The Soybean Summit Issue
JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 3
Take a look at this year’s Soybean Summit agenda, which includes topics such as global trade impacts, the future of biodiesel, conservation strategies and what’s next for farm policy.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Along with a packed agenda of engaging presentations, the Soybean Summit also features a trade show with several of ISA’s partners and Illinois ag organizations.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine Lead Writer
IL Soy Envoy Dr. Matt Montgomery, CCA, provides insights into his Soybean Summit keynote presentation that looks at soybean management from an alternative, competitive perspective.
By Dr. Matt Montgomery, CCA, 2025 IL Soy Envoy
As the Trump administration enters its second year, Illinois soybean farmers face a policy environment full of both opportunity and uncertainty.
By Matt Johnston, ISA Policy Specialist
USSEC CEO Jim Sutter explores the current state of global soy supply and demand, which he'll cover in depth at Soybean Summit.
By Jim Sutter, CEO, U.S. Soybean Export Council
By Stephanie Porter, CCA, ISA Outreach Agronomist
ISA Perspectives
By Rob Shaffer, ISA Government Relations Committee Chairman
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO
By Bryan Severs, ISA Chairman
What's in store for farmers in 2026? Illinois Field & Bean sits down with some of Illinois Soybean Association’s Corporate Partners to find out what they’re anticipating in the new year.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine, Lead Writer
Three new Illinois soybean farmers were recently elected to the Illinois Soybean Board of Directors, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to help shape the future of our industry.
By IL Field & Bean Team
By 2050, the world will need to feed 10 billion people — and soybean farmers will be central to that mission. Learn how ag companies are using AI to prepare.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Explore how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) team is leading innovative crop research from 438 miles up.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Learn how Dr. David Bullock works with farmers to turn numbers into on-farm results by using GPS-reliant precision agriculture technology.
By Peyton Rinkenberger, ISA Communications Intern
Get to know John Reichman and his family, who have quietly played a pivotal role in advancing soybean research and production.
By IL Field & Bean Team
When Illinois farmer Tom Ritter tragically lost his life in a grain bin accident this August, his neighbors and friends didn’t hesitate to step in.
By IL Field & Bean Team
We're exploring the ways Illinois growers can maximize crop potential with next-generation biostimulants.
By Valent BioSciences
Join us for the 2026 Field Advisor Forum on Thursday, January 16, at the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois in Urbana.
By Kelsey Litchfield, ISA Agronomic Outreach Manager/Editor, Field Advisor
ISA's new Agronomy Farm is a nearly 98-acre site designed to turn checkoff-funded research into practical, field-ready insights for Illinois farmers.
By Abigail Peterson, CCA, ISA Director of Agronomy
Illinois Soy Envoy Byron Hendrix, CCA, reviews how farmers can access financial support for conservation practices on their operations.
By Byron Hendrix, CCA, IL Soy Envoy
As a food blogger, mom and busy wife of a soybean farmer, Deanne Frieders is serving up some dishes that incorporate soybean oil.
By Deanne Frieders, This Farm Girl Cooks
As the global trade landscape continues to shift, ISA remains diligent about monitoring emerging markets for Illinois soy.
By Eric Woodie, ISA Trade Analyst
Four projects received checkoff funding support for their potential for new soybean uses.
By IL Field & Bean Team
ISA recently traveled to Indonesia to explore growth potential for U.S. soy's No. 4 trade partner.
By IL Field & Bean Team
The annual Soy Connext event gathers soy buyers, sellers, farmers and other supply chain members from around the world to share and gain insights into U.S. soybean production.
By Eileen Pabst, ISA International Markets Manager
The International Commercialization Initiative (ICI) of ISA's Soy Innovation Center unites soybean organizations to advance market development efforts.
By Todd Main, ISA Director of Market Development
Why growers should engage their policymakers and monitor challenges to soybean oil in Illinois.
By David Kubik, ISA Biofuels & Trade Policy Manager
ISA's Environmental Policy Manager Corey Lacey, Ph.D., provides clarity on farm policies, pesticide regulations and public health debates that could impact Illinois farmers.
By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager
The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) webinar series delivers focused, farm-tested insights from industry and academia each month without the fluff.
By Ashley Barry, ISA Engagement Manager
Meet six Illinois lawmakers who are making their mark by stepping up to support agriculture.
By Matthew Johnston, ISA Government Relations Coordinator
As Roundup (glyphosate) continues to face legal pressure, explore how we arrived here, what its potential withdrawal could mean for your farm operation and what you can do to stay ahead.
By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager
As policies continue to directly and indirectly impact agriculture, ISA's Government Relations team works to ensure farmers have a seat at the table as decisions are made.
By Collin Cisco, ISA Farm Policy Manager, and Matt Johnston, ISA Government Relations Coordinator