BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – January 18, 2024 – Illinois farmers once again led the nation in total soybean production for the 2023 growing season.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service of the United States Department of Agriculture estimates Illinois soybean farmers raised 648.9 million bushels on 10.3 million acres. Compared to 2022, total acreage and yield estimates were both down 4 percent in Illinois. Average soybean yields remained the same in 2023 at 63 bushels per acre.
“I would like to congratulate my fellow 43,000 soybean farmers on another successful growing season. Despite challenges such as heavy, early season rains in some areas and extremely dry conditions in other areas of the state, Illinois farmers made smart management decisions to maintain average soybean yields statewide,” said Ron Kindred, Chair of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). “Part of this success can be attributed to the efforts of the Illinois Soybean Association. For 60 years and counting, ISA has invested in production research, education, advocacy and market development efforts to afford all Illinois soybean farmers success even in the face of challenges beyond our control.”
As the 60th anniversary of the Illinois Soybean Association is celebrated this year, Kindred is quick to point out that the checkoff program’s efforts to communicate the work it has done on behalf of farmers is key to helping Illinois farmers stay ahead of annual challenges.
“Through ILSoyAdvisor, Illinois Field & Bean, farmer-facing events and other initiatives, ISA provides the knowledge, information and resources Illinois farmers need to improve soybean productivity while incorporating sustainable practices and also ensuring profitability,” said Kindred.
As part of being the nation’s leader in soybean production, Illinois soybean farmers also invest in their checkoff to drive soybean demand both domestically and internationally. Since its creation in 1964, ISA has helped increase demand for soybean meal as a feed ingredient in a booming animal agriculture market, has increased the viability and adoption of soy-based biodiesel, and has helped secure the preference for Illinois soybeans in key overseas markets.
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About Illinois Soybean Association
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.
Media Contacts:
Erica Ballmer-Riley
CLUTCH
eballmer-riley@clutchperformance.com
608.931.2721
Olivia Key
Illinois Soybean Association
olivia.key@ilsoy.org
309.307.9382
