Illinois farmers grow some of the best soybeans in the world. Our land, our work ethic, our innovative mindset and our transportation system give us an edge. Right now, those competitive advantages matter more than ever.

This summer, a delegation of Illinois soybean farmer leaders visited Indonesia, meeting with buyers on their own turf. Farmers toured their facilities and got a close look at what our hosts need most from Illinois soy. Strong face-to-face relationships were established, and our team came home with one clear message: Global buyers want more soy, and they want it from farms like yours.

Why It Matters
Indonesia is ramping up poultry and fish production fast. That means they need more high-protein soy meal. They’re looking for dependable partners who can deliver quality consistently and reliably. As you will see in this issue of Illinois Field & Bean, that’s where Illinois soy comes in.

We’ve got the logistics—rail, barge, containers—that make it easier to move grain efficiently. We’ve earned a positive reputation among our global customers, and we go where our buyers are to introduce the farmers behind the farms.

In any language, a handshake translates to respect, understanding and connection.

Indonesia’s just one example. Other markets—such as Vietnam, Nigeria and parts of Latin America—are growing, too. Some need soy for livestock feed, others for industrial uses such as soy-based plastics or fuels. Those markets are growing, and getting in early matters. We’re not waiting for the phone to ring; we’re going to them first. We’re listening and learning what global communities need, and we are showing them how Illinois farmers can deliver.

Events such as SoyConnext — hosted by USSEC — help a lot, too. We just wrapped up that annual meeting in D.C., where farmers, global buyers, and industry professionals came together in one room, giving soybean customers the opportunity to meet real producers. This meeting is a top initiative for us, and Illinois looks forward to hosting the group in Chicago next year. We know that hearing from you directly about how seriously you prioritize quality and consistency can be a game-changer. Our buyers depend on you and have confidence in how you grow and ship their soybeans.

Thinking Long-Term
As you will read in this issue, we’re also pushing new opportunities on the innovation side. Through our new International Commercialization Initiative at ISA’s Soy Innovation Center, we’re working with national partners to promote soy-based industrial products around the world. That includes everything from biodegradable plastics to alternative fuels. The goal is more demand, more uses and more markets, all pointing back to Illinois soy.

We have the infrastructure, the quality and the supply. But we can’t assume the world already knows that. So we’re pushing ahead, pioneering new opportunities and looking for new solutions — face to face, mile by mile — opening doors and keeping Illinois soy front and center. At the end of the day, ISA’s work is about keeping your soybeans moving and your markets growing.

You grow it; we sell it. That’s the deal.

Thank you for your important work and for the excellence you bring to our industry. We’ll keep doing our part to make sure the rest of the world knows the full list of competitive advantages of Illinois soy — and of the Illinois farmers who make it all happen.