Our future _{is in} our hands

We’re on this journey of sustainable farming with you. For farmers, taking care of our environment starts with homegrown corn.

Plentiful and powerful, corn is a 10,000+ year-old grain providing solutions to today’s big environmental challenges. From a better plastic option to renewable fuel to mitigating climate change, come explore the role we can all play in creating a future that’s better for our planet and better for us all.

Marty Marr

We’re all feeling the pressure of inflation. The good news is, we have an immediate savings option at the pump with UNLEADED 88 or E15. This fuel type contains 15% ethanol, which means it’s also a renewable energy source grown by corn farmers like me.

Jacksonville, IL

Fill up confidently with UNLEADED 88

Gas pumps aren’t unlike grocery stores, offering an abundance of choices – some of which you may not really understand. So, we tend to go with what we know and opt for “regular” gas out of habit. But what happens when you choose something different? Watch and find out.

Elliott Uphoff

Farmers want clean air just like everybody else. We can grow biofuels that help clean the air and save the environment, right here in Illinois.

Shelbyville, IL

Breathing easier with biofuels

Renewable fuel from corn reduces emissions and allows us all to breathe a little easier. Illinois corn and soybean farmer Elliott Uphoff and American Lung Association executive Angela Tin are creating a sustainable solution to our growing energy needs.

Krista Swanson

If one of our kids was really into computers, they might be the most valuable person on our farm 20 years from now. Technology is already playing an incredible role on the farm, not only in creating more efficiencies but also in how we protect and nurture the land while reducing our impact on the environment.

Oneida, IL

Alexis Hartman

I think my generation in particular has the power to change the way we think about and use plastic. And the great thing about corn, grown right here on Illinois farms like mine, is that it can be used to create a bio-based version of nearly any petroleum-based product. So why not opt for a better version made with homegrown corn?

Waterloo, IL

Growing a better environment with bioplastics

Plastic pollution from traditional, petroleum-based plastic has become a global problem. A better alternative is renewable corn-based bioplastics made from corn grown by local farm families.

There’s never been a better time to choose UNLEADED 88, UNLEADED 15 or E15 fuel at the pump

A fuel that’s better for our world, better for our vehicles and better for our budget already exists. Made from Illinois corn, UNLEADED 88, UNLEADED 15 or E15 provides a clean-air alternative with less GHG emissions than petroleum-based fuels.

Let’s clear up any confusion about corn used as fuel for ethanol and how to choose it at the pump.

E10 (UNLEADED 87) = 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline

A little more expensive than E15
All vehicles can run on E10
Nearly all U.S. gas today contains at least 10% ethanol, reducing GHG emissions that equates to taking 20M cars off the road annually

E15 (UNLEADED 88 or UNLEADED 15) = 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline

Usually less expensive than E10
Safe for all vehicles 2001 or newer
Burns cleaner and is better for your engine – higher octane boosts engine efficiency

E85 (Flex Fuel) = 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline

Usually the cheapest fuel option; high-performance fuel with an octane rating ranging from 100-105
Only used in Flex Fuel Vehicles – to see if you own a FFV look for a yellow gas cap or ring, or E85 listed on the inside of your fuel filler door
Corn-based ethanol used in E85 results in much less GHG emissions than the same amount of gasoline

“In Chicago and even in our rural areas, 40%-70% of our air pollution problems are from mobile transportation. We need to choose a fuel that’s a good clean-air choice.”

- Angela Tin, VP of Environmental Health, American Lung Association, Upper Midwest

Ethanol helps reduce our GHG emissions. And reduced emissions mean fewer health issues, like cases of respiratory illnesses, asthma, heart disease, lung disease, cancer and even fewer premature deaths. Plus, ethanol helps lower gas prices by expanding supplies and reducing the need for imports.

Reference: https://ethanolrfa.org/consumers

Catalysts for climate change solutions

We respect how the choices we make to keep our farms sustainable impact the future of our planet. So it’s not very surprising to find that on farms across the state, those growing corn for food, fuel and other essentials are proudly working, from the ground up, to be part of our climate change solutions.

Carbon Sequestration

Growing corn pulls CO2 from our atmosphere and less tilling of fields captures carbon in the soil, reducing GHGs.

Soil Health

The soil is a farmer’s No. 1 asset. Adopting practices like planting cover crops protect the soil over winter, reducing erosion and improving soil health allows soil to retain more water, keeping important nutrients in the field and out of our waterways.

Smart Farming

Precision tech like auto-steering and GPS field maps reduce overall fuel use as well as pesticide and fertilizer applications.

Plant-based bioplastic, made possible by corn

There’s no denying the convenience that comes with plastic and its everyday uses – from water bottles and plasticware to takeout containers and food packaging. But what if there was a better way? Find out with our quiz below! Navigate your day to determine your current plastic footprint, plus ways to make it smaller.

Our future is in our hands