STAARS Study Tracks Benefits of Sustainable Soybean Production (4-30-2012)
The second year of a scientifically valid research study designed to evaluate and quantify the benefits of sustainable agriculture is underway with 85 Illinois soybean growers. The study is funded, in part, by the Illinois soybean checkoff.

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.

Illinois Soybean Farmers See Soy at Work in Central America (3-15-2012)
Both new market and humanitarian assistance opportunities exist for Illinois soybeans and soy products in parts of Central America. That was the conclusion drawn by Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) directors Dan Farney, soybean farmer from Morton, Ill., and Doug Winter, soybean farmer from Mill Shoals, Ill., following a recent educational mission to Nicaragua and Guatemala.

Two Illinois Soybean Farmers Receive National Honors (3-7-2012)
Two dedicated Illinois soybean farmer-leaders were honored Friday, March 2, during Commodity Classic in Nashville, Tenn.

ISA Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in United Soybean Board Nomination (2-21-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is looking for farmers interested in filling one of Illinois' four director positions with the United Soybean Board (USB). The position currently held by David Hartke, soybean farmer from Teutopolis, Ill., expires in December 2012. Hartke is eligible for another term. To be considered for the national leadership position, farmers must complete the required application and "Agreement to Serve" statement and return them to the ISA office by March 20, 2012.

Illinois Soybean Farmer Elected Livestock Group President (1-30-2012)
An Illinois soybean and livestock producer and secretary of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) last week was elected president of the Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG). Rob Shaffer, El Paso, Ill., believes the position will help soybean farmers strengthen ties with their number one customer; animal agriculture.

Illinois Soybean Association Congratulates the Hagenbuchs on New Swine Facility (10-31-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) praised the expansion of the Hagenbuch Family Farm at a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 25. The event was held at the Hagenbuch's two new 2,400-head grow-to-finish buildings located near Utica, Ill.

New Resources Detail Importance of Animal Agriculture in Illinois (10-24-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has created new tools to help soybean growers better understand and support their No. 1 customer – Illinois livestock producers. Funded by the soybean checkoff, a new video and fact sheet encourage soybean growers to consider the importance of animal agriculture in Illinois.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Talk Strategy with State's Poultry Leaders (5-25-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) met last week with leaders from the state's poultry industry to talk about how soybean farmers can better support their number one customer.

Illinois Soybean Farmer Takes U.S. Farm Image Message to Brazil (5-24-2011)
U.S. farmers produce safe, healthy food, and Illinois soybean farmer Philip Bradshaw says it is time to spread that message.

ISA Supports Grant Applications for Critical Infrastructure Improvements (4-19-2012)
Improving and expanding Illinois transportation infrastructure is critical for the continued growth and long-term competitiveness of the state's soybean farmers. Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) farmer leaders hope two state applications to receive Federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Grants can help move Illinois infrastructure improvements in the right direction.

ISA Study: COB Shuttle Program is Feasible, Offers Biodiesel Opportunities (4-9-2012)
A recently completed study funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff says that a river container-on-barge (COB) shuttle program is not only feasible, but it also offers Illinois soybean growers biodiesel opportunities and more access to international markets.

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.

ISA Helps Keep Excessive Farm Transportation Restrictions at Bay (8-19-2011)
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) leaders are pleased comments provided to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have helped prevent creation of any new restrictive transportation regulations with regard to licensing, commodity transport and other issues.

Higher truck weight limits cut time and money and increase safety (8-15-2011)
Increasing the amount of goods semi tractor-trailers can carry could save a typical Illinois farmer up to 16 trips from field to elevator during the critical harvest season, according to a new study funded in part by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff and the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB).

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 Announces 2011 Yield Challenge Student Team Winners (4-19-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recently announced the high school and college team winners of the soybean checkoff-supported 2011 Yield Challenge. Gallatin County High School's FFA chapter from Junction, Ill., earned first place in the high school division, with second place going to the Heyworth FFA chapter from Heyworth, Ill. First and second places in the college category went to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) and Illinois State University (ISU) in Bloomington, Ill.

2012 Yield Challenge Promotes New Production Strategies and Technologies (4-3-2012)
Registration Deadline Approaching Fast
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is encouraging any Illinois soybean grower interested in achieving higher yields and profit potential to sign up for the 2012 Yield Challenge before the April 15 registration deadline. Established by ISA and funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the Yield Challenge provides a platform for growers to test new and innovative crop management strategies and technologies that could help boost their yields. Participating growers also generate and share valuable data that can be used to formulate recommendations for future production years.

Inaugural Illinois Soybean Summit Educates Growers on Methods for Increasing Yields (3-16-2012)
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.

