The State of The State
OCTOBER 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 12
Established in 1876, the Morrow Plots are the oldest agricultural research plots in the U.S. and among the longest-running agricultural experiments in the world.
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Chairman Bryan Severs recaps the last year and highlights what he's looking forward to in his second year as the leader of the Board of Directors.
By Bryan Severs, Chairman, Illinois Soybean Association
Read more about ISA's project highlights, program developments and what's ahead.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Take a look at this year’s Soybean Summit agenda, which includes topics such as global trade impacts, the future of biodiesel, conservation strategies and what’s next for farm policy.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Along with a packed agenda of engaging presentations, the Soybean Summit also features a trade show with several of ISA’s partners and Illinois ag organizations.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine Lead Writer
What's in store for farmers in 2026? Illinois Field & Bean sits down with some of Illinois Soybean Association’s Corporate Partners to find out what they’re anticipating in the new year.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine, Lead Writer
Three new Illinois soybean farmers were recently elected to the Illinois Soybean Board of Directors, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to help shape the future of our industry.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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
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
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
Learn how federal and Illinois laws—and coming changes in tax provisions—might affect a family’s ability to pass the farm to the next generation.
By Collin Cisco, ISA Farm Policy Manager
Illinois farmer and ISA Board Director Steve Pitstick expresses his concerns over the proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
By Steve Pitstick, Illinois Farmer and ISA Board Director
According to Collin Cisco, ISA Public Policy Manager, understanding the impact of upcoming tax changes—particularly the estate tax, Section 199A deductions and the stepped-up basis rule—is crucial for Illinois farmers who aim to safeguard their financial future and secure their ability to continue farming.
By Collin Cisco
Learn what ISG is doing to ensure American tax dollars are invested in domestic industries that use domestic feedstocks - such as Illinois-grown soybeans - to ensure our energy independence.
By David Kubik
Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager, answers readers' top questions and breaks down the EPA's final herbicide strategy.
By Corey Lacey