Press Releases

Petitions Available for Illinois Soybean Board District Director Elections (4-15-2013)
Petitions are available for growers interested in running for open director positions with the Illinois Soybean Board (ISB). Petitions can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, county extension offices listed below or from the ISA office by calling 888-826-4011. Petitions must be filed by May 15, 2013.

ISB Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in United Soybean Board Nominations (3-13-2013)
BLOOMINGTON, ILL. -- March 12, 2013 – The Illinois Soybean Board (ISB) is looking for farmers interested in filling two of Illinois' four director positions with the United Soybean Board (USB). ISB manages and invests Illinois soybean checkoff funds in research, promotion and education programs that enhance soybean production and use and support national and international market development.

Two Illinois Soybean Leaders Receive National Honors (3-4-2013)
Two Illinois soybean leaders were honored for their contributions to the American Soybean Association (ASA) at the organization's annual awards program held recently in Kissimmee, Fla.

ISB Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in At-Large Director Positions (2-5-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Board (ISB) is making notice that applications are available for farmers interested in becoming candidates for at-large director positions. Two of the six at-large director terms will expire July 31, 2013.

Petitions Available for Illinois Soybean Association District Director Elections (4-13-2012)
Petitions are available for growers interested in running for open director positions with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). Petitions can be obtained from the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), local University of Illinois Extension offices and the ISA office in Bloomington, Ill.

ISA to Host Transportation Summit June 13 (4-16-2013)
Learn how improved transportation infrastructure will increase farmer profits

New Illinois Ag Director, Other Leaders Talk Crucial Soybean Transportation Issues (2-20-2012)
Key government and industry leaders led productive discussion at a recent Illinois soybean checkoff-funded transportation event. The day-long summit was held to address challenges and opportunities of the current transportation infrastructure used to move Illinois soybeans domestically and internationally.

Yield Challenge Focuses on Making Soybeans New High-Value Crop (2-8-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) invites soybean farmers from across Illinois to take part in the 2013 Yield Challenge.

Record-Breaking Yield Challenge Participation Raises Bar on Innovation (6-28-2012)
With the July 1 official registration and planning deadline only days away, the third annual Illinois Yield Challenge is well underway with nearly 50 teams and 300 plots across the state confirmed. Created by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the Yield Challenge invites Illinois soybean farmers to collaborate with team members and sponsors to strategize and test new yield-enhancing production practices. By exchanging ideas and techniques, participants work together on experimenting and evaluating the best methods for maximizing their profitability.

U of I Scientists Look to China for Increased Soybean Yields (6-11-2012)
In new research funded by the soybean checkoff, University of Illinois and USDA-ARS researchers are exploring the genetic potential of exotic soybean lines from China to increase yields for United States farmers.

ISA/Farm Journal Soybean College Offers Growers Practical, Hands-on Training (5-21-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is hosting Farm Journal’s Soybean College at the Corn College Campus in Heyworth, Ill., on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, Soybean College is designed to equip growers with production knowledge and management skills they can apply in their own farming operations.

Checkoff-Funded Research Shows Early Soybean Planting Boosts Yield Potential (4-26-2012)
Each day Illinois farmers delay soybean planting can negatively affect yields, according to the latest University of Illinois research. Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff and conducted at six sites throughout Illinois, researchers found the highest yields came from early plantings -- about mid-April -- before yield loss accelerated.

ISA QualiMap Helps Farmers See Impact of Soybean Composition on Profitability (5-14-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has released its QualiMap Toolkit; a new online tool that allows Illinois soybean farmers to see and better understand the impact soybean composition (protein and oil) can have on their profitability and the Illinois soybean industry.

Nominate soybean varieties for the 2012 VIPS by the end of February (2-8-2012)
Help identify the best yielding and most resistant varieties to improve profit Did you grow a high-yielding, high-quality soybean variety last year? Nominate it online by February 28, 2012, to be included in the 2012 Variety Information Program for Soybeans (VIPS).

Survey Results Encourage Illinois Soybean Farmers to Continue Sustainable Practices (5-23-2013)
Most soybean farmers are ahead of the curve when it comes to applying sustainable production methods. That is the conclusion of a groundbreaking study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the National Sustainable Soybean Initiative (NSSI), funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff.

Illinois Soybean Farmer Successes Hailed at Ag Issues Forum (2-28-2013)
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) CEO Craig Ratajczyk joined national thought leaders at this week's eighth annual Ag Issues Forum, highlighting the state's on-farm environmental efficiency gains and portraying Illinois soybean farms as sustainability benchmarks. The forum was sponsored by Bayer CropScience.

