Chicago, Ill. – August 10, 2026 – On Tuesday, August 4, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) brought together members of the Mexican Consulate and the Illinois General Assembly for a discussion highlighting the value of Illinois soybeans, strong trade relations and the impact Illinois farmers have across the world.
ISA Chairman Bryan Severs said, “As soybean farmers, we work hard to grow a high-quality crop, but that’s only part of our story. Developing strong relationships with policymakers, international partners, and customers helps create continuing opportunities for Illinois farmers and keeps our soybeans competitive on the world market.”
Soybeans stand as the state’s leading agricultural export, with over 10 million acres farmed and more than 639 million bushels harvested annually. Nearly 60% of those soybeans are exported, with Mexico serving as one of the industry’s largest and most important trading partners. The dinner provided an opportunity to strengthen that relationship through recognizing the substantial economic contributions of Illinois soybean farmers and how their work plays a major role in Illinois communities and the state’s overall financial security.
“Illinois’ farmers lead the world in soybean production. Now, as farmers everywhere face unprecedented challenges, Illinois also needs to lead the conversation on the affordability crisis, energy policy, land use, tariffs, and more,” said Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I’m grateful for the Illinois Soybean Association, leaders from across Illinois and our international partners all working together at this critical moment.”
“Our farmers are worth investing in and fighting for, and when they thrive, all of Illinois thrives,” said Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidate Christian Mitchell. “We grow more soybeans than any state in the country, and we intend to keep it that way. JB and I will continue working hand-in-hand with the Illinois Soybean Association to create jobs, keep our export markets open and make sure our growers have everything they need.”
Chairman Severs added that Illinois soybean farmers are key players in Illinois’s economy. They support over 200,000 full-time jobs and soybean farm production generates approximately $1.3 billion annually in tax revenue. This demonstrates the importance of strengthening relationships to continue expanding markets and advocating for policies that keep Illinois soybean farmers competitive on the global scale.
“It is an incredible opportunity whenever we have the chance to work with our friends and partners across the border. Our farmers work tirelessly to feed our communities while also creating new innovative markets that go far beyond the field and table,” said Illinois State Senator Graciela Guzman. “We are proud to be the No. 1 producing soybean state in the nation and the Latino Caucus is committed to working with Illinois Soybean Association to keep soybeans Illinois’ largest agriculture export.”
“As the proud daughter and granddaughter of farmers, I’ll fight in Congress to deliver real relief to Illinois soybean farmers and make sure Illinois agriculture has a seat at the table in every trade decision. Our farmers feed the world — and I’ll always have their back,” said 4th Congressional District Candidate Patty Garcia.
Illinois Soybean Association thanks Mexico Consul General Ambassador Reyna Torres Mendival, Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Lieutenant Governor Nominee Candidate Christian Mitchell, Illinois Senators Christina Castro, Graciela Guzman, Omar Aquino, Villanueva, Cervantes, State Representatives Lisa Hernandez, Eva-Dina Delgado, Norma Hernandez, Angie Guerrero Cuellar, Edga Gonzalez, Barbara Hernandez, Dagmara Avelar, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello and 4th Congressional District Candidate Patty Garcia for spending the evening with us to learn about how farmers and soybeans are an economic driver for Illinois.
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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
