IL CORN TV

Agriculture today is shaped not just by where you farm, but by how globally connected you are, and the leaders who step forward to share their voice.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Yara de Geus, a Brazilian agronomist, family farmer, and member of the Global Farmer Network. As we celebrate the Year of the International Woman Farmer, Yara shares her journey from growing up on a family farm in Brazil to studying and working in the United States and ultimately returning home to help lead and manage her family’s farming operation.

From Pioneer seed production work in Iowa and Hawaii to running a 2,400-acre farm with cattle and a team of 35 people, Yara brings a powerful perspective on modern agriculture, leadership, and the importance of people management in farming. She also reflects on how the Global Farmer Network connects farmers worldwide to exchange ideas, challenges, and solutions that strengthen agriculture everywhere.

0:00 – Introduction
1:05 – Meet Yara de Geus: Brazil & Global Farmer Network
2:17 – Studying agronomy and working in the United States
3:30 – Experience with Pioneer in Iowa and Hawaii seed production
4:11 – Challenges and innovation in Brazilian agriculture
6:36 – Joining the Global Farmer Network
7:46 – Managing a large farm and the importance of HR in agriculture
8:49 – Why she chose to return to farming
9:54 – Advice for young and emerging farmers
12:27 – Not To Be Corny

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If you enjoyed this conversation, like, subscribe, and share it with someone interested in global agriculture, farm leadership, and the future of farming.

#ILCornTV #GlobalFarmerNetwork #BrazilAgriculture #FarmLeadership #Agronomy #InternationalWomanFarmer #WomenInAgriculture #WorldFarming

Bringing robotics and artificial intelligence into the field is changing how farmers think about weed control and efficiency.

In this episode of ILCorn TV, host Shane Gray talks with Taylor Wetli, U.S. Commercial Manager for Solinftec, about the Solix Autonomous Sprayer and the future of precision agriculture.

Taylor explains how AI-powered cameras detect weeds in real time, enabling plant-by-plant spraying that can reduce chemical use by up to 90%. He also shares how solar-powered autonomy, fleet-based deployment, and a simple, farmer-friendly design are helping scale this technology across the Midwest.

From early-season herbicide use to future applications in fungicides and micronutrients, this conversation explores how robotics is reshaping crop management and the future of farming.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Introduction
1:05 – Inside Solinftec & the Solix Autonomous Sprayer
2:00 – How AI Spots Weeds in the Field Instantly
3:55 – Solar-Powered Design & Simplicity in the Machine
5:38 – Ease of Use & Early Feedback
6:46 – The Fleet Approach to Farm Operations
9:13 – Herbicide, Fungicide & What’s Next
10:54 – Retail, Service & Access Model
12:05 – Policy Talk: Farm Bill & Precision Ag Direction
12:56 – Early Adopters: Who’s Using the Tech Today
16:13 – Cost vs Value: What It Means for the Market
16:41 – Not To Be Corny
17:33 – Final Thoughts

📍 Learn more about Solinftec: https://www.solinftec.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 robotics, precision agriculture, and the future of farming. Help spread how AI is transforming modern agriculture.

#ILCornTV #AgTech #PrecisionAgriculture #AutonomousFarming #RoboticsInAg #SmartFarming #FarmInnovation #IllinoisAgriculture #WeedControl #FutureOfFarming #Solinftec

Making farm parody videos that reach millions of people doesn’t happen overnight. It takes creativity, consistency, and a willingness to tell agriculture’s story in a way that actually connects.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with Greg Peterson of the Peterson Farm Brothers to talk about how a simple classroom idea at Kansas State University turned into viral farm music parodies that helped shape one of agriculture’s most recognizable social media voices. Greg shares the story behind their first video, the unexpected viral success of “Tractorstuck,” and how their content evolved into a platform that now blends farming, storytelling, and business opportunities.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Peterson Farm Brothers built their brand while staying rooted in real farm life—and why authenticity still wins in ag content today.

Episode Highlights
0:00 – Introduction
0:42 – Meet Greg Peterson (Peterson Farm Brothers)
1:45 – The First Viral Farming Parody
3:15 – Behind the Farm Parody Songs
4:46 – “Tractorstuck” & Going Viral
5:25 – From Content to Sponsorships
7:26 – Building an Ag Brand Online
8:23 – Standing Out in Ag Content
10:47 – Favorite Parody: “Forage Harvester”
11:32 – Farm Stereotypes: What’s Real?
12:52 – Best Farmer & Entertainer
14:42 – Not to Be Corny: Dad Joke
15:20 – Closing Thoughts

📺 Follow the Peterson Farm Brothers on YouTube:
🔗 https://www.youtube.com/@PetersonFarmBros

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and send this to someone who loves farming, storytelling, or good ag content.

