The methods used to transport McLean County farmers’ crops and livestock, as well as the distance to markets, changed dramatically from 1823 to the present. Local farmers did their best to minimize marketing costs in order to maximize their profits.

Illinois farm leaders looked to Europe and other parts of the world after WWII in order to expand their grain markets.

As corn yields increased, grain elevators began to be built along the railroad. These receiving centers revolutionized the handling of bulk grain crops by providing a market hub that was close to the farm—farmers could deliver directly to their local elevator, which stored the grain until it was sent by rail to distant markets.