Long-time ag advocate new ICGA president

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The new Illinois Corn Growers Association president sees a bright future for the industry.

“There’s a lot to look forward to. I think things are picking up for the grain industry,” said Randy DeSutter, a Woodhull farmer who was elected to the top seat at the organization’s annual meeting on Nov. 24.

“We have a lot more exports now that’s helping with the prices. We’re also working on a New Generation Fuels Act introduced by (U.S. Rep.) Cheri Bustos that will potentially increase the amount of ethanol used in vehicles. There are a lot of positive things on the horizon.”

DeSutter has served on the ICGA board for eight years, most recently as vice president. He will continue his role as District 3 director for the duration of his term as president, serving members in Henderson, Henry, Knox, Mercer, Rock Island and Warren counties.

DeSutter is part of a fourth generation family farm. After graduating from high school, he continued to further his education at the University of Illinois, majoring in agriculture economics.

In 1979, he started farming with his father, Maurice, and brother, Jim. His son, Matthew, and nephew, Drew, have since joined the operation, where they grow corn and soybeans.

Randy married his wife, Susie, in 1986, and they also have a daughter, Kristin. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and sports.

Priorities

DeSutter noted the top priorities for the organization.

“Of course, an increase in ethanol use is a big goal. The Next Generation Fuels Act has potential. We’d also like to get more E15 in stations around Illinois and the nation. That will increase ethanol use a lot,” he said.

“Trade is very important as we’ve seen with the passage of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement last year, the trade deal with China, our exports are up considerably, so we hope that continues.

“Some improvements on the locks and dams on the Illinois River were just completed. There’s actually potential that we may get some new locks in the next few years on the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. They’re scheduled pretty close to the top of the list. You never know on this, we’ve been waiting a long time, but it would be fantastic to get new locks so our exports are even more competitive in the world market. Hopefully, that will be happening soon.”

Ag Advocate

The new ICGA lead has been active in numerous organizations for many years.

He has served as chair of the Illinois FFA Foundation and as state president of the Illinois Beef Association. He was a member of the Cattleman’s Beef Board for seven years, serving on their Executive Committee for two years.

He joined the Illinois Soybean Association in 1985 and served for three years as that organization’s treasurer.

DeSutter was named to the American Soybean Association Board of Directors in March 2000. He previously served two years on the Public Affairs Committee and four years on the Membership and Corporate Relations Committee. He has also served three years on the Commodity Classic Committee, including as co-chair.

He also served as ASA vice president and an Executive Committee member, as well as a member of ASA’s Public Affairs Committee.

DeSutter is a member of the 1994 Class of DuPont Young Leaders, a participant in the Syngenta Leadership Program and a 1986 graduate of the Illinois Ag Leadership Program.

In 1995, he was named one of the U.S. Jaycees National Outstanding Young Farmers.