IL Corn's Strategic Investment in U.S. Grains Council Boosts Export Opportunities

Sep 06, 2024

By Tara Desmond

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) is actively expanding exports of U.S. corn, barley, sorghum, and their by-products, including grain-based ethanol and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), across over 75 countries worldwide. Their work in addressing market access and policy issues is crucial in growing and maintaining these export opportunities. IL Corn is proud to invest in the Council through checkoff funds, strategically positioning Illinois farmers to achieve significant wins by tapping into these expanding markets.

A substantial portion of USGC's budget focuses on promoting grain-based ethanol exports, with expectations of reaching a record 1.7 billion gallons this marketing year. Canada is poised to become the first billion-gallon market for U.S. ethanol, with other key markets including Japan, the EU, the UK, and India.

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Video: Midwest Weather Shock: Flash Drought Turns Into Heavy Rain Threat This Week (2026 Forecast)

A rapidly changing Midwest weather pattern is unfolding in 2026 as areas that recently slipped into abnormal dryness and flash drought conditions are now facing the threat of heavy rain and repeated storm systems.

After a wet spring erased early drought conditions, regions across Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern Missouri have quickly dried out again since mid-to-late May. Soil moisture is dropping fast, and crops like corn and soybeans are beginning to feel the stress of rising temperatures and lack of consistent rainfall. Now, weather models show a major shift.

A developing system moving in from the Northern Plains is expected to bring multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for locally heavy rainfall across the Midwest. While some areas may miss out, others could finally see much-needed relief from the growing dryness. In this video, we break down:

Current drought conditions across the Midwest

Why a flash drought is developing quickly

Timing and path of incoming storm systems

Which states are most likely to see heavy rain

How long this wet pattern could last

Will this rain end the drought or create new flooding risks? Watch the full forecast to find out.