Weekly Update: 07.24.25

Researchers Unlock New Potential In Oilseed Crops

July 24, 2025

RESEARCHERS UNLOCK NEW POTENTIAL IN OILSEED CROPS

Research led by Jay Thelen, Biochemistry Professor at the University of Missouri, has revealed how Arabidopsis responds metabolically to genetic changes, unexpectedly increasing both oil and protein levels. The finding challenges the long-held belief that boosting oil reduces protein. Arabidopsis, a fast-growing plant related to oilseed crops like pennycress and canola, has a fully sequenced genome—meaning scientists have mapped its entire DNA.

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REND LAKE LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALL

Join the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) on Wednesday, August 6, at Rend Lake Community College for a free Legislative Town Hall! From 7:30 to 9 a.m., enjoy a complimentary breakfast while gaining insights into state and federal legislative landscapes.

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SPRAYING PROTECTS CORN AND SOYBEANS FROM PESTS

William Henert, Illinois farmer out of Ashton, Ill., spends a significant amount of his time during this period of the growing season spraying crop protection products on the corn, soybean and seed corn crops on his northern Illinois farm.

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ATTEND THE ILLINOIS

COVER CROP FIELD DAY

Join the ISA, University of Illinois Extension and Southern Illinois University on Thursday, August 7, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., for an evening dedicated to cover crop research and management at the Illinois Cover Crop Field Day.

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ASA FARMER FORUM ON CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

Join the 2025 ASA Farmer Forum on Aug. 25 in Mt. Zion, Ill., where farmers will have the chance to attend expert-led panels, interact with industry leaders and network with other farmer and industry leaders.

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In this episode of the Field Advisor Podcast, Brandon Hall, CCA and Location Operations Manager at West Central FS, shares an update on crop conditions across Knox County and the west central Illinois region. He breaks down how timely rains have supported crop growth, while also emphasizing the need to stay ahead of diseases like tar spot.

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