BIG IMPACT

Learn about the challenges and opportunities facing an industry that feeds and fuels our state.

BIG IMPACT

Infographics: Issues Impacting our State

Illinois & Biodiesel: Driving Alternative Fuel Innovation

Soybeans make biodiesel, a clean-burning renewable fuel. It’s widely available in Illinois, thanks in part to an abundant supply of soybean oil and tax incentives for retailers who sell biodiesel.

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Revitalizing Illinois' Transportation Infrastructure

Illinois has prime access to navigable waterways, vast interstate highways and major rail lines that help farmers move soybeans. But, maintenance and improvements are inadequately funded at the local, state and federal levels.

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U.S. Farm Bill Impact in Illinois

The Farm Bill protects Illinois soybean farmers and consumers alike, delivering critical support to rural and urban constituents, and ensuring dependable Illinois soybean commodity supplies for processing and manufacturing.

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Global Demand, Local Impact: International Soybean Trade

Illinois is consistently a top-producing soybean state. Globally, soybean consumption is on the rise. Illinois soybeans help feed and fuel a growing world while creating local economic impact.

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About the Bean

THERE ARE 43,000 ILLINOIS SOYBEAN FARMERS AND 10 MILLION SOYBEAN ACRES COVERING ABOUT 1/4 OF ILLINOIS.
ILLINOIS USES MORE BIODIESEL THAN ANY OTHER STATE. BIODIESEL REDUCES PARTICULATE MATTER BY 47%, MEANING LESS SMOG AND CLEANER AIR ACROSS ILLINOIS.

ILLINOIS HAS 7,000 MILES OF RAIL LINES, 150,000 MILES OF ROAD AND 1,100+ NAVIGABLE WATERWAYS, WHICH IS PERFECT FOR MOVING SOYBEANS ACROSS ILLINOIS AND THE WORLD.

THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN CROP ADDS NEARLY $7.48 BILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT TO OUR STATE.
ABOUT 40% OF OUR WHOLE SOYBEANS ARE CRUSHED IN ILLINOIS, AND THE MEAL FEEDS LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY.

IN 2016, ILLINOIS WAS THE TOP SOYBEAN-PRODUCING STATE GROWING 593 MILLION BUSHELS OF SOYBEANS, WITH A SINGLE BUSHEL OF SOYBEANS WEIGHING ABOUT 60 POUNDS.

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Meet Our Farmers

Learn about Illinois soybean farmers and the issues that matter to them.

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  • STORIES FROM THE FIELD
    Sen. Napoleon Harris & ISA Partner for Food Access
    Providing safe, affordable food is important to Illinois soybean farmers. ISA partnered with State Sen. Napoleon Harris to share this message with suburban Chicagoans. As part of its Soy in the City initiative, ISA contributed about 400 pounds of ground pork to the Thornton Township Food and General Assistance Center while also providing soil health information and materials to the Thornton Township High School Urban Farm.
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    Sen. Napoleon Harris & ISA Partner for Food Access
  • STORIES FROM THE FIELD
    The “other bean” comes to Millennium Park
    Soy in the City highlights the positive impact soybeans have on everyday life in Chicago. Whether it’s through food, job creation or transportation, soybeans have a bigger impact than you might think. See more of the surprising uses of soybeans around the city.
    WATCH MORE ISA VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE
  • STORIES FROM THE FIELD
    Soy-based candles help boost school’s ag programming
    As part of the Soy in the City initiative that shows Chicagoans how soybeans impact their daily lives, ISA partnered with State Sen. Bill Cunningham to provide Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences students with materials to make soy-based candles. The students sell them in the school’s Farm Stand, and revenue generated from the candles provides funding for important agricultural programs. The students have earned $500 and counting.
    SEE MORE PHOTOS ON INSTAGRAM
    As part of the Soy in the City initiative that shows Chicagoans how soybeans impact their daily lives, ISA partnered with State Sen. Bill Cunningham to provide Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences students with materials to make soy-based candles. The students sell them in the school’s Farm Stand, and revenue generated from the candles provides funding for important agricultural programs. The students have earned $500 and counting. ISEE MORE PHOTOS ON INSTAGRAM

Resources & Contact Information

Learn about Illinois soybean farmers, get in touch and find additional resources on agriculture.