Let’s call it like it is: 2025 has been a challenging year.

Lack of market demand and trade-related market losses have made it difficult to budget. Commodity prices are down, while input prices have continued to increase. As usual, the weather has been unpredictable. Too much rain here, not enough there. Some of you likely faced equipment breakdowns when you needed your functioning equipment the most.

Still, you kept going. That’s what Illinois soybean farmers do. You don’t fold. You adapt, plan and move forward.

This issue of Illinois Field & Bean, “Forecasting 2026,” shares insights from our industry colleagues to help you get ready for the coming year. Our team sat down with leadership from ISA’s Corporate Partners – ADM, Bayer, Beck’s, John Deere and others. They talked with us about what they’re working on and what trends they see for agriculture in 2026. They addressed topics such as new seed varieties, artificial intelligence, infrastructure upgrades and other tools that could help you save time and money.

You’ll also read about a family that has been paving a path toward future soybean success. John Reichman and his family have been advancing soybean research and production innovation for years. They’re not loud about it, but their work’s been key to what Illinois soybean farmers can do today. It’s a good reminder that progress sometimes happens quietly, so as we prepare for a new year, we wanted to shed light on the dedicated work this family conducts on your behalf.

On the global front, markets are shifting. This will continue into 2026. Some of our biggest buyers are changing, and new markets are opening. ISA Trade Analyst Eric Woodie breaks it all down: where Illinois soybeans might be going, what the numbers look like, and how Illinois fits into the bigger picture.

Of course, it’s hard to talk about markets without addressing how we move Illinois’ crop. We’re keeping the pressure turned up to secure funding for critical lock and dam projects. You’ll read more about this from Tracy Zea, President and CEO of the Waterways Council. Our access to waterways is a clear advantage, but quality soybeans need dependable infrastructure to make the biggest impact in the marketplace.

One thing that will not change in the New Year is the spirit of the Illinois farming community, and that theme carries a story that hits a little too close to home. When Illinois farmer Tom Ritter died in a grain bin accident this year, his neighbors and farming community stepped up to bring in his final harvest. It was heartbreaking, humbling and truly inspiring to see his fellow farmers rally to pay a final tribute to a great man and respected farmer.

For many reasons, 2025 hasn’t been easy. But it reminded us of what matters: being informed, anticipating what’s next and sticking together.

ISA is here to back you up, through the good years and the tough ones. We’re fully engaged in issues such as trade and market development, production research, transportation and everything else that drives this industry forward. We’re not resting on our laurels, hoping 2026 will be better – we’re working to ensure it is. Together, we will meet 2026 head-on and with well-informed confidence.

Wishing you and your loved ones good health, peace and prosperity in the New Year.