ISA » Sustainability

Illinois Soybeans: Sustainable from the Ground Up

Illinois soybeans are an unsurpassed sustainability success story. That story starts in the soil and weaves its way through everything from animal agriculture to human health to alternative energy, delivering major environmental, economic and social benefits. For example, 

• The soybean plant makes soil healthier through nitrogen fixation.
• Modern soybean farming methods protect soil, water and air quality.
• Soybean meal contributes to healthy animals and more efficient livestock production, especially in overseas livestock and aquaculture operations.
• Soybean farmers produce nutritious food for tables around the world.
  

Stepping up Sustainability

Illinois soybean farmers are committed to producing a dependable supply of safe, affordable and healthy food through farming practices that minimize environmental impacts while delivering social and economic benefits throughout the world. But we're not done improving. To meet future food needs and market demands for sustainably sourced products, we're dedicated to continuous improvement.

Careful natural resource management and impact reduction are hallmarks of U.S. soybean production. Reduced tillage, reduced pesticide use, water conservation, soil quality improvement and other practices defined as "sustainable" are practical decisions Illinois farmers have been making long before being green was trendy. Sustainable agricultural practices are important not only for effective land management but also for keeping farming businesses healthy. The efficiency and productivity gains from sustainable farming methods ultimately improve farm operations and help reduce food costs.

Learn More

		Definition Sustainable soybean farming means taking care of today's needs while making sure future generations can take care of their needs.		Local Roots Global Reach Sustainability is a major concern beyond Illinois, impacting people locally and globally.
		Smaller Footprints Illinois soybean farmers have a long track record of increasing production while decreasing environmental impacts from farming.		Greater Returns One of the most important practices soybean farmers are employing is growing improved soybean varieties.
		Additional Resources Please review these helpful links and other materials for more information about sustainability.

Let's Talk

Are you a farmer looking to incorporate additional sustainability practices on the farm? Are you a consumer with questions about the sustainability of Illinois' soybean industry? We can help. Contact us at ilsoy@ilsoy.org. You also can read our press releases and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest information.

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The Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board (ISPOB) manages and invests soybean checkoff funds.
Separately, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) administers legislation and membership programs.