The title of this issue of Illinois Field & Bean Magazine, “The Future is in the Field,” is a statement your team at the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) takes seriously. The future of Illinois farming is literally growing in your fields; it’s built on your informed decisions, and it’s shaped by the work you put in, from pre-plant to harvest and beyond.

This has been a tough year for Illinois farmers. Between unpredictable weather and tight margins from higher input costs and lower market prices, it’s in seasons such as this when the value of your ISA checkoff and membership programs really shows up. Our volunteer Board of Directors ensures that we continue to invest in research, innovation and market diversification to help you succeed, one year at a time.

A Farm Built for Farmers

Just before the Farm Progress Show this year, we officially introduced the ISA Agronomy Farm—a nearly 100-acre site focused 100% on farmer-led research. It’s located right here in central Illinois and is dedicated to solving real-world production challenges you face in your fields.

This initiative will lead to practical, field-level insights. We’re testing practices, tools and ideas that can make your farm more profitable, more economically sustainable and better prepared for what’s ahead.

Our farmer Board Directors had the vision to make this farm a reality. Now we have a testing ground where we can provide demonstrations and education. We can pressure-test agronomic innovations before you put them into practice. Our farmers can’t afford big risks right now, and the ISA Agronomy Farm is one more way ISA will arm you with science-backed data to help you make the most informed management decisions.

On-Farm Trials: Research Where It Counts

You’ll also read in this issue about our On-Farm Trial Network. This program connects university research with real farmers. We’re bringing trials to your fields at scale. Why? Because what works in a test plot doesn’t always work in the real world. That’s why we’re giving farmers such as you the tools and support to test out new practices on your own acres—and sharing what we learn with everyone. I encourage you to sign up for an on-farm trial or reach out to our Agronomy team for support.

Conservation That Pays

Another big focus of our FY26 work is conservation. More than half of our agronomic research projects selected by your ISA Board of Directors will zero in on cover crops, double cropping and better residue management. These practices are good for the soil, and when implemented right, they can help your bottom line, too.

Here’s even better news: There’s funding available to help you try these practices. Our team is working to make sure farmers understand how to tap into U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) from agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). If you’re already doing some of these practices, or just thinking about it, we offer strategies to help find money to get it done.

Investing in Innovation

Earlier this fall, we announced our SpringBoard Seed Challenge winners at the Illinois Innovation Network’s Research Conference. The research contracts were awarded to innovative groups looking to develop new tools and new markets for soybeans in the areas of bioplastics, bio lubricants, PFAS substitutes and rare-earth minerals. We are committed to diversifying our global customer base, and these initiatives help ensure the long-term viability of Illinois soy markets.

We’ve also just launched the Soy New Uses International Commercialization Initiative. The goal of this new initiative is to develop a framework for packaging soy-based products and distributing them globally to companies around the world. We look forward to sharing more details as this program gets underway.

You Lead the Way

Although we know our work at ISA is vital, the true future of Illinois soybeans rests with you, Illinois soybean farmers, in your fields. You are the boots on the ground, and the backbone of our great nation. You take the risks. Our job is to make sure you’re doing it with support, knowledge and the resources you need.

As I’m writing this, I’m enjoying getting texts and emails from our farmer leaders across the state with updates on Harvest ’25. Although our team can’t be there with you all to help harvest the crops that will feed and fuel the world, know that we have your back and work every day to ensure there will be market demand for your soybeans.

Your success is our end goal.