Illinois farmers grow soybeans with pride and precision, not just for the U.S. but for buyers around the world. Nationally, between 40% and 43% of U.S. soybeans will be exported during the latest marketing year. Here in Illinois, that figure is closer to 50% to 55%, leading the way nationally for exports over the last several years.

The reasons for this? Quality, consistency, location and dedicated farmers.

Illinois is holding its edge, and international demand plays an even bigger role. That’s why in this Exports Edition of Illinois Field & Bean, your Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) team breaks down what’s driving global competition, from shifting policies to strategic tactics we are implementing together to stay strong and grow your market share abroad.

Our cover story this month takes you along on a market development journey through our Bean There blog, as we track our team’s trade missions to places such as Guatemala, Ghana and the Middle East. These trips aren’t just about fact-finding; they’re working trade missions focused on building and growing relationships with global buyers. Whether on a farm tour or in a meeting room full of buyers halfway across the world, we’re working to make Illinois soy the top pick for international markets.

There’s a lot of competition in this fight for market share. In “Competing on the Global Stage,” we size up our competitors, specifically Brazil and Argentina. They’re big players, and they’ve got strengths, but we’ve got our own. U.S. soy, especially from Illinois, wins on quality, consistency and sustainability. The key is making sure buyers know it. This story spells out what sets us apart and what we need to do to stay ahead.

Because production here at home is the first essential step in the global marketing chain, we’re also introducing you to our new IL Soy Envoys. These growers and agronomy pros are your boots-on-the-ground resources. They’ll provide regional updates through the Field Advisor Crop Report, sharing pest pressures, disease threats, weather conditions, and other field observations, along with timely blog posts as new issues arise. It’s peer-to-peer learning at its best, and we’re proud to have this fresh crop of envoys on board.

We’re also digging into a growing concern: What happens when our export customers start producing their own soybeans? In “When Buyers Become Growers,” we look at how countries such as China are boosting their domestic soy production, a move that could cut into global demand for U.S. soy. The story breaks down what’s driving this shift and how Illinois farmers can respond. In short, we need to act now — be more innovative and more willing to speak up about why Illinois soy is the better, more efficient choice.

We can’t talk farming—exports included—without addressing issues on the policy front. In “More Than Politics,” we look at how government decisions such as trade rules or transportation policy can trickle down to impact your bottom line. Our Government Relations team stays on top of it all, making sure you are informed and your voice is heard. It’s a good reminder that policy isn’t just about politics, it’s about protecting your profitability.

Taken together, the articles in this issue tell a bigger story: Illinois soybeans aren’t just a local product. They’re global. Staying competitive means working hard at every level, from field to boardroom to policy table to end users. We’re proud to be doing that work alongside you.

So, enjoy digging into this issue. Learn what we’re up against, see how we’re responding and find out what you can do to stay ahead. Because when Illinois soy is winning overseas, we’re also winning here at home.