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 Episode 1: 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 Episode 1: Planting
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 1: Planting
From Pod to Plate Episode 2: Growing
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.
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 2: Growing
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 2: Growing
From Pod to Plate Episode 3: 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 Episode 3: Harvest
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 3: Harvest
From Pod to Plate Episode 4: Elevators & Trains
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.
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 4: Elevators & Trains
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 4: Elevators & Trains
From Pod to Plate Episode 5: Trucking
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.
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 5: Trucking
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 5: Trucking
From Pod to Plate Episode 6: 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 Episode 6: Processing
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 6: Processing
From Pod to Plate Episode 7: End Uses
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 Episode 7: End Uses
Video: From Pod to Plate Episode 7: End Uses
Pod to Plate Digital Game
Explore soybean production, exports, transportation, processing, products and exports in this interactive online game.
Internal Link: Pod to Plate Digital Game
Internal Link: Pod to Plate Digital Game
The Acre
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
Soybeans A to Z
The many uses of soybeans - from adhesives to zebra feed and everything in between.
PDF: Soybeans A to Z
PDF: Soybeans A to Z
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
Weeds & Pests
Kids Activity Packet (K-6)
Interactive County Statistics
Interactive map that highlights soybean-related statistics for each of the state's counties.
Internal Link: Interactive County Statistics
Internal Link: Interactive County Statistics
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 Pages
Series of 27 coloring worksheets depicting soybean farming and a soybean's many uses.
PDF: Coloring Pages
PDF: Coloring Pages
Pod to Plate Digital Game Teacher's Guide
A comprehensive Pod to Plate curriculum that features an interactive website/DVD, printable worksheets, Pod to Plate poster, illustrated characters and other visual aids.
PDF: Pod to Plate Digital Game Teacher's Guide
PDF: Pod to Plate Digital Game Teacher's Guide
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.
A farmer- and rancher-led organization engaging with consumers who have questions about how today’s food is grown and raised.
Soybean Facts About Soybeans