ABOUT SOYBEANS
Pod to Plate
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.
From growing seasons and transportation to soybean meal and soy-based foods, explore the lifecycle of soybeans.
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.
In the second episode, Barry returns to the farm of ISA District 6 Director Rob Shaffer to learn about the steps farmers must take throughout the growing cycle to maximize their yield, including the importance of scouting and spraying for weeds, insect pests and diseases.
In this episode, Barry visits the farm of ISA District 6 Director Rob Shaffer one final time to learn about harvesting the soybeans.
In this episode, Barry travels to Taloma Farmers Grain to learn about the role trains play in transporting soybeans from the field to their final destinations... and everywhere in between.
In this episode, Barry visits Wachtel Farms to learn about the role trucks and trucking companies play in transporting soybeans from the field to their final destinations... and everywhere in between.
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.
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.
Explore soybean production, exports, transportation, processing, products and exports in this interactive online game.
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.
The history and impact of soybeans in Illinois.
The many uses of soybeans - from adhesives to zebra feed and everything in between.
History of how soybean uses have evolved and grown since their first cultivation.
Visual timeline of the soybean's history.
One-page Q&A on today's soybean farming practices.
One-page history on soy-based crayons.
Amazing facts about soybeans, including explanations of terms like "planting" and "processing."
One-page explanation on how farmers combat today's weed and pest threats.
Coloring pages, word searches, mazes and more on all things soy.
Interactive map that highlights soybean-related statistics for each of the state's counties.
Classroom Resources
The materials below are resources for K-8 teachers to help foster learning about Illinois agriculture in classrooms.
Lesson plans divided by grade and subject that extend and enhance soybean education.
Series of 27 coloring worksheets depicting soybean farming and a soybean's many uses.
A comprehensive Pod to Plate curriculum that features an interactive website/DVD, printable worksheets, Pod to Plate poster, illustrated characters and other visual aids.
Additional educational resources for teaching students about agriculture.
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.
ILLINOIS FARM FAMILIES
A place to hear a variety of voices – from farm families to food and health experts – about what’s on your table.
CENTER FOR FOOD INTEGRITY
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.
U.S. FARMERS & RANCHERS ALLIANCE
A farmer- and rancher-led organization engaging with consumers who have questions about how today’s food is grown and raised.
Learn About Soybeans
Explore soybean facts to see just how big of an impact soybeans have within our state, across the U.S. and around the globe.
Looking for More Information?
Learn more about ISA's history, board of directors and staff and find contact information to get in touch with ISA and Illinois soybean farmers.