#ILCornTV #PetersonFarmBrothers #AgLife #FarmingLife #AgInfluencers #FarmStories #Agriculture #SocialMediaMarketing #FarmContent #RuralAmerica #AgEducation #ContentCreation

You don’t need a farm in your family to find your place in agriculture. 

In this episode of IL Corn TV, Lyndi Allen chats with Jacob Edens, an Illinois State University student who discovered his passion for farming early on.

Jacob shares what it was like starting his first farm job with no experience, restoring his great-grandfather’s Ford 8N tractor, and turning those early experiences into opportunities—like helping rebuild Alpha Gamma Rho and mentoring fellow students.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Welcome: Lyndi Allen & Jacob Edens
0:42 – Growing up around ag (but not on a farm)
1:55 – How FFA helped shape his path
3:05 – First memories in a tractor
4:00 – Learning everything from scratch
5:20 – Bringing the Ford 8N back to life
7:30 – From project to winning at shows
8:20 – College life and getting involved
9:30 – Building a mentor program
10:50 – Not To Be Corny moment
11:20 – Wrap up

If you’re into real stories about how people find their path in agriculture, this one’s worth a listen.

📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts

📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you liked this episode, feel free to follow, share, or send it to someone who might enjoy it too.

#ILCornTV #FutureFarmers #FFA #AgEducation #IllinoisStateUniversity #YoungFarmers #FarmLife #TractorRestoration #Agriculture

Hear how decades in agriculture shaped one leader’s career and community impact.

DeAnne Bloomberg, Vice President of Programs at the Galesburg Community Foundation and former Illinois Farm Bureau leader, reflects on nearly 35 years in farming—from the 1980s farm crisis to the rise of ethanol and changing grain markets. She shares lessons on leadership, growth, and giving back to rural communities.

Episode Highlights:
0:00 – Meet DeAnne Bloomberg
1:10 – 35 Years of Change in Agriculture
1:34 – The Farm Crisis & Early Career Lessons
1:50 – Ethanol & Market Shifts
2:12 – From Phone Calls to Digital Grain Markets
3:12 – Growth in Ag & FFA Programs
6:16 – Leadership Challenges & Career Growth
9:27 – Transition to Community Foundation Work
12:54 – Not To Be Corny

📍 Learn more: https://www.ilcorn.org/

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#ILCornTV #AgLeadership #CornFarmers #Ethanol #RuralCommunities #IllinoisFarmBureau #GalesburgCommunityFoundation

Running a farm and a trucking business at the same time takes more than hard work. It takes focus, communication, and smart decision-making.

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke goes live from the field with Brady Gray of Gray Family Farms in central Illinois. While planting, Brady shares what it’s like working alongside his dad and grandfather, growing their operation over the years, and managing the day-to-day realities of two connected businesses. 

Get an honest, in-the-field conversation about family, resilience, and what it really takes to keep a modern farm running strong.

Episode Highlights

0:00 – From the Field: Lindsay Croke Intro
0:42 – Getting to Know Brady Gray of Gray Family Farms
2:04 – Life on the Farm + Running a Trucking Business
3:00 – Why Farming Still Feels Worth It
3:38 – What Season Hits Different on the Farm
4:09 – Memories From Growing Up Around Agriculture
4:48 – Meals in the Field & Family Rituals
5:17 – Dream Podcast Guest & Farm Logistics Talk
6:28 – Sunrise Starts vs Late Night Finishes
7:03 – Social Media & Modern Farm Voices
7:49 – Balancing Stress Between Two Businesses
9:24 – Advice for Farmers in a Tough Economy
11:20 – What Keeps Family Farms Running Smooth
11:44 – Not To Be Corny: The Corn Joke Moment

📍 Learn how staying efficient, keeping costs in check, and communicating well can help navigate today’s farm economy.

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📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, share, and send this to someone in ag.

#ILCornTV #FamilyFarming #AgEconomy #FarmLife #ModernFarming #AgPodcast #FarmOperations #GrayFamilyFarms

What does it take to be a queen and an ambassador for Illinois agriculture?

