The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Agronomy Farm is a demonstration site dedicated to supporting Illinois farmers through research-driven knowledge and practical agronomic resources. Building on the legacy of Thomas Farm in Heyworth, IL, the site showcases cutting-edge soybean production techniques, offering technical training and checkoff-funded research. Managed by the ISA agronomy team, this site demonstrates the advancements of soybean system agronomics focused on soil productivity and water quality.

Located on U.S. 51 in McLean County, about 20 miles south of the Illinois Soybean Association’s Bloomington office, the Agronomy Farm is a farmer-led research and demonstration site focused on solving real-world agronomic challenges. It serves farmers, researchers, policymakers and partners by offering crop production demonstrations, technical training, checkoff-funded research trials, and a platform for soybean market development and government relations.

The ISA Agronomy Farm addresses critical gaps in agricultural research, providing farmer-directed, relevant, unbiased and practical insights.

Current Trials on the farm:

• Corn MRTN Plot
  Trial Cooperator: Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA)
  Evaluating nitrogen rate recommendations for corn using the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) approach.
• Soybean Variety Plot
  Trial Cooperator: University of Illinois
  Comparing performance of multiple soybean varieties under local conditions.
• Wheat / Double-Crop Soybean Plot
  Trial Cooperator: University of Illinois, Cropsmith, Inc.
  Assessing double crop soybeans to optimize rotation and profitability.
• Sulfur Fertilization in Soybeans
  Trial Cooperator: ISA On-Farm Trial Network Team, Jenny and Eric Mennenga
  Investigating the impact of sulfur applications on soybean yield.

Are you an Illinois soybean farmer interested in participating in ISA research on your own land? The ISA On-Farm Trial Network connects farmers with field-scale trials designed to answer real-world agronomic questions across diverse Illinois environments.

Are you an agriculture business or industry partner with a product or idea you’d like to see tested in the field? Complete the Industry Interest Form to share your organization’s product, concept or research idea for potential inclusion in future checkoff-funded trials.

The ISA Agronomy Farm serves as a hands-on demonstration site, showcasing real-world agronomic practices and conservation strategies to farmers, partners, and policymakers. These plots provide visual, practical examples of how innovative systems can be implemented across Illinois soybean farms.

Current Demonstration Areas Include:

• Cover Crop Demonstration: In partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), this plot highlights cover crop species, establishment methods, and integration into soybean systems to support soil health and nutrient management.
• Pollinator and Wildlife Habitat: Developed in collaboration with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF), this area demonstrates how pollinator-friendly plantings and habitat restoration can coexist with row crop production.

Illinois soybean farmers are encouraged to share their production concerns and ideas for future research. Your feedback helps guide the trials conducted at the farm and across the state.

Whether you’re a farmer, researcher, policymaker or industry partner, we invite you to visit the ISA Agronomy Farm and see firsthand how Illinois soy innovation is growing. Contact us today to schedule your visit!