In past two years, ICGA has achieved many goals, but more work is ahead 

By Chris Cherry, President, Indiana Corn Growers Association 

Thanksgiving is right around the corner as I sit down to write this final column as President of the Indiana Corn Growers Association. It has been a privilege to lead this organization during the past two years. While we did not accomplish every goal we set, the association achieved several significant wins that will benefit Indiana’s corn farmers for years to come. 

I want to thank my fellow board members for their commitment to serving Indiana’s agricultural community. We are fortunate to have an exceptional staff, and I am deeply appreciative of their hard work, professionalism and dedication. 

Finally, I would like to thank our state and federal legislators for their continued efforts to work with our organizations on behalf of Indiana’s farmers. I look forward to continuing to support and collaborate with Indiana’s farmer leaders in the years ahead. 

Our priorities continue no matter who is leading ICGA. One of our biggest campaigns is to get year-round sales of E15 approved in Congress. Removing any barriers to increasing access to higher gasoline blends of ethanol is the quickest way to use more corn and improve bushel prices. Besides that, higher ethanol blends are better for the environment and lower gas prices. ICGA will continue that push. 

I am not leaving the board, but I am happy to hand the gavel over to new leadership in 2026. 

The ICGA board advocates for Hoosier corn farmers at the local, state and federal levels. ICGA’s governing districts match the nine Congressional districts across the state. This year, ICGA will fill seats in Districts 1, 4 and 7. 

To be eligible, candidates must be an ICGA member in good standing; own, manage or operate a farm that produces corn; reside in the district they represent; and be current on ICGA membership dues. The following districts will have elections in 2026: 

• District 1, which includes Lake, Porter and the northwest corner of LaPorte counties 

• District 4, which includes Benton, Boone, Carroll, Clinton, Hendricks, Jasper, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Putnam, Tippecanoe, White, Warren and parts of Cass, Fountain and Howard counties 

• District 7, which includes most of Marion County 

Election applications are due to the ICGA office by Jan 30, 2026. Ballots will be mailed to members in May and must be returned by June 30. Winners will start serving on the board in December 2026. Click here for more details, to find a district map or download an application. Submit all completed materials to Amber Myers at amyers@incorn.org. 

Participation is crucial at every level of the political process. From county zoning boards to the state legislature to the USDA and EPA, we need to keep our eyes and ears open for rules and regulations that may impact how we farm. 

If farmers do not participate in the process that creates new policies and rules for Indiana agriculture, then people who don’t understand farming will write those laws. I encourage anyone with a passion for these issues to join us on the ICGA board.