Homegrown With Responsibility

Behind every homegrown Illinois corn product—from corn syrup to ethanol—there are farmers carefully managing the land and their crops.

Everything Illinois farmers raise is Homegrown with Responsibility. This calling is both practical and personal. The farm families depend on it for their livelihoods and their overall well-being.

Michelle Wiesbrook
IL Extension Specialist, Weed Science

Without pesticides, farmers would either produce smaller corn crops or they’d need to farm more acres to offset yield losses. Either scenario would have consumers paying more for food, fuel, and the many corn-based products they use every day.

University of Illinois

Bryan VanBogaert
Agronomy Sales Manager, CHS

We’re consumers too—we drink the same water and eat the same food. What farmers are doing is to benefit the end crop—without it, we wouldn’t have much usable food at harvest.

Sycamore, Illinois

Scott Garlisch

“My wife and I farm full-time. But this isn't just our job – it's our home. Our entire family depends on this farm, which is why we're deeply committed to doing things the right way.”

Forest City, Illinois

We Farm Like They’re Watching, Because They Are

Illinois corn farmers aren’t just growing crops. They’re modeling responsibility and making decisions on everything from soil health to pesticide use with the next generation in mind.

This Is Home

Farm families own and operate 96% of Illinois farms. The land they farm is home. It’s where they live, work and raise their families.

Responsible Pesticide Use Makes Sense

Using only what’s needed protects crops, land, and farm viability.

Efficiency Drives Decisions

Every time farmers use pesticides it costs money and time, encouraging conservative and responsible use and applying only where they add value.

Photo of tractor interior with high-tech display

Investing in Precision

Farmers invest in precision tools that give crops exactly what they need. That’s good business and good stewardship.

Stewardship Is Generational

Protecting soil today helps ensure productive farmland tomorrow.

Photo of a water bottle with a farm in the background

Protecting Crops and Resources

Illinois corn farmers rely on pesticides as a tool to protect crops from insects, weeds, and disease. When farmers apply crop protection products, the actual amount of product used can be surprisingly small. In some cases, it may be about a water bottle’s worth or less spread across a football field-sized area. The active ingredient is mixed with water and applied carefully according to EPA-reviewed label directions.

Pesticides Protect Crops in Many Ways

HERBICIDES

suppress weeds

FUNGICIDES

protect against fungi and mold

INSECTICIDES

limit damage from insects

Depending on the pest being targeted, weather conditions, and available equipment, pesticides may be applied as a seed coating, sprayed over fields, or placed directly into the soil as a granule or liquid. Farmers are required to follow label directions, including pre-harvest waiting periods, so food entering the supply chain meets EPA safety standards for pesticide residues.

However they are applied, the protection pesticides provide helps Illinois corn farmers grow more grain using fewer acres and less fuel, while protecting their soil and lowering their carbon footprint.

Safety You Can See

Because pesticides can cause harm if misused, there are clear guardrails  around how they are approved and used.

Photo of man pointing at an herbicide container label

Research-Backed Safety

Decades of research show pesticides can be used safely when used as directed. Claims to the contrary ignore the large body of scientific evidence reviewed by regulators like EPA and USDA.

Rigorous Review

Before a pesticide is approved, EPA puts it through extensive scientific review, looking at human health, environmental impact and how the product will be used in the field.

Ongoing Oversight

That review doesn’t stop once a product reaches the market. EPA regularly re-evaluates pesticides and can update restrictions or remove products if new science warrants it.

The Label is the Law

Safety also shows up in day-to-day use. Pesticide labels are legally enforceable and spell out everything from application timing and buffer zones to protective equipment and disposal.

Training & Certification

Many products require farmers or applicators to complete specific training and certification before they can be used.

Homegrown Goodness

Illinois agriculture supports jobs, affordable food, and everyday products used by families across the state. From what’s in your kitchen to what’s in your car and home, Illinois corn shows up in more places than most people realize.

Photo of two children smiling and eating cereal

Everyday Sweeteners

Corn is used to make sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup and corn sugar, commonly found in beverages, cereals, sauces and other pantry staples.

Fuel for Your Car

Ethanol made from corn is blended into gasoline, helping power cars with cleaner, lower-cost, domestic energy.

Vitamins & Medicine

Corn-based ingredients are used in vitamins, medicines and coatings that help deliver nutrients and active ingredients safely.

Baby & Family Products

Corn is used in products like diapers, baby powder and personal care items, contributing to softness, absorbency and safety.

Creative & School Supplies

From crayons to glue, corn-based materials help create products kids use every day at home and in the classroom.

Bioplastics & Packaging

Corn is used to make renewable, plant-based plastics found in packaging, containers and everyday household items.

Food You Recognize

Corn itself shows up directly on your plate—from chips to tortillas, and countless foods made with cornmeal and corn flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois’ Farm Pesticide Use

EPA defines pesticides as a substance or mixture of substances used to help prevent, repel, control or destroy pests. On farms, that can include products used to manage weeds, insects, plant diseases and other crop threats.

Approved pesticides can be used safely when they are used as directed. Before a pesticide can be sold or distributed in the U.S., EPA reviews the science to make sure it can be used according to the label without unreasonable risk to people or the environment.

Farmers use pesticides as one of several tools to protect crops from weeds, insects, diseases and other threats. Used correctly, they help protect crop quality, reduce losses and support a reliable food supply.

Yes. Pesticide labels are legally enforceable and explain how products must be handled and used, including application directions, protective equipment, storage and disposal. EPA reviews labels as part of the pesticide registration process.

Farmers have strong reasons not to overuse pesticides. Using more than the label allows is illegal, can increase costs and may not improve results. Labels specify how much product can be used and how it must be applied.

Yes. EPA continues to review registered pesticides over time and can update restrictions or remove products if new science shows changes are needed.

Yes. USDA’s Pesticide Data Program tests food for pesticide residues each year. Recent USDA summaries have found that more than 99% of tested samples had residues below EPA benchmark levels.

Illinois Corn and High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a sweetener made from corn. Through a processing step, some of the glucose in corn syrup is converted to fructose, creating a blend of the same two simple sugars found in table sugar.

Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has reviewed high fructose corn syrup and confirmed that, in moderation, it is safe for use in food. It also meets the criteria to be considered a natural ingredient.

High fructose corn syrup is used in small amounts to provide sweetness, improve texture and help maintain freshness. It also blends easily into beverages and packaged foods.

No. High fructose corn syrup and table sugar contain the same number of calories per serving.

Yes. Corn grown by Illinois farmers is part of the U.S. corn supply used to make ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, helping support local agriculture and food production.

Head straight to the source—the Illinois corn farmers behind the food you trust, committed to keeping it Homegrown with Responsibility.

Homegrown With Responsibility

Behind every homegrown Illinois corn product—from corn syrup to ethanol—there are farmers carefully managing the land and their crops.

Michelle Wiesbrook IL Extension Specialist, Weed Science

Bryan VanBogaert Agronomy Sales Manager, CHS