Petitions Available for Illinois Soybean Board District Director Elections (4-15-2013)
Petitions are available for growers interested in running for open director positions with the Illinois Soybean Board (ISB). Petitions can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, county extension offices listed below or from the ISA office by calling 888-826-4011. Petitions must be filed by May 15, 2013.

ISB Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in United Soybean Board Nominations (3-13-2013)
BLOOMINGTON, ILL. -- March 12, 2013 – The Illinois Soybean Board (ISB) is looking for farmers interested in filling two of Illinois' four director positions with the United Soybean Board (USB). ISB manages and invests Illinois soybean checkoff funds in research, promotion and education programs that enhance soybean production and use and support national and international market development.

Two Illinois Soybean Leaders Receive National Honors (3-4-2013)
Two Illinois soybean leaders were honored for their contributions to the American Soybean Association (ASA) at the organization's annual awards program held recently in Kissimmee, Fla.

ISB Seeks Soybean Farmers Interested in At-Large Director Positions (2-5-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Board (ISB) is making notice that applications are available for farmers interested in becoming candidates for at-large director positions. Two of the six at-large director terms will expire July 31, 2013.

ISA Honors Retiring Directors, Industry Leaders during December Meeting (12-17-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) honored retiring directors and soybean industry award winners at a meeting in Chicago, Dec. 13.

ISA-Supported Livestock Symposium Helps Producers Focus on Critical Issues (2-25-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recently hosted the Illinois Livestock Symposium in Springfield, Ill., to generate dialogue about important issues the state's livestock producers face every day within their operation. As the No. 1 customer for Illinois soybean meal, animal agriculture is a top priority for ISA.

ISA Supports Animal Agriculture through Illinois Livestock Symposium (2-4-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will host a free Illinois Livestock Symposium, Feb. 14, 2013, in an effort to continue to provide support to the state's animal agriculture industry.

Illinois Economy Would Benefit from Expanded Soybean Crushing Capacity (1-29-2013)
Illinois needs new opportunities to expand the state's stagnating economy. Research funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff suggests that one solid opportunity is literally rooted in the state's farm fields.

Illinois Commodity Conference Encourages Producers to Work Together (10-11-2012)
The 2012 Illinois Commodity Conference will take place Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the DoubleTree Hotel & Conference Center in Bloomington, Ill. The annual one-day event brings together crop growers and livestock producers from all over the state to discuss the triumphs and challenges the agricultural industry faces.

Animal Agriculture is Economic Engine for Illinois (8-13-2012)
What was for dinner last night? That chicken breast, hamburger, pork chop or ice cream strengthens the Illinois economy more than many realize.

ISA to Host Transportation Summit June 13 (4-16-2013)
Learn how improved transportation infrastructure will increase farmer profits

Illinois Soybean Farmers: "Let's Find A Way" to Fix Crumbling Infrastructure (4-10-2013)
Illinois soybean farmers on Monday stressed the need to "find a way" to fix current infrastructure problems that limit efficient and effective movement of goods, including soybeans.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Meet with Shipping Execs in Asia (2-7-2013)
Several Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) directors and staff recently traveled to Asia on a checkoff-funded mission to promote the state's transportation system and discuss ways to improve shipping the state's soybeans to customers around the world.

“This Bridge Needs More Support” is Key Result of Checkoff-Funded Illinois Study (10-2-2012)
Illinois' rural bridge deterioration creates bigger problems than just unsightly, crumbling concrete. A study funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff finds neglected bridges in key farming regions erode the state's global economic advantages.

Global Logistics Summit Features Soybean Transportation Infrastructure Work (9-24-2012)
Infrastructure research and education efforts are creating tangible results for the transportation industry and beyond. Some of the results funded by Illinois soybean farmers were presented during the Global Logistics Summit held last week in Bolingbrook, Ill., attended by more than 250 transportation and logistics professionals.

Yield Challenge Focuses on Making Soybeans New High-Value Crop (2-8-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) invites soybean farmers from across Illinois to take part in the 2013 Yield Challenge.

