The Partners Issue
AUGUST 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 10
Founded in 1981, the Agricultural Laboratory Testing Association (ALTA) is dedicated to advancing the quality and consistency of agricultural laboratory testing throughout Illinois and North America.
By Dr. John Jones, ALTA Education Advisor and University of Illinois Assistant Professor of Agronomy and Soil Fertility Extension Specialist
Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) remains actively engaged in the farm bill process, advocating for a strong crop insurance program that reflects today's costs and risks while treating farmers fairly.
By Kevin “KJ” Johnson, ISA Director of Government Relations & Strategy
ISA, Pheasants Forever, and Quail Forever have teamed up to connect landowners directly with the conservation tools and resources available to them.
By Abigail Peterson, CCA, Director of Agronomy, Illinois Soybean Association
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
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
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
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