The Illinois Game Changers Issue
MAY 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7
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 the 2026 Illinois Soybean Association Soy Envoys!
By IL Field & Bean Team
What does the farm of the future look like? Robots? Automation? Fewer workers?
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
ISA-funded research at the University of Illinois focuses on improving early detection of RCR and mapping where it occurs within fields.
By Boris Camiletti, Ph.D., Plant Pathologist, University of Illinois
ISA Perspectives
Meet ISA's District 8 Director, Tim Clark!
By Tim Clark, District 8 Director, Illinois Soybean Association
By 2050, the world will need to feed 10 billion people — and soybean farmers will be central to that mission. Learn how ag companies are using AI to prepare.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Explore how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) team is leading innovative crop research from 438 miles up.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Learn how Dr. David Bullock works with farmers to turn numbers into on-farm results by using GPS-reliant precision agriculture technology.
By Peyton Rinkenberger, ISA Communications Intern
Agricultural drones are buzzing into action, helping producers adapt faster, work smarter and maximize every inch of their fields.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Sulfur is essential for plant growth, yet it's only just becoming a common addition to fertilizer management plans. This shift is no coincidence.
By Darby Danzl, ISA Regional Technical Agronomist
ISA's On-Farm Trial Network works directly with farmers across the state to develop research and protocols that address significant production concerns.
By Deanna Burkhart, ISA Agronomic Services Manager
Through its ability to suppress pest populations, enhance soil health and diversify cropping systems, wheat represents a viable and economically sound cash crop.
By Abigail Peterson, CCA, Director of Agronomy
Research from Southern Illinois University suggests that winter barley might suppress weeds with less biomass production than cereal rye.
By Eduardo Lago & Karla Gage, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
IL Soy Envoy Dr. Matt Montgomery, CCA, provides insights into his Soybean Summit keynote presentation that looks at soybean management from an alternative, competitive perspective.
By Dr. Matt Montgomery, CCA, 2025 IL Soy Envoy
A multiyear Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded effort is helping farmers understand where soybean stem pests stand today and what to watch for in 2026.
By Stephanie Porter, CCA, ISA Outreach Agronomist
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
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