Illinois Soybean Association Joins Industry Partners in Helping Farmers Defeat Weeds (1-27-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) along with industry partners, Monsanto, Dow AgroSciences and BASF, will host three Illinois Weed Resistance Preparedness Training meetings next month. ISA and its partners want to help soybean farmers around the state prepare, defend and defeat the growing threat posed by weed resistance.

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).

Consider Oil, Protein Content as Ways to Boost Soybean Profits in 2012 (11-1-2011)
Although Illinois soybean growers achieved record yields in 2010 and enjoyed high soybean prices, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) says growers can boost income in 2012 (or next year's crop) by focusing on yield and quality when they make their seed decisions this winter.

ISA Initiates Effort to Enhance Illinois Soybean Quality for Greater Profitability (8-22-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is initiating a new effort to enhance the quality of Illinois soybeans and ultimately the profitability of the state's soybean farmers. Soybean quality has slowly been trending down in recent years as yield has been trending up, which can affect the price soybean farmers receive for soybeans.

ISA Backs Deregulation of Consumer and Producer-Friendly Vistive Gold Soybeans (8-22-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) submitted comments this week to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in support of deregulation of the MON 87705 event, a biotech trait in Vistive Gold soybeans. Deregulation would make Vistive Gold soybeans commercially available for the production of high-oleic soybean oil.

Illinois Soybean Farmers to Address Market Access, Sustainability in Europe (4-13-2012)
Maintaining and expanding market access for Illinois soybeans is one of the priorities of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Illinois soybean checkoff. A small group of Illinois soybean farmer leaders and other industry stakeholders will be in Europe, April 23-26, to address critical market access and sustainability issues to keep market pathways open to Illinois soybean and soy product sales.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Partner with Industry to Promote Proper Nutrient Management (2-28-2012)
The Illinois agriculture industry continues to experience regulatory pressure to reduce on-farm input use. Illinois soybean farmers, with funding from the soybean checkoff, are helping promote smart nutrient management decisions this spring, and showcasing the practices farmers use to maintain and even enhance land and water quality.

Illinois Soybean Association Establishing Global Recognition of State's Sustainability Efforts (1-17-2012)
As sustainability requirements emerge at home and abroad, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is monitoring potential sustainability certifications or standards, and planning to educate producers on why sustainability is gaining importance for Illinois farms.

ISA Joins Field to Market, The Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (1-5-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) announces it has joined the steering committee of Field to Market, the Keystone Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Preparing for Revised Nutrient Management Standard (12-21-2011)
With best management practices already under way, Illinois soybean farmers are well-positioned to meet the requirements of new Federal rules to improve on-farm nutrient efficiency and water quality, according to Illinois Soybean Association Sustainability Vice Chairman Ron Moore.

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 Farmers Strengthen Ties with Chinese Trade Delegation (2-21-2012)
Illinois soybean farmers met with a Chinese trade delegation last week during a visit to the Chicago Board of Trade. The delegation, having signed several trade agreements while in the U.S., represented Chinese companies expecting to import about $4.5 billion in U.S. soybeans this year.

ISA Applauds Illinois Legislators' Support for Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension (12-13-2011)
BLOOMINGTON, IL – December 13, 2011 – The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) today applauded the Illinois General Assembly for passing a tax package that extends the biodiesel tax credit for five years, until 2018. The tax credit was previously due to expire at the end of 2013. ISA led support for the action, which includes other tax relief.

ISA Pleased with Illinois House Passage of Biodiesel Tax Credit Extension (12-12-2011)
BLOOMINGTON, ILL – December 12, 2011 – ISA today applauded the Illinois House for passing legislation (SB 397), which extends the biodiesel tax credit for five years, until 2018.

ISA Policy Analysis to Facilitate 2012 Farm Bill Discussions (10-27-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Iowa Soybean Association have completed a "U.S. Farm Policy, Agriculture and U.S. Economy" study in preparation of 2012 farm bill discussions. Report findings will be used by ISA's Farm Bill Task Force to communicate with Congressional leaders about policy recommendations.

Responsible Aquaculture: The Solution for Protecting Wild Fish Populations (7-6-2011)
Health conscious consumers and a growing global population are driving demand for fish and seafood products, with consumption expected to increase by nearly 50% by the year 2050. That's good news for consumers, who currently consume almost 17 lbs. of seafood each year. Health experts agree that if consumption of heart-healthy seafood were doubled, there would be a 30% reduction in mortality nationwide. However, that's bad news for ever-declining wild fish stocks.

Soy-Fed Farmed Fish -- A Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Choice (6-27-2011)
It's a well-documented fact that incorporating fish into a regular diet offers numerous health benefits. Recent medical studies have focused on the astounding attributes of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood. A 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association stated that modest fish consumption could reduce risk of coronary death by 36% and overall total mortality by 17%.

