As we kick off a new year, there’s much reason to be optimistic in spite of some challenges lingering from 2025. Illinois soybean farmers continue to prove that with the right tools, solid information and a willingness to adapt, progress is always within reach. This issue of Illinois Field & Bean highlights those opportunities.

At the center of it all is the 2026 Soybean Summit, one of ISA’s most valuable farmer-focused events. If you’ve been before, you know what to expect: sharp insights, practical tools and real conversations that leave you better prepared for the season ahead. This issue highlights the many ways you’ll be better prepared for on-farm decisions when you attend the summit. That’s true whether you’re seeking insights on new planting approaches, managing pests, building markets or policy changes.

The speaker lineup features researchers, growers, economists and policy experts. They’re offering tools to navigate what’s next. This agenda was built with your farm in mind, whether you are dialing in nutrient management or getting ahead of regulatory shifts. This issue also highlights the Soybean Summit Trade Show, where ISA and our partners spotlight innovations and services you can put in motion on your acres. Making connections with these solution providers is a great way to jump into a new year.

From the local field to the global stage, the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the international marketing arm of U.S. Soy, is constantly building market opportunities for Illinois soybeans. This work is more important than ever. In this issue, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter shares some of the insights he will present during the Soybean Summit about how Illinois soybeans are powering progress far beyond our borders in new ways and new places. His insights on international market development serve as a reminder that your high-quality soybeans not only feed the domestic market but also are the preferred choice of global customers.

We’ve also got a preview of the presentation ISA Soy Envoy Matt Montgomery, CCA, will share at Summit. Matt is the agronomy education lead for Beck’s Hybrids, and his field-level strategies will help you transform tough seasonal decisions into a path toward success in 2026.

ISA Board Director and farmer Rob Shaffer reminds us of an important matter that is sometimes overlooked – the power of showing up. Whether it’s the Soybean Summit or one of our many leadership programs, these opportunities for collaborative learning make a big difference. They’re where farmers gain new information, build influence and take on new leadership roles within the industry.

Beyond the Soybean Summit, policy changes at the national level continue to ripple through our Illinois soybean fields. Our “Year in Review” story takes a clear-eyed look at how evolving federal policies are impacting you and your farms. Our goal is to put a focus on the fine-print details that shape your daily work.

At ISA, everything we do – research investments, market development, policy education – is about helping you farm better and smarter. Our checkoff-backed research delivers ROI because it’s rooted in your needs. We’re here to make sure your investments resonate from Springfield to D.C. and to export markets around the world.

As you read through this issue, I’ll leave you with this thought: Progress is a choice. In 2026, we’re choosing to drive forward momentum, and Soybean Summit will be our ignition point. I look forward to seeing you there! Visit www.ilsoy.org/events/soybean-summit-2026/ to register.