ISA Encourages Farmers to Complete Soybean Sustainability Survey (1-31-2013)
Measurement to Help Document Sustainability Successes Two National Sustainable Soybean Initiative (NSSI) surveys may prove the environmental, economic and social successes of soybean production and ultimately help protect market access for farmers.

Sustainability Leaders Address Evolving Soybean Marketplace at ISA Symposium (7-25-2012)
National sustainability leaders expressed the need for continuous improvement and sharing soybean farmers’ sustainability stories. This is needed for Illinois soybean farmers to remain competitive in a changing global marketplace during an Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) event today in Chicago.

Sustainability Forum to Connect Farm-level Decisions with Global Market Demands (6-7-2012)
Soybean farmers and other agriculture stakeholders interested in global perspectives on sustainability are encouraged to attend the first-ever soybean sustainability symposium and panel discussion to be held at the Union League Club in Chicago on July 24.

Illinois Soybean Association Launches Online Advocacy Tool for Farmers (4-26-2012)
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) farmer leaders announce the launch of Voice for Soy, a new online legislative action center. Voice for Soy was created to boost ISA's legislative efforts by activating Illinois farmers into effective advocates.

Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) hosted first Illinois Soy 2020 Roundtable (5-2-2011)
Last week, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) hosted the first Illinois Soy 2020 Roundtable in Bloomington, Ill. Leaders from more than 17 soybean stakeholder groups came together to discuss the current state of the soybean industry and work together to set a long-range strategic plan to optimize the soybean value chain and position the U.S. soybean industry as the global marketplace leader.

Illinois Soybean Checkoff Helps Bring World War II Ship to Peoria (9-2-2011)
On September 7, 2011, the LST-325, a World War II amphibious vessel, will arrive in Peoria. The ship, which serves as a World War II memorial and museum, will dock on the Peoria riverfront until September 12. "Illinois soybean farmers played an important role in helping bring this rare, treasured warship to Central Illinois," stated Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Matt Hughes, a soybean farmer from Shirley, Ill. "The Illinois soybean checkoff helps fund the biodiesel that powers this ship, which will be open for public tours in Peoria and other stops along the Illinois River."

Illinois Soybean Farmers to Benefit from Growth in Biodiesel Production (6-16-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and its members were encouraged after reviewing the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monthly biodiesel production numbers. Released in late May, the April production figures reflected significant growth over the prior 12-month period. This increase indicates that the industry is well on its way to meeting the EPA's new renewable fuel standards for usage requirements (RFS-2), which in turn increases demand for Illinois-grown soybeans.

ISA Supports Biodiesel at Fast Stop Grand Opening (5-26-2011)
On Friday, April 29, representatives from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) helped welcome a new Fast Stop location in Bloomington, Ill. Located at 16 Quest Drive, the station offers B11 biodiesel (a blend including 11 percent biodiesel), giving its customers an environmentally friendly alternative to standard diesel.

Illinois Soybean Association Hires Bioproducts and Industrial Utilization Contractor (4-22-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has hired MARC-IV Consulting as its new Bioproducts and Industrial Utilization contractor. In this role, MARC-IV will be responsible for managing various projects and people associated with the development of new uses for soybeans and soybean products, with a primary focus on soybean oil. In addition to working with new uses, MARC-IV also will provide strategic advice to the ISA staff and farmer-leaders regarding the best future investment opportunities for bioproducts research and market development. This guidance will help maximize the return on Illinois soybean checkoff dollars.

U.S. Soybean Export Council To Sponsor International Biotechnology Symposium (6-13-2013)
The United States is one of the world's top soybean producers. The U.S. exports approximately 50 million metric tons -- or 1.4 billion bushels equivalent -- annually, which is close to 60 percent of total production. That helps keep soybean prices strong and contributes to a positive U.S. agricultural trade balance.

ISA Selects 10 Students as 2013-14 Illinois Soybean Crop Science Scholars (5-9-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has selected 10 college juniors to receive crop science scholarships beginning with the 2013-14 school year. Three

Field Moms’ Acre Provides Fresh Pork for Food Pantry (4-24-2013)
The year-long Illinois Farm Families Field Moms' Acre program, where urban and suburban moms followed the growth of an acre of western Illinois soybeans, wrapped up by using the acre's profits to donate fresh pork to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry on Monday, April 22.