Illinois Soybean Profitability Summit Set for March 4 (1-15-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will host the 2013 Illinois Soybean Profitability Summit, "Shape Your Future as a Soybean Grower," at Illinois State University's Bone Student Center, March 4, in Normal, Ill. Funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the event encourages farmers to learn new techniques and innovative practices to boost yields and maximize profits.

ISA Looks to Help Illinois Soybean Farmers Protect Profits, Market Share (1-8-2013)
The downward trend in soybean protein and oil levels continues in Illinois and across the United States, even after years of efforts to raise awareness about the importance of soybean composition.

Illinois Soybean Association Announces 2012 Yield Challenge Winners (11-26-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recently announced the winning teams that participated in the 2012 Yield Challenge.

C-BMP Seeks Illinois Soybean Fields for Strip-till Study (11-14-2012)
The Illinois Council on Best Management Practices (C-BMP), Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) and Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) are looking for soybean farmers in the Indian Creek and Lake Bloomington watershed districts to allow field-sized strip-till trials on a portion of their land.

ISA QualiMap Helps Farmers See Impact of Soybean Composition on Profitability (5-14-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has released its QualiMap Toolkit; a new online tool that allows Illinois soybean farmers to see and better understand the impact soybean composition (protein and oil) can have on their profitability and the Illinois soybean industry.

Soybean Farmers Learn ABCs of Increasing Profits at Regional ISA Workshops (11-16-2012)
Increasing protein and oil content of Illinois soybeans is one secret to enhancing farmer profitability and protecting market share from Brazil, representatives from ADM, Bunge and Cargill told farmers at workshops funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff this month.

Illinois Soybean Industry Seeks Soybean Meal Samples Statewide for Analysis (10-30-2012)
To help ensure Illinois soybean meal provides downstream customers with the value they demand, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is asking processors, feed mills and livestock producers to submit soybean meal samples this winter to be tested for amino acids, protein and fat.

ISA Partners with Industry to Help Farmers Gain Value from Soy Protein and Oil (10-3-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), along with industry partners, ADM, Bunge North America and Cargill, will host three "What's in a Soybean? What's in it for You?" workshops for farmers in November.

Illinois Soybean Industry Seeks 2012 Soybean Samples for Analysis (9-6-2012)
For Illinois soybeans to remain competitive in the global marketplace, protein and oil levels within the soybeans must meet customer needs better than soybeans from other states and countries. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), with funding from the Illinois soybean checkoff, is joining forces with other soybean groups to gather soybean samples from local elevators and measure protein and oil levels statewide.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Protect Environment and Bottom Line, While Easing Global Food Problems (4-19-2013)
With nearly every industry touting “sustainability” today, the definition often gets hazy. But sustainability has been clear to Illinois soybean farmers for decades. For them, sustainability means taking care of the land, their customers and the bottom line today, while making sure the needs of future customers will also be met. A recent study from the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) funded by soybean farmer checkoff dollars shows farmers are on the right track with sustainability improvements.

Illinois Soybean Farmer Successes Hailed at Ag Issues Forum (2-28-2013)
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) CEO Craig Ratajczyk joined national thought leaders at this week's eighth annual Ag Issues Forum, highlighting the state's on-farm environmental efficiency gains and portraying Illinois soybean farms as sustainability benchmarks. The forum was sponsored by Bayer CropScience.

ISA Encourages Farmers to Complete Soybean Sustainability Survey (1-31-2013)
Measurement to Help Document Sustainability Successes Two National Sustainable Soybean Initiative (NSSI) surveys may prove the environmental, economic and social successes of soybean production and ultimately help protect market access for farmers.

Sustainability Leaders Address Evolving Soybean Marketplace at ISA Symposium (7-25-2012)
National sustainability leaders expressed the need for continuous improvement and sharing soybean farmers’ sustainability stories. This is needed for Illinois soybean farmers to remain competitive in a changing global marketplace during an Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) event today in Chicago.

