The Illinois Game Changers Issue
MAY 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7
Innovation often begins with a simple question: What else can soy do?
By Todd Main, Director of Market Development, Illinois Soybean Association, and Badri Narasimhan, Venture Advisor, Soy Innovation Center
The ISA Agronomy Farm is emerging as a long-term, systems-focused farm designed to answer real-world questions about soybean production, crop rotation and return on investment in Illinois.
By Abigail Peterson, CCA, Director of Agronomy, Illinois Soybean Association
From GPS guidance systems to autonomous equipment and artificial intelligence, digital agriculture tools are steadily transforming how Illinois farmers manage their operations and make decisions.
By Dennis Bowman, Extension Specialist, Digital Agriculture, University of Illinois Extension
Meet the 2026 Illinois Soybean Association Soy Envoys!
By IL Field & Bean Team
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) explains how to access used equipment and tools at a steep discount.
By U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.)
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
By Boris Camiletti, Ph.D., Plant Pathologist, University of Illinois
ISA Perspectives
By Tim Clark, District 8 Director, Illinois Soybean Association
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO
By Betsy Osman, Director of Marketing Communications, Illinois Soybean Association
By Kevin “KJ” Johnson, Director of Government Relations & Strategy, Illinois Soybean Association
Meet Martin Duffy of New Haven, the newly appointed ISA District 18 Director.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Read more about ISA's project highlights, program developments and what's ahead.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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
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
Incobrasa is in the process of expanding and effectively doubling its biodiesel production capacity to as much as 150 million gallons per year.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
University of Illinois' Dr. Jessica Rutkoski covers findings from her Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded research project.
By Dr. Jessica Rutkoski, Associate Professor, University of Illinois
High oleic soybeans have opened new doors of opportunity with their beneficial profile for human-grade food products and animal feed.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but what does it really mean for agriculture?
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
Herbicide resistance is not a future concern for Illinois farmers, it's a present reality. Find out what you need to know.
By Dr. Aaron Hager, Professor and Faculty Extension Specialist, University of Illinois
This ISA Checkoff-funded research project evaluates whether growers can maintain soybean productivity when using practices that protect soil and reduce erosion risk.
By Federico Rolle, graduate student, University of Illinois, and Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes, Assistant Professor & Field Crops Extension Agronomist, University of Illinois
Domestic soybean crush capacity has surged in the past few years, driven largely by growing demand for biomass-based diesel and soybean oil.
By IL Field & Bean Team
As markets continue to shift and sustainability becomes mainstream, the SpringBoard Challenge aims to commercialize price- and performance-competitive soy-based products.
By Todd Main, ISA Director of Market Development
Hosted by SSGA and co-sponsored by ISA, Transportation Go! is the premier conference representing identity preserved, value-added agriculture supply chain stakeholders.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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
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
On April 1, the Illinois B20 Legislation moved into full effect, meaning biodiesel blend requirements increased from B17 to B20.
By Rob Shaffer, ISA Government Relations Committee Chairman
Clean fuels are no longer a niche market. Instead, they're essential to the U.S. economy, farm income and energy security.
By Heather Buechter, Director of Communications, Clean Fuels Alliance America
ISA's Biofuels & Trade Policy Manager sits down with IL Field & Bean Lead Writer Ashley Rice-Haddon to discuss the complex state of biofuels at the state and federal level.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
Illinois Soybean Growers’ legislative priorities represent strategic investments in agricultural sustainability, economic growth and long-term rural viability.
By IL Field & Bean Team
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
Why growers should engage their policymakers and monitor challenges to soybean oil in Illinois.
By David Kubik, ISA Biofuels & Trade Policy Manager