Next-Gen Illinois Farmers 2.0
JUNE 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8
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
Learn how ISA is working for the farmers in the field today while investing in the ones who will be there tomorrow.
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO
Emerging research sheds light on soybean insecticide ROI in Illinois fields.
By Nick Seiter, University of Illinois Field Crop Entomologist
The proposed Wetlands Protection Act in Illinois would create a new state-level wetlands permitting system - and potentially new issues for farmers.
By Kevin “KJ” Johnson, ISA Director of Government Relations & Strategy
Learn about USDA's Soybean Germplasm Collection that is located at the University of Illinois.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, ISA Content Manager
Relive the highlights of ISA’s 2025 Soybean Summit through photos that capture key moments, speakers and takeaways that made the event an essential experience.
By Olivia Key, Illinois Field & Bean Assistant Editor
TikTok sensation Jackson Laux, age 9, partners with John Deere to inspire agriculture's future.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Designed for both aspiring leaders and seasoned experts, ISA's LEAD Program provides tailored opportunities for growth, collaboration and impact
By Nicole Butler, ISA Executive Employee Relations
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
Get to know John Reichman and his family, who have quietly played a pivotal role in advancing soybean research and production.
By IL Field & Bean Team
When Illinois farmer Tom Ritter tragically lost his life in a grain bin accident this August, his neighbors and friends didn’t hesitate to step in.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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
At SpringBoard 2025, growers, researchers and industry leaders came together to spark new uses for soybeans and unlock fresh market opportunities for the future.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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