The future of below-ground research
20:10 – Not to be corny

More from: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: https://illinois.edu/?utm_source=Illinois_App&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=Header


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

📩 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 agronomy, crop science, and the future of corn production.

#ILCornTV #CornYield #Agronomy #CropScience #NitrogenManagement #HybridSelection #SoilHealth #PrecisionAg #FarmManagement #AgResearch

Rodney Weinzierl, Executive Director of IL Corn, joins IL Corn TV host Lindsay Croke for a conversation about the work happening behind the scenes to support Illinois farmers. From developing export markets and improving river infrastructure to advancing crop insurance and conservation programs, Rodney shares how IL Corn helps tackle challenges that individual farmers can't solve alone.

Drawing from decades of experience, he reflects on how agriculture has evolved, what has driven corn demand over the years, and why he's optimistic about the future of farming. He also shares advice for the next generation of farmers and ag professionals navigating an increasingly complex industry.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet Rodney Weinzierl
0:43 – What Illinois Corn Does for Farmers
3:08 – Growing Markets and Expanding Opportunities
6:18 – The Work Farmers Don't Always See
8:22 – How Checkoff Investments Deliver Value
10:03 – The Crop Insurance Innovation That Changed Farming
12:02 – A Decade of Precision Conservation Management
16:28 – How Agriculture Has Evolved Over the Years
19:40 – Creating Demand in a Changing Industry
21:47 – Advice for Young Farmers and Ag Professionals
25:00 – Why the Future of Agriculture Looks Bright
29:10 – Not To Be Corny

Learn more about Illinois Corn: https://www.ilcorn.org

📧 Stay updated on new episodes: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts

📲 Follow @ilcorn for industry updates, farmer stories, and future episodes.

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

#ILCornTV #SustainableAgriculture #AgEducation #FarmConservation #IllinoisAgriculture #FutureOfFarming

What does it take to understand and protect farm data in today’s digital agriculture era?

Host Laura Gentry, Director of Water Quality Science at the Illinois Corn Growers Association, sits down with Todd Janzen, agricultural lawyer and founder of Janzen Schroeder Agricultural Law and Ag Data Transparent @janzenaglaw4755, to break down how farm data is collected, used, and protected across modern agriculture.

The conversation explores how ag data has evolved over the past decade, from yield benchmarking to today’s focus on traceability, AI, and smarter decision-making. Todd also explains why ag contracts matter and how Ag Data Transparent helps farmers quickly understand what they’re signing without digging through long legal documents.

Key Takeaways:
0:00 – Introduction: Farm Data in Modern Agriculture
2:45 – Farm Data: From Benchmarking to AI
4:18 – Privacy concerns in ag data (then vs now)
5:03 – Who owns farm data vs who can use it
5:47 – What Ag Data Transparent is and why it exists
7:20 – How Certification Works for Companies
8:59 – Inside Certified Ag Tech Companies
11:13 –The Value of Transparency in Ag Contracts
14:33 –Todd’s background in agriculture
17:12 – Not To Be Corny
18:14 – Wrapping up

Find more: Janzen Shroeder Ag Law: https://www.aglaw.us/todd-janzen

📧 Get notified when new episodes air: 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 ag tech, farm data, and the future of agriculture.

#DigitalAgriculture #PrecisionAg #SmartFarming #FarmManagement #AgInnovation #ILCornTV #SustainableAg #AgPolicy

Real decisions in agriculture go well beyond the field. They’re shaped by people, policy, and how farmers adapt as things change.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, Shane Gray talks with Andrew Jolly, a fourth-generation Illinois farmer and farm manager at Heartland Bank and Trust. They discuss Andrew's experience in Washington, D.C. through the IL Corn GROW Program, what farm managers look for in farmers, landowner relationships, cash rent and flex leases, and why adaptability and stewardship matter in today's ag economy.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Introduction to Andrew Jolly
1:03 – How Farm Managers Select Farmers
2:14 – Landowner vs. Farm Manager Decisions
4:15 – Cash Rent, Flex Leases, and Tradeoffs
6:37 – Profitability and Land Stewardship
8:14 – Building Strong Farmer–Land Manager Relationships
9:26 – Cash Rent vs. 50/50 Farming Partnerships
10:41 – Not To Be Corny 
11:46 – Final Thoughts

