BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Paul Taylor of Esmond, Ill., is the recipient of the Illinois Corn Growers Association’s (ICGA) top award. Though the award is typically presented at the ICGA Annual Meeting in November, the association opted to give the award in June at their first in-person meeting instead of during the virtual November meeting.
The World of Corn Award goes to individuals, organizations, or businesses for making significant contributions to the corn industry. The special award, now in its 31th year, was created to recognize the global importance of corn, and specifically honor individual pacesetters that have made Illinois a leader in the corn industry.
“Paul Taylor is one of those farmer leaders that you can put in any situation and know that he will come through for Illinois farmers,” said Bill Leigh, family farmer and ICGA President. “He is intelligent and well-spoken, listens with intention, and most importantly, he always shows up.”
Taylor served on the Illinois Corn Growers Association Board from 2006 until 2014. During this tenure he served as Export Committee Chairman, Industrial Committee Chairman, Vice President, and President from 2010-2013.
He followed up these exemplary roles with a term on the National Corn Growers Association Board from 2013-2017.
“Paul makes people comfortable. Whether it was a new board member he was mentoring or an elected official we were at odds with on a vote, Paul has a way of understanding people, meeting them where they are, and making any situation comfortable. This is part of his effectiveness – that he calms a situation and allows true conversation and discussion to take place,” said Leigh.
Especially notable outside of Paul’s leadership skills is his work in the area of conservation. Years before our society’s notice and discussion on conservation and sustainability, Paul was working hard at leaving the land better than he found it. He is a pioneer in conservation and farmland preservation on his own farm.
Paul Taylor is very deserving of this achievement award. Illinois corn farmers everywhere thank him for his service and commitment to the industry.
— Illinois Corn Growers Association
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