Weekly Update: 03.14.24

 READY, SET, GO: PLANTER PREP CHECKLIST 

 In the latest episode of the ILSoyAdvisor podcast, David Brennan from CASE IH, Nate Prater from Golden Harvest, and Troy McKown from Precision Planting share their insights on planter preparation and warn against key factors farmers shouldn’t overlook before hitting the fields. 

 ISG AND IFCA HOST LOBBY DAY 

 Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) recently hosted their annual lobby day in conjunction with the Soil Health Lobby Day. While in Springfield, ISG addressed the estate tax threshold, detrimental pesticide bills, and funding for the Fall Cover for Spring Savings program. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF ANIMAL AG TO SOYBEAN FARMERS

 Animal agriculture is the largest end user of Illinois soybeans, improving demand and profitability for farmers. In a recent episode of Managing for Profit, ISA District 12 Director and hog producer, Brock Willard, explains how animal agriculture plays a pivotal role in soybean farmers’ bottom line. 

COVER CROP PLANTING DATES IN SOYBEAN AND CORN ROTATIONS

 One of the barriers to incorporating cover crops into corn and soybean systems is timely planting, which occurs in the midst of harvest season. This ISA-funded project, led by Nathan Johanning of Illinois Extension, reveals lessons learned from the first year of the cover crop planting date study. 

 ISA At-Large Director, Scott Gaffner, was featured in a recent episode of Rob Sharkey’s SharkFarmer Podcast, where he talks about life on his farm in Bond County, his time as an Illinois State police officer, why he chooses to serve on the Illinois Soybean Board, and more.