The Illinois Advantage
SEPTEMBER 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 11
Discover why bridge maintenance is so important to the success of Illinois farmers.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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
The St. Lawrence Seaway is an often overlooked yet vital navigable deep waterway connecting the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Here's why it matters and why ISA is investing in strengthening this transportation resource.
By Jeff O'Connor, At-Large Director and Market Development Committee Chairman, Illinois Soybean Association
Read updates about ISA's partnership with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
By Darby Danzl, Regional Technical Agronomist, and Whitney Miller, Agronomic Services Coordinator, 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
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
Meet Bean There, ISA's International Market Development blog that covers events, conferences, trade missions and farm visits to connect Illinois soy with industry representatives, key trade partners, global buyers and more.
By Emma Peters, ISA International Markets Coordinator
Illinois Field & Bean investigates how U.S. soy compares to its largest competitors, Brazil and Argentina, by examining key differences in sustainability, production, infrastructure, quality and price.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, ISA Content Manager
As global soybean markets continue to shift, how can Illinois farmers stay competitive?
By IL Field & Bean Team
Illinois is the No. 1 producer of non-GMO, identity preserved and commodity soybeans in the U.S. Through a partnership with the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance, ISA ensures Illinois farmers continue to meet the rising global demand for specialty soy.
By Eileen Pabst, International Markets Manager, and Emma Peters, International Markets Coordinator
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