IL Corn TV host Shane Gray talks with Krista Phillips, the 2026 Illinois County Fair Queen. Krista shares her journey from pageants to public speaking, how she connects with FFA students and legislators, and what it means to “harvest attention and plant curiosity.” She also reflects on building confidence, advocating for ag education, and inspiring the next generation of farmers.

Key Takeaways:

0:00 – Introduction
0:30 – Krista’s background & pageant journey
1:40 – Representing Illinois agriculture as County Fair Queen
3:05 – Networking & public speaking insights
5:10 – Overcoming challenges & building confidence
7:00 – Advocating for agricultural education
9:15 – Harvesting attention & planting curiosity
10:10 – Not To Be Corny

📍 Learn more about IL Corn: 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 passionate about agriculture, community leadership, or education.

#ILCornTV #CountyFairQueen #AgAmbassador #FFA #AgriculturalEducation #Leadership #KristaPhillips #IllinoisAgriculture #PageantLife

Explore how leadership and community involvement can strengthen agriculture from the ground up.

Marty Marr, a Central Illinois farmer and former president of the IL Corn Growers Association, joins host Shane Gray to talk about the value of farmer advocacy, conservation programs like Precision Conservation Management, and the importance of staying engaged in organizations that support agriculture and rural communities.

Inside This Episode

0:00 – Meet Marty Marr: Lifelong Farmer and Agriculture Leader
1:42 – Marty’s experience with IL Corn Growers
4:42 – The Power and Influence of Farm Policy
7:10 – Advancing Stewardship through Precision Conservation Management
8:38 – The Evolution of Sustainable Farming Practices
10:50 – Passing the farm to the next generation
12:13 – Engaging the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders
13:52 – 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 the future of agriculture.

#ILCornTV #IllinoisCorn #FarmLeadership #CornFarmers #ConservationFarming #PCM #IllinoisAgriculture

What does it take for a farmer to influence agricultural policy beyond the farm gate?

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Shane Gray sits down with Randy DeSutter, a farmer from Woodhull, Illinois who has spent decades advocating for growers at both the state and national levels.

Randy reflects on his experience with the IL Corn Growers Association and the National Corn Growers Association, shares how conservation practices like no-till shaped his farm over the past 30 years, and discusses the challenges and opportunities facing the corn industry in the years ahead.

Key Takeaways:

0:00 – Introduction
0:15 – Randy’s farming background
1:10 – Navigating Regional Policy Differences
3:11 – The Infrastructure of Grain Transportation
5:48 – Decades of Soil Stewardship and No-Till Farming
8:32 – Addressing Farm Margins and Market Competition
9:40 – New Horizons in Biofuel and Maritime Demand
12:47 – Advice for the next generation in agriculture
14:05 – Not To Be Corny

📍 Learn more about IL Corn: 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 #CornFarmers #AgPolicy #ConservationFarming #Biofuels #IllinoisAgriculture

In this episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke sits down with Mark Lambert, a communications legend with decades of experience at IL Corn. Mark revisits his early days of ag advocacy—from the era of a single-computer office to launching massive, high-impact campaigns in the heart of D.C.

They discuss why effective communication is always about people, not just tools. Mark shares the stories behind the "No Tanks" ethanol campaign, the creation of the Captain Cornelius superhero, and why "risky" messaging is often the only way for family farmers to be heard in a crowded political landscape.

Episode Highlights

0:00 – Introduction: The Communication Legend
1:49 – Before the Digital Age: Work Life in the 80s
2:13 – Why it’s Always a People Business First
3:15 – Edgy Advocacy: The "No Tanks, Iraq" Postcard
5:02 – Winning the "Mailbox Walk" with Simple Messaging
7:16 – Reintroducing Family Farmers to the 98%
9:03 – The D.C. Subway Sledgehammer: Dominating the Metro
11:40 – Why Your "Head Count" Matters in Washington
16:45 – Not To Be Corny: An Office Riddle
17:19 – Final Thoughts: Keeping Up the Good Fight

📧 Get notified when new episodes air: https://bit.ly/ilcorntvalerts

📩 For sponsorships or collaborations: [email protected]

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who values leadership, precision, and the future of American agriculture.

#ILCornTV #NCGA #AgCommunications #FamilyFarmers #CornGrowers #Ethanol #AgAdvocacy #AgricultureHistory #IllinoisFarming #CaptainCornelius