Sustainability Forum to Connect Farm-level Decisions with Global Market Demands (6-7-2012)
Soybean farmers and other agriculture stakeholders interested in global perspectives on sustainability are encouraged to attend the first-ever soybean sustainability symposium and panel discussion to be held at the Union League Club in Chicago on July 24.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Concerned about House Committee Farm Bill Provisions (5-16-2013)
Illinois soybean farmers are pleased the House Ag Committee has passed H.R. 1947, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013, which is the committee's version of a new farm bill. However, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) feels the bill falls short in addressing planting flexibility and market orientation.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Seek Senate Farm Bill Passage (5-15-2013)
Illinois soybean farmers are pleased the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry has passed the "Agricultural Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2013," the committee’s version of a new farm bill this week. Farmers now seek swift action from the full U.S. Senate to do the same.

Senate Waterways Bill Passage Good News for Illinois Soybean Farmers (5-15-2013)
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA/S. 601) today, which is good news for Illinois soybean farmers and others who rely on the waterways infrastructure to move soybeans to market.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Collaborate During Argentine Study Mission (3-28-2013)
A group of Illinois soybean farmers was in Argentina recently for a study mission to better understand the global soybean market and collaborate on those issues of mutual concern.

Illinois Soybean Farmers Help Drive Waterways Infrastructure Legislation (3-15-2013)
Illinois soybean farmer efforts to improve waterways infrastructure and the partnerships the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has forged were instrumental in getting legislation introduced this week to improve the nation's waterways infrastructure.

Soybean Checkoff-Supported Project Chosen for Time's "Best Inventions" List (11-5-2012)
The next-generation aquaculture technology behind the Velella Mariculture Project has been named to Time Magazine's "50 Best Inventions of 2012" list. Citing the growing global demand for Omega 3-rich marine fish and flat wild fish catches, Time highlighted Velella's potential as an aquaculture method with no discernible environmental impact. The project was funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff

Neil Sims: Growing more seafood for more people (7-25-2012)
An unanchored fish pen tethered to a drifting boat that allows sashimi-grade Kampachi to be farmed in their natural environment miles offshore of Hawaii. The fish in the Aquapod were fed a diet with a significant proportion of soybean meal and soy oil through a hose from the connecting tender vessel.

Harvest of First Farmed Fish in U.S. Waters Shows Promise of Eco-Friendly Aquaculture (2-29-2012)
Marine biologists at Kampachi Farms announced today the successful final harvest from the "Velella" Research Project, which raised fish for the first time in U.S. Federal waters. This harvest completes the grow-out cycle of sashimi-grade kampachi fish from an unanchored drifter pen that has been riding eddies in the open ocean, 3 to 75 miles offshore of the Big Island of Hawaii, since last summer.

"Velella" Research Project Promises to Revolutionize Sustainable Aquaculture (9-14-2011)
The country's foremost pioneers of sustainable open ocean aquaculture, or mariculture, have recently revealed their latest research of cutting-edge technologies that will allow the farming of fish in their natural marine environment without affecting pristine ocean ecosystems.

Responsible Aquaculture: The Solution for Protecting Wild Fish Populations (7-6-2011)
Health conscious consumers and a growing global population are driving demand for fish and seafood products, with consumption expected to increase by nearly 50% by the year 2050. That's good news for consumers, who currently consume almost 17 lbs. of seafood each year. Health experts agree that if consumption of heart-healthy seafood were doubled, there would be a 30% reduction in mortality nationwide. However, that's bad news for ever-declining wild fish stocks.

ISA Biodiesel Campaign Urges Customers to “Get Pumped Up!” (3-7-2013)
Biodiesel offers customers economic and sustainable benefits. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), through a new checkoff-funded campaign, is educating customers about the benefits while encouraging them to use biodiesel.

ISA to Push 113th Congress for New Farm Bill (1-2-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recognizes Congress for passing legislation that extends parts of the 2008 farm bill through September, makes permanent changes to the estate tax, and extends the biodiesel tax incentive retroactive to 2012 and on through 2013.

Renewable Fuel Standard Crucial to Fledgling Biodiesel Industry (10-10-2012)
Illinois soybean farmers and processors are not losing sight of the compelling reasons and big picture behind the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2) -- namely to decrease American dependence on foreign energy, bolster the economy through new jobs and reduce the cost of diesel fuels.

