Farming is a business. And like any business, farmers rely on vital information that becomes reflected in their decisions and best practices. While we’re still in the thick of winter, it’s the ideal time to gather insights and plan for the season ahead.

The Illinois Soybean Association’s (ISA’s) On-Farm Trial Network is one of the tools designed to help you do exactly that. With real data from fields across Illinois, the program provides practical, local information to guide your decisions for the 2026 crop year.

This issue of Illinois Field & Bean takes a closer look at how farmer-led, in-field research is delivering results that matter. From input trials to disease management strategies, this work is rooted in Illinois soil, funded by Illinois’ Soy Checkoff, and focused on helping you make better-informed choices.

The On-Farm Trial Network starts with a simple idea: research should be useful. It should focus on questions farmers are already asking and provide results that fit your farm. Farmers in the network test practices side by side on their own acres, with support from ISA’s agronomy team. The goals are to compare options, measure results and learn what pencils out. That approach keeps the research grounded and relevant.

Trying New Things with Confidence

Whether they are evaluating nutrient applications or management practices, trials allow farmers to test ideas at field scale to evaluate what works and what doesn’t.

Recent sulfur trials highlighted in this issue are a good example. The data coming from those fields are helping clarify when sulfur makes sense, where it fits and how it affects overall economics. Other trials are pointing to new questions that will guide future research. Each season adds another layer of understanding. That steady, data-driven process helps reduce uncertainty and supports better long-term decisions.

ISA is expanding the On-Farm Trial Network in 2026 because farmers continue to see value in local, applied research. Participation is open to operations of all sizes. Enrollment is open for a limited time, find more information on FieldAdvisor.org. What matters most is having a question worth testing and the interest to learn from the results. If you’re curious about participating, reach out to Abigail Peterson, CCA and ISA Director of Agronomy, at abigail.peterson@ilsoy.org. The process is straightforward, and the support is there from start to finish.

Your Checkoff Dollars at Work

The On-Farm Trial Network is funded by your soybean checkoff. That funding model matters because it means the research agenda is set by farmers. The focus stays on agronomic performance, economics and risk management.

Return on investment is a common commitment throughout our checkoff programs. We work hard to ensure that your trusted investment is used to develop new markets, provide timely information and deliver insights to support you every step of the way, from planting to marketing. Those are the kinds of returns that show up season after season.

The FY25 Year End Report included in this issue provides a broader look at how your checkoff investments are being used across research, markets and policy education. Transparency and accountability are central to how ISA operates, and this report reflects that commitment.

As you plan for the season ahead, take time to explore the research in this issue and the annual report. If you’re interested in joining the On-Farm Trial Network or learning more about what’s coming in 2026, reach out. The more farmers who participate, the more value it brings to every acre in Illinois.