Applications open for GR.O.W. program

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Illinois corn farmers and agricultural professionals have an opportunity to take their leadership and advocacy skills to the nation’s capitol through the GrassRoots Orientation to Washington, D.C., program.

GR.O.W. is designed to give participants a firsthand look at how agricultural policy is shaped in the nation’s capital.

Participants will shadow experienced IL Corn farmer leaders and staff, attend agricultural issue briefings, join congressional office visits on Capitol Hill and network with leaders from across agriculture and related industries.

The program is open to corn farmers, tenant farmers, landlords and agribusiness professionals whose businesses are impacted by the growth and sale of corn. Previous advocacy experience is not required.

GR.O.W. is intended as a learning experience for those looking to build their leadership and advocacy skills while gaining a better understanding of the policy issues affecting Illinois agriculture.

The 2027 trip is planned for March, with the exact week dependent on the congressional calendar.

Spots are limited, and participants will be selected by the Illinois Corn Growers Association Grassroots Committee.

Applications are open now at tinyurl.com/IL-Corn-GROW and will close Nov. 16. Selected participants will be notified by Dec. 31.