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Research
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) invests checkoff dollars in research to increase opportunities for greater soybean yields, better pest and disease control and expanded market options. About 40 percent of the soybean checkoff's budget goes into managed research areas (MRAs) to try and solve specific production problems. ISA leaders carefully monitor those investments to assure they deliver value to Illinois growers.
Research projects are chosen based on grower priorities. Project selection begins with formation of research teams comprised of growers, researchers and advisors familiar with state and national programs. Scientists serve as team leaders. Together, team leaders and members study priorities, set team objectives and tailor studies to meet the objectives.
MRAs currently encompass five priority areas: soybean diseases, insects and pests, soybean breeding and germplasm, soybean cyst nematode, weeds, soy nutrition and food sciences. Research projects in each of these areas may be annual projects or multi-year projects involving several universities.
Since the state of Illinois comprises eight different soil types and four different maturity group zones, production research is customized to the varied growing conditions. A network of 13 test fields and 40 sentinel plots covers the state. This network gives researchers access to data that is unique to each region to better assist growers statewide.
Soybean growers are kept informed about research under way through the ISA's annual summer research tour, annual research forum and annual report.
The annual summer research tour provides soybean growers and industry stakeholders a look at the latest soybean checkoff-funded research. The tours take place over two days, traditionally at the University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
SoyPosium is ISA's annual research forum. SoyPosium is designed to provide the state's soybean growers with the latest updates on soybean checkoff-funded research and other projects from university scientists leading the work.
ISA's annual research report provides updates for growers on how research dollars were spent during the year, the status of projects funded and future research needs.
For more information on current research projects, browse through our media gallery for update-to-date press releases, research briefs, audiocasts on stress management as well as information on protecting your crops from rust.