U.S. Soybean Farmers -- Committed to Feeding the World Sustainably (6-20-2011)
According to the United Nations, global food production will have to rise by 50% by the year 2030 to meet the demands of a growing population. Soybeans are emerging as a critical crop of a healthy and abundant food to feed the world. Soy products provide healthful food in the form of tofu, edamame, soy milk, and other vegetarian options.

ISA Encourages U.S. Aquaculture Industry to Move Forward (6-14-2011)
New National Sustainable Marine Policies a Step in Right Direction Efforts by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) to generate U.S. aquaculture production in federal waters may have inched closer to reality last week.

U.S. Soybeans -- Making Aquaculture More Sustainable (6-6-2011)
Aquaculture is the fastest growing form of food production in the world, accounting for 50% of all seafood consumed globally. Faced with gravely endangered wild fish stocks, aquaculture is increasingly bridging the gap between declining supply and growing global demand for healthful seafood.

Soybean Association's Soy 2020 Forum Analyzes (11-17-2011)
Economic Impact Of America's First Advanced Biofuel Biodiesel is enjoying a rebound in 2011 after two down years, and the industry can now take "all the soybean oil that Illinois soybean farmers can provide." That bullish assessment of the industry came from National Biodiesel Board Chief Executive Officer Joe Jobe, speaking to a group of soybean industry leaders Thursday in Bloomington.

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.

Chicago-Area Moms to Moonlight as Soybean Farmers in New Illinois Farm Families® Initiative (4-23-2012)
Nine urban moms may be Illinois’ most unlikely soybean farmers this year. These Illinois Farm Families® Field Moms, Chicago-area moms who have been touring Illinois farms to get their food questions answered, will be growing soybeans in their backyards and on their patios. Part of the Field Moms’ Acre project, the backyard beans are a hands-on way for the city moms and their families to learn what it takes to grow one of the state’s most important agricultural crops.

Fourth Graders to get Food for Thought from New Video (11-17-2011)
Illinois Soybean and Pork Producers Partner to Develop Educational Cartoon

ISA Seeks Applicants for Crop Sciences Scholarships for 2012-13 School Year (10-24-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) again will offer college scholarships to students interested in studying crop sciences at specific Illinois universities. Interested applicants will find the program has changed somewhat from the previous program, when applications become available beginning December 1, 2011.

ISA Industry Leadership Helps Draw International Groups to Soy Protein Workshop (8-15-2011)
Industry leadership provided by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has helped draw representatives of international organizations and companies from Africa, Central America and Asia to Illinois this week.

New Dietary Guidelines Include Soy Products (6-17-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) joins the Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) in applauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the new food icon, MyPlate. Launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on June 2, MyPlate provides guidelines for healthier eating by showing consumers what their plates should look like at meal times. ISA and SANA are particularly pleased to see that soyfoods are represented in three of the MyPlate food groups.

Mobile App from Illinois Soybean Association to be Unveiled at Farm Progress Show (8-23-2011)
IL Soy Bids Puts Soybean Prices at Farmers’ Fingertips BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (August 23, 2011)—The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will launch IL Soy Bids, its new app for mobile devices, at the 2011 Farm Progress Show, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 in Decatur, Ill. Fully funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, IL Soy Bids will provide local elevator and soybean futures prices quickly and easily from any Web-enabled phone.Soy Bids Puts Soybean Prices at Farmers’ Fingertips

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.

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 Corporate 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.

Illinois Soybean Farmer Sees Soy Shipment Off to Afghan Families (12-22-2010)
Illinois soybean farmer Bill Wykes, Yorkville, Ill., was part of a team yesterday participating in final preparations to send a shipment of soy flour to Afghanistan. Wykes and other representatives from the American Soybean Association's (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) were on hand in Portsmouth, Va., to see the 3,525 50-pound bags of soy flour off at the Port of Virginia.  The high-protein soy will benefit 5,000 women and their families. 

Getting to Know Duane Dahlman (5-11-2012)
"One of the goals I hope to see accomplished is that we continue to educate Illinois soybean producers more about what we are doing with checkoff dollars and where we are going. There is still much to know."

Getting to Know Bob Colwell (4-13-2012)
"Other soybean farmers should consider serving on the board to learn more about how checkoff dollars are invested. We need more grassroots involvement."

Getting to Know Wendel Lutz (3-15-2012)
"We need to work on areas that influence the most change. The board has elections this year, and I hope more farmers will take an interest in how their checkoff dollars are spent."

Getting to Know Gary Berg (2-7-2012)
"Being from southern Illinois, I especially understand the need to improve soybean yields so that we can increase our profitability as much as what we have seen with corn."

Getting to Know Dale Crawford (1-20-2012)
"We can grow all the soybeans we want, but it won't do much good if we do not have solid market opportunities. We are cultivating what opportunities are over the horizon with what we currently have on the ground."