Illinois Soybean Association Announces New Corporate Partners (3-27-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Corporate Partnership Program allows Illinois soybean farmers and organizations to collaborate on education, research and legislative affair issues. ISA is pleased to recognize its new 2013 corporate partners.

SoyCam.com Offers In-depth Look at Illinois Soybean Production (6-18-2012)
BLOOMINGTON, ILL – June 18, 2012 – Soybean farmers from across Illinois are nearly finished with spring planting. For the third year in a row, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is making it easy for web users to see soybean production in action. At SoyCam.com – funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff – nine participating Illinois soybean farmers document their farming operations and processes through photographs and commentary, giving site visitors a glimpse into the state’s agriculture industry.

ISA to Unveil New Exhibit Featuring Kenny Wallace & Other Guest Speakers at 2011 Farm Progress Show (8-10-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will be unveiling a new exhibit at this year's Farm Progress Show - August 30 through September 1 - in Decatur, Ill. Funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the exhibit will honor Illinois soybean farmers' Legacy of Leadership and feature informative displays illustrating how Illinois soybean farmers are leading the way in animal agriculture, soybean market development, soybean research and new uses for soybeans. It also will include one of the only air-conditioned areas at the show, which will host an array of guest speakers.

Annual ISA Research Report Keeps State’s Soybean Farmers Current on Checkoff-Funded Studies (8-5-2011)
Every year, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) publishes a report detailing the latest in Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research. This document helps soybean farmers stay current on new methods and products that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their soybeans, while also updating them on advances made in developing new markets and enhancing sustainability practices.

ISA’s Annual Research Tour on July 19–20 Offers Attendees Updates on Current Soybean Research (7-7-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will host its annual two-day research tour on July 19 and 20. Starting at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Crop Sciences Research and Education Center, the tour begins Tuesday, July 19 at 8:00 a.m. and continues at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Belleville Research Station on Wednesday, July 20 until 1:00 p.m. The 2011 Research Tour is designed to provide the state's soybean growers and other attendees with current information on what's new in Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research.

MEDIA ALERT: Register for the 2011 ISA Research Tour! (6-7-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) invites farmers, Certified Crop Consultants and members of the media to build their knowledge on what's new in Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research at its free two-day Research Tour. The tour - co-sponsored by ISA and Prairie Farmer - kicks off July 19 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) campus and ends July 20 at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Belleville Research Center.

Soybean Outreach Summit a Hit with Attendees (3-3-2011)
The 2011 Soybean Outreach Summit was a huge success! We would like to thank the farmers, presenters and directors who attended the event. Overall, the day was a wonderful learning experience that provided opportunities for networking and problem solving. We look forward to seeing everyone again in the summer for the annual Research Tour. Be sure to check back for more information as the growing season is quickly approaching!

Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill Announce Partnership To Advance Soybean Yields and Quality (3-7-2012)
International grain marketing company Cargill is the latest organization to join a new partnership program with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) to help advance the soybean industry in the state. As a corporate partner, Cargill will collaborate with Illinois soybean farmers to improve soybean yields and quality.

Illinois Soybean Association Offers Holiday Membership Special (12-21-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is inviting the state's soybean farmers -- and others vested in the Illinois soybean industry -- to take an active role in the future of Illinois agriculture by giving the gift of ISA membership. Available at a special, discounted holiday rate of $145 through January 31, 2012, a three-year ISA membership includes many valuable benefits that more than offset the registration fee!

ISA Encouraging State’s Soybean Farmers to Join by Offering Reduced Membership Rate (7-22-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is inviting all of the state's soybean farmers to take an active role in the future of Illinois agriculture by becoming ISA members. To encourage farmers and others who want to support them to join, ISA is offering a discounted rate of $145 for a three-year membership. That's $50 off the standard price from August 1 through September 15.

ISA Launches New Soy Leader Task Force and Affiliate Membership Incentive (7-21-2011)
While many soybean farmers have united with ISA and taken a stand against potential threats to the industry, more voices are needed to help secure the future success of Illinois agriculture. To engage the next generation of farmers and meet membership goals, ISA is recruiting representatives who are passionate about the agriculture industry for their new Soy Leader task force. In addition to the Soy Leader initiative, ISA plans to grow its membership base by implementing a corporate affiliate membership program.

ISA Provides Key Information to Soybean Farmers at Farm Shows (11-24-2010)
Farmers Take Part in Survey on Checkoff Initiatives
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is heading to area farm shows with valuable information that will benefit the state’s soybean farmers. At the same time, ISA is seeking farmer input regarding priorities for checkoff-funded initiatives.