Bloomington, Ill. – June 30, 2025 – The Illinois Soybean Association’s (ISA’s) Board of Directors approved a slate of timely and impactful projects for fiscal year 2026 (FY26) as they look to maximize soybean farmer investments.
The Soybean Production Committee, chaired by Bryan Severs, ISA District 7 Director, will continue to support a wide array of soybean research with area universities, on-farm trials, digital outreach through Field Advisor and a variety of field days and events.
“The newly approved checkoff-funded projects reinforce our commitment to Illinois soybean farmers by advancing region-specific on-farm research, strengthening production practices, and supporting better yields and profitability,” said Severs.
The Government Relations Committee, chaired by Ryan Frieders, ISA District 1 Director, looks forward to continuing to engage with policymakers and partners on the state and federal level on issues ranging from estate taxes to pesticide policy to biofuels.
“Your ISA Government Relations team is well-positioned to continue to be a voice for Illinois farmers in Springfield, Ill. and Washington, D.C.,” said Frieders.
The Market Development Committee, chaired by Brady Holst, ISA At-Large Director, will continue backing the Soy Innovation Center, in addition to supporting the many domestic and international efforts of partner organizations.
“Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Pork Producers Association, U.S. Soybean Export Council, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council and World Initiative for Soy in Human Health are just some of the organizations we look forward to partnering with in FY26,” said Holst.
The ISA Communications team will continue providing the communications, media and digital needs of the organization. The team looks forward to another robust year of monthly Illinois Field and Bean magazines, supporting ISA-sponsored events and awards programs, and partnering with other Illinois agriculture organizations on the Illinois Farm Families campaign.
“Overall, ISA’s leadership looks to maximize soybean farmers’ investments in FY26, and that is exactly what these projects speak to,” noted Ron Kindred, ISA Board Chairman. “As we close out FY25 and move into FY26 in September, we look forward to continuing to engage on behalf of the more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois in the areas of soybean production, government relations and market development.”
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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
Media Contact:
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
betsy.osman@ilsoy.org
