BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- March 16, 2012 -- The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) hosted nearly 400 soybean farmers, agronomists and agribusiness representatives at the first-ever Illinois Soybean Summit on March 9. Built around the theme of "Reaching Beyond Yield Obstacles," the Summit was established as a platform for sharing ideas, practices and technologies that can help increase soybean yields and profitability.

ISA Director of Strategic Research Dan Davidson explains the Association's overall goal for the inaugural Illinois Soybean Summit: "We wanted to provide farmers with practical tips and solutions they can implement in the upcoming growing season. Based on the results of our concluding survey, it appears we achieved that objective. Approximately 80 percent of respondents indicated that their participation in the event will change the way they will manage soybeans on their farms."

More than 20 different presenters served as the Summit's keynote, roundtable, panel and breakout session speakers. Although each emphasized a different topic -- from varietal selection and global demand for soybeans to plant nutrition and weed management -- they all shared valuable experiences and expertise to help boost enthusiasm for growing soybeans.

Many participants expressed their appreciation for the event, noting that one highlight was hearing from three-time world-record soybean grower, Kip Cullers. In addition to discussing his methods for attaining record-breaking soybean yields, Cullers allocated 30 minutes of his time slot for questions from the audience. This interactive dialogue helped engage attendees in the purpose of the Summit and encouraged them to believe that they, too, can achieve yields well beyond 100 bushels per acre.

"You never know how growers will respond to a new event, but we've received all kinds of positive feedback and helpful suggestions. In fact, we'll probably have to find a larger venue to meet a potentially higher registration demand next time," says Ross Prough, soybean farmer from Greenfield, Ill., and ISA vice chair for yield.

Any Illinois soybean farmer can benefit from this investment of Illinois soybean checkoff funds, whether they attended the Summit or not. Many of the day's presentations have been made available for viewing at www.soyyieldchallenge.com/SummitPresentations, along with pictures of the event which are featured in an online photo gallery at www.soyyieldchallenge.com/SummitGallery. Additionally, videos of several presentations also will be posted on the ISA's Yield Challenge website in the coming weeks.

About the Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans and administer legislation and membership programs. For more information, visit: www.ilsoy.org.