Utilization

Objectives

Identifying new uses for soy, better measuring conservation practices, identifying best management practices for producers and increasing domestic biodiesel consumption.

Research

Research and technology help us solve today’s problems and anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. The Illinois Soybean Association is dedicated to the continuous improvement of our industry so Illinois soybean farmers can make the most of every acre for years to come.

Outreach

The Illinois Soybean Association strives to regularly engage and communicate with growers and consumers year-round to promote the value of Illinois soybeans.

Programs

The Illinois Soybean Association collaborates with partners like Precision Conservation Management (PCM), Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF) to conduct various training programs for retailers and growers alike.

Field Trials

On-farm research has developed significantly over the years with many producers taking advantage of the data provided by field trials.

Legislative Priorities

Partner with universities and other institutions to participate in events focused on finding new uses for soybeans (e.g. university competitions).

Promote the usage, availability, opportunities, and benefits of soy biodiesel.

Demonstrate the sustainability of U.S. soy to domestic and international customers through a variety of conservation efforts.

Provide a toolbox of resources for Illinois soybean farmers informing them of latest developments pertaining to increased productivity, quality, and best management practices.

Margenot Soil Quality

A research project to establish and integrate benchmarks of soybean sustainability in Illinois using soil health, water quality and climate-smart metrics.

Advanced Soil Health Training

These training opportunities will consist of six workshops over 16 months to 20-25 retail focused agriculture professionals in Central Illinois seeking to increase their knowledge on conservation cropping systems and soil health.

Crop Science Variety Trials; Protein & Oil

University of Illinois Crop Science Variety Trials will analyze varieties for protein and oil.

On Farm Field Trial Sites

The ISA On-Farm Trial Sites will provide soil health data, yield response to conservation practices, ROI analysis, and agronomic knowledge to conservation systems.

Soybean Stem Pests

This proposed work aims to conduct a survey of important stem diseases and insect pests affecting soybean, identifying pests and assessing adopted management practices.

Understanding the Importance of Cover Crop Planting Date

Cover crops are an integral tool in preserving and increasing soil productivity of Illinois’ grain cropping systems. The benefits of cover crops are numerous, including but not limited to stewardship of soil and water resources, weed suppression, and nutrient retention.

Committee Members

Brady Holst

Chairman

Brady Holst is the ISA Utilization Committee Chairman, an At Large director and serves on the Finance Committee. Holst farms corn, soybeans, and wheat around Augusta Illinois. Prior to working on the farm full time, he was a design engineer at an ag-technology company after graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Board Members

Brady Holst, Utilization Chairman
Jeff O’Connor, Utilization Vice Chairman
Betsey Emerick
Nick Harre
Jim Martin
Jeff Parker
Bryan Severs
David Wessel