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Leaders of ICGA and ISA say the two organizations serve the same members for the same purpose, so why not do more together?

Sierra Day, Field editor

July 29, 2021

2 Min Read
people talking around table
SAME PURPOSE: To help their farmer-members together, the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association will gather under the same tent at the 2021 Farm Progress Show.Courtesy of IL Corn

Attendees will notice a change when visiting the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association at the 2021 Farm Progress Show, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 in Decatur, Ill. The two commodity groups will be present under the same tent, located at Lot 605.

With changes in ISA leadership since the last Farm Progress Show in Decatur, it has become a priority to work together on more projects and events.

“This is a historic opportunity for our farmer-members to really see what having their two membership organizations working together on their behalf can do for them and their farm,” says Lindsay Mitchell, director of communications and marketing at ICGA. “Hopefully, we can make an impact for people that aren’t members — show them what we can do for them and why a membership would be valuable.”

The two organizations serve the same members for the same purpose.

“Why not do more together?” asks Rachel Peabody, director of communications at ISA. “We’re really excited to show farmers in a very public way at the Farm Progress Show all that we can do when we work together.”

More hands involved means stronger content for farmers when they enter the ICGA and ISA tent.

One topic of discussion will be conservation programs, Mitchell says. Growers will learn not only how to make better conservation decisions, but also how the organizations are working to educate consumers on the topic.

Peabody says other conversations will include renewable fuels, like biodiesel and ethanol, and international trade. Another station will feature an advocacy opportunity for farmers in the center of the tent.

This year’s show means connection opportunities for the organizations and farmers.

“From a client’s perspective, we try to reach out to our farmer-members all the time,” Mitchell says. “Sometimes, this is a once-every-two-years opportunity to catch up with the farmers you don’t hear from the rest of the time.”

As growers enter the ICGA and ISA tent, they should remember the importance of their voice, Mitchell says.

“When we have farmers talk to us about what’s going on on their farm, it gives us the perspective we need to represent them in Springfield or Washington, D.C.,” she says. “Farmers can help us by bringing their ideas on various topics that affect them.”

Peabody agrees: “We represent all Illinois farmers. It is so important just to be there to hear from farmers, meet them, and answer any questions they may have.”

Both ICGA and ISA say they are eager to interact with corn and soybean growers in Decatur.

“Of course, we’re expecting big attendance from board and staff,” Peabody says. “We also really think that Illinois corn and soybean farmers are going to show up in a big way for this.”

About the Author(s)

Sierra Day

Field editor, Farm Progress

A 10th-generation agriculturist, Sierra Day grew up alongside the Angus cattle, corn and soybeans on her family’s operation in Cerro Gordo, Ill. Although she spent an equal amount in farm machinery as she did in the cattle barn as a child, Day developed a bigger passion for the cattle side of the things.

An active member of organizations such as 4-H, FFA and the National Junior Angus Association, she was able to show Angus cattle on the local, state and national levels while participating in contests and leadership opportunities that were presented through these programs.

As Day got older, she began to understand the importance of transitioning from a member to a mentor for other youth in the industry. Thus, her professional and career focus is centered around educating agriculture producers and youth to aid in prospering the agriculture industry.

In 2018, she received her associate degree from Lake Land College, where her time was spent as an active member in clubs such as Ag Transfer club and PAS. A December 2020 graduate of Kansas State University in Animal Sciences & Industry and Agricultural Communications & Journalism, Day was active in Block & Bridle and Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow, while also serving as a communications student worker in the animal science department.

Day currently resides back home where she owns and operates Day Cattle Farm with her younger brother, Chayton. The duo strives to raise functional cattle that are show ring quality and a solid foundation for building anyone’s herd.

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