Learn more about Heartland Bank and Trust Company:
https://www.hbtbank.com/

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

📩 Sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

#ILCornTV #ILCornGrowers #FarmManagement #Agriculture #CornFarmers #RuralLeadership

Monica Ognio, a second-generation onion farmer from Peru, educator, and leader with the Global Farmer Network, sits down with IL Corn TV host Shane Gray for an honest conversation about agriculture, community, and what it really takes to farm in challenging conditions. She shares how she stepped into her family's operation, why she got involved in global farmer advocacy, and what farmers in Peru are dealing with right now, from desert water management to shifting export markets.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet Monica Ognio
0:48 – Farming & Education Background
3:29 – Becoming Part of the Global Farmer Network
7:13  – Women in Agriculture
9:59 – Building Strong Teams
11:21  – Farming Challenges in Peru
13:54  – Peru’s Onion Industry
15:17 – Water Management in the Desert
17:49 – Not To Be Corny
19:11 – Closing Thoughts

📍 Learn more about the Global Farmer Network: https://globalfarmernetwork.org

📧 Stay updated on new episodes: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts

 #AgPodcast #WomenInAg #OnionFarming #PeruFarming #FarmLeadership #ILCornTV#SustainableFarming #AgVoices

Explore the facts behind ethanol, E15, and the future of higher-octane fuels in America.

Automotive engineer and ethanol researcher Brian West joins host Shane Gray to break down some of the biggest myths surrounding ethanol blends, fuel efficiency, engine performance, and consumer concerns around E15. Drawing from more than 30 years of research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Brian explains why ethanol continues to play an important role in modern engines, fuel affordability, and American energy independence.

Inside This Episode
0:00 – Introduction to Brian West
1:35 – Common myths about ethanol
4:12 – Why ethanol boosts octane
6:48 – The growing support behind E15
9:14 – Does E15 really harm engines?
12:26 – Fuel economy and ethanol performance
15:42 – Which vehicles can use E15 safely?
17:36 – Why fuel pump labels confuse drivers
20:08 – Understanding E20 and E30 blends
23:41 – Expanding E15 infrastructure across the U.S.
26:18 – Why ethanol matters for consumers and farmers
28:02 – Not To Be Corny

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

📧 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, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in ethanol, engines, and the future of American fuel.

#ILCornTV #E15 #Unleaded88 #HigherOctane #RenewableFuel #FuelEfficiency #EnginePerformance #Biofuels

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 – Introduction
0:55 – What the  U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council Does
2:10 - How Trade Policy Impacts Illinois Corn Farmers
3:35 - Why Export Markets Matter for U.S. Corn Demand
5:20 - Key Growth Regions: Southeast Asia, India, and Africa
6:45 - China’s Evolving Role in Global Corn Trade
8:10 - The Rise of Ethanol Exports and Biofuel Demand
9:40 - SAF vs. Marine Fuel and the Future of Ethanol Use
11:05 - Bunker Fuel and Cleaner Shipping Alternatives
12:30 - Global Competition and Brazil’s Expanding Production
14:10 - The Value of Checkoff-Funded Market Development
16:00 - Building Long-Term Global Trade Relationships
17:30 - Why Market Development Takes Years to Pay Off
19:10 - 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: [email protected]

👍 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

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 - Intro
0:44 - The Internship Journey & Harold Guither’s Manuscript Discovery
2:05 - IL Corn: A Living History
2:40 - Davenport & the Roots of Ag Education
4:25 - The Rise of Seed Companies & Industry Transformation
6:11 - Inside the Two IL Corn Associations
9:23 - The Hybrid Corn Revolution Explained
10:47 -  Farming Futures: Costs vs Yield Reality Check
13:21 - Lyndon’s Taiwan Agriculture Policy Study
15:01 - Key Takeaways from IL Corn
15:49 - “Not To Be Corny” Moment

Tune 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: [email protected]

Enjoyed 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

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 Highlights

0:00 – Introduction: John Bode
0:56 – What is the Feeding the Economy report?
2:00 – Agriculture’s role in the U.S. economy
2:52 – Jobs and careers tied to agriculture
3:48 – Wage trends and pressures in ag production
5:01 – Why farmers are the foundation of the system
5:47 – Export challenges and trade concerns
8:18 – Beyond corn and soybeans: ag products explained
9:19 – The importance of global markets
9:56 – The future of agriculture and the bioeconomy
12:32 – Not To Be Corny

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

📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 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