The Illinois Soybean Association spoke with a few professionals working in the agriculture industry to learn more about the diverse array of careers available. From scientists to data analysts and engineers, there are numerous exciting possibilities to consider.
Pod to Plate
Pod to Plate Video
Whether it’s food, fuel or furniture, soybeans can be found anywhere you look. Follow along as soybean seeds evolve from pod to plate. Learn about the equipment, technology and science that goes into growing such a versatile crop.
Video: Pod to Plate
Video: Pod to Plate
Pod to Plate Book
From growing seasons and transportation to soybean meal and soy-based foods, explore the lifecycle of soybeans.
PDF: Pod to Plate Book
PDF: Pod to Plate Book
From Pod to Plate: Planting
Join host Barry Cloyd as he discovers what it takes to get soybeans from the Pod to the Plate in this video series from the Illinois Soybean Association - funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff. In the first episode, Barry visits the farm of ISA District 6 Director Rob Shaffer to learn about the planting process.
Video: From Pod to Plate: Planting
Video: From Pod to Plate: Planting
From Pod to Plate: Harvest
In this episode, Barry visits the farm of ISA District 6 Director Rob Shaffer one final time to learn about harvesting the soybeans.
Video: From Pod to Plate: Harvest
Video: From Pod to Plate: Harvest
From Pod to Plate: Processing
In this episode, Barry witnesses the soybean journey from its natural state to crushing and extracting then becoming meal and oil. Continuing this trek, Barry learns how soybean meal becomes nutritious animal feed and soybean oil transforms into all sorts of environmentally safe cleaning products.
Video: From Pod to Plate: Processing
Video: From Pod to Plate: Processing
Soy Stats
A reference guide to important soybean facts and figures produced annually by the American Soybean Association.
External Link: Soy Stats from 2001 to Present
External Link: Soy Stats from 2001 to Present
Fact Sheets
From the history of soybeans to coloring pages for kids, the fact sheets below can be used to supplement learning about Illinois soybeans at home and in the classroom.
Soybeans in Illinois: Past & Present
History of the Soybean
History of how soybean uses have evolved and grown since their first cultivation.
PDF: History of the Soybean
PDF: History of the Soybean
Soybean History at a Glance
What does a Farmer ... ?
History of Soy Crayons
What am I?
Amazing facts about soybeans, including explanations of terms like "planting" and "processing."
PDF: What am I? Amazing Facts about Soybeans
PDF: What am I? Amazing Facts about Soybeans
Soybean Crushing Process
How soybeans are crushed to make oil and meal.
PDF: Behind the Crush: A behind-the-scenes look in a soybean processing plant
PDF: Behind the Crush: A behind-the-scenes look in a soybean processing plant
Weeds & Pests
Kids Activity Packet (K-6)
Classroom Resources
Lesson Plans
Lesson plans divided by grade and subject that extend and enhance soybean education.
Internal Link: Lesson Plans
Internal Link: Lesson Plans
Coloring Page
Ag in the Classroom
Additional educational resources for teaching students about agriculture.
External Link: Ag in the Classroom
External Link: Ag in the Classroom
Soybean Science Kit
An engaging on-hands approach that teaches 4th to 9th graders the physical properties of polymers and oil while highlighting the use of biological, renewable resources in industrial manufacturing.
External Link: Soybean Science Kit
External Link: Soybean Science Kit
A place to hear a variety of voices – from farm families to food and health experts – about what’s on your table.
A not-for-profit organization whose members and project partners represent the diversity of today’s food system – from farmers, ranchers and food companies to universities, restaurants and retailers.
Our focus is creating a proactive collaboration between the best minds in food, agriculture, science, and technology to co-create solutions that will result in environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Soybean Facts About Soybeans