The Illinois Advantage
SEPTEMBER 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11
Go behind the scenes to explore how farmers get their crop from field to market.
By Mallory Shehorn, Communications Intern, Illinois Soybean Association
Through collective investments, U.S. soybean production has grown from 1.8 billion bushels in 1990 to over 4 billion bushels today.
By Brent Gatton, United Soybean Board Chairman
The Illinois Centennial Soil Archive Project is asking for farmers' help in identifying remaining sites for sampling.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, IL Field & Bean
Illinois has numerous ag industry advantages. But maintaining that edge takes intention.
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO
For members of Congress, August is a chance to spend time back home to visit with the constituents they represent.
By Kevin “KJ” Johnson, ISA Director of Government Relations & Strategy
Illinois Field & Bean sits down with seasoned Illinois producers to ask what advice they would give beginning farmers today.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean
Illinois farmer and ISA LEAD Program participant Jonathan Griffel highlights how the program is investing in the next generation of leaders to help secure the future of farming.
By Jonathan Griffel, Illinois Farmer and LEAD Program Participant
Strong 2026–2027 Renewable Volume Obligations are set to boost biodiesel demand by up to 160%, driving growth for Love’s, strengthening renewable fuel margins, and increasing soybean oil demand across U.S. agriculture.
By Patton Collie, Love's Travel Stops Renewable Fuels Trader
From GPS guidance systems to autonomous equipment and artificial intelligence, digital agriculture tools are steadily transforming how Illinois farmers manage their operations and make decisions.
By Dennis Bowman, Extension Specialist, Digital Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension
Meet Martin Duffy of New Haven, the newly appointed ISA District 18 Director.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Incobrasa is in the process of expanding and effectively doubling its biodiesel production capacity to as much as 150 million gallons per year.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
University of Illinois' Dr. Jessica Rutkoski covers findings from her Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded research project.
By Dr. Jessica Rutkoski, Associate Professor, University of Illinois
High oleic soybeans have opened new doors of opportunity with their beneficial profile for human-grade food products and animal feed.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but what does it really mean for agriculture?
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
Herbicide resistance is not a future concern for Illinois farmers, it's a present reality. Find out what you need to know.
By Dr. Aaron Hager, Professor and Faculty Extension Specialist, University of Illinois
This ISA Checkoff-funded research project evaluates whether growers can maintain soybean productivity when using practices that protect soil and reduce erosion risk.
By Federico Rolle, graduate student, University of Illinois, and Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes, Assistant Professor & Field Crops Extension Agronomist, University of Illinois
As a food blogger, mom and busy wife of a soybean farmer, Deanne Frieders is serving up some dishes that incorporate soybean oil.
By Deanne Frieders, This Farm Girl Cooks
As the global trade landscape continues to shift, ISA remains diligent about monitoring emerging markets for Illinois soy.
By Eric Woodie, ISA Trade Analyst
Four projects received checkoff funding support for their potential for new soybean uses.
By IL Field & Bean Team
ISA recently traveled to Indonesia to explore growth potential for U.S. soy's No. 4 trade partner.
By IL Field & Bean Team
The annual Soy Connext event gathers soy buyers, sellers, farmers and other supply chain members from around the world to share and gain insights into U.S. soybean production.
By Eileen Pabst, ISA International Markets Manager
The International Commercialization Initiative (ICI) of ISA's Soy Innovation Center unites soybean organizations to advance market development efforts.
By Todd Main, ISA Director of Market Development
Why growers should engage their policymakers and monitor challenges to soybean oil in Illinois.
By David Kubik, ISA Biofuels & Trade Policy Manager
ISA's Environmental Policy Manager Corey Lacey, Ph.D., provides clarity on farm policies, pesticide regulations and public health debates that could impact Illinois farmers.
By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager
The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) webinar series delivers focused, farm-tested insights from industry and academia each month without the fluff.
By Ashley Barry, ISA Engagement Manager
Meet six Illinois lawmakers who are making their mark by stepping up to support agriculture.
By Matthew Johnston, ISA Government Relations Coordinator
As Roundup (glyphosate) continues to face legal pressure, explore how we arrived here, what its potential withdrawal could mean for your farm operation and what you can do to stay ahead.
By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager
As policies continue to directly and indirectly impact agriculture, ISA's Government Relations team works to ensure farmers have a seat at the table as decisions are made.
By Collin Cisco, ISA Farm Policy Manager, and Matt Johnston, ISA Government Relations Coordinator