Illinois Soybean Checkoff Funds Biodiesel Training for Diesel Tech Students (6-27-2012)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), with funding from the soybean checkoff, recently hosted two biodiesel training workshops for community college diesel technician students and their instructors. The goal is to provide students with the background they need to understand and work with biodiesel in the future.

Soybean Association's Soy 2020 Forum Analyzes (11-17-2011)
Economic Impact Of America's First Advanced Biofuel Biodiesel is enjoying a rebound in 2011 after two down years, and the industry can now take "all the soybean oil that Illinois soybean farmers can provide." That bullish assessment of the industry came from National Biodiesel Board Chief Executive Officer Joe Jobe, speaking to a group of soybean industry leaders Thursday in Bloomington.

ISA Selects 10 Students as 2013-14 Illinois Soybean Crop Science Scholars (5-9-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has selected 10 college juniors to receive crop science scholarships beginning with the 2013-14 school year. Three

Field Moms’ Acre Provides Fresh Pork for Food Pantry (4-24-2013)
The year-long Illinois Farm Families Field Moms' Acre program, where urban and suburban moms followed the growth of an acre of western Illinois soybeans, wrapped up by using the acre's profits to donate fresh pork to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry on Monday, April 22.

Symposium to Expand Global Collaboration for Biotech Crop Approvals (4-19-2013)
Biotechnology regulators, international trade experts and farmers from around the world will meet in Champaign, Ill., this summer to discuss ways to streamline regulatory and trade approvals for farmer use of biotech seed and the worldwide trade of soybeans, corn and other crops grown with biotechnology.

Illinois Soybean Association Announces New Corporate Partners (3-27-2013)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Corporate Partnership Program allows Illinois soybean farmers and organizations to collaborate on education, research and legislative affair issues. ISA is pleased to recognize its new 2013 corporate partners.

ISA Crop Sciences Scholarship Applications Available December 1 (11-15-2012)
Applications for the Illinois Soybean Association's (ISA) college crop sciences scholarships will be available Dec. 1, 2012.

Congressman Tim Johnson Receives 2012 Friend of Agriculture Award (11-20-2012)
Congressman Tim Johnson was awarded the 2012 Friend of Agriculture Award at the Illinois Commodity Conference held in Bloomington Tuesday, Nov. 20.

Mobile App from Illinois Soybean Association to be Unveiled at Farm Progress Show (8-23-2011)
IL Soy Bids Puts Soybean Prices at Farmers’ Fingertips BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (August 23, 2011)—The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will launch IL Soy Bids, its new app for mobile devices, at the 2011 Farm Progress Show, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 in Decatur, Ill. Fully funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, IL Soy Bids will provide local elevator and soybean futures prices quickly and easily from any Web-enabled phone.Soy Bids Puts Soybean Prices at Farmers’ Fingertips

ISA to Unveil New Exhibit Featuring Kenny Wallace & Other Guest Speakers at 2011 Farm Progress Show (8-10-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will be unveiling a new exhibit at this year's Farm Progress Show - August 30 through September 1 - in Decatur, Ill. Funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the exhibit will honor Illinois soybean farmers' Legacy of Leadership and feature informative displays illustrating how Illinois soybean farmers are leading the way in animal agriculture, soybean market development, soybean research and new uses for soybeans. It also will include one of the only air-conditioned areas at the show, which will host an array of guest speakers.

Annual ISA Research Report Keeps State’s Soybean Farmers Current on Checkoff-Funded Studies (8-5-2011)
Every year, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) publishes a report detailing the latest in Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research. This document helps soybean farmers stay current on new methods and products that will help them improve the quality and productivity of their soybeans, while also updating them on advances made in developing new markets and enhancing sustainability practices.

ISA’s Annual Research Tour on July 19–20 Offers Attendees Updates on Current Soybean Research (7-7-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will host its annual two-day research tour on July 19 and 20. Starting at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Crop Sciences Research and Education Center, the tour begins Tuesday, July 19 at 8:00 a.m. and continues at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Belleville Research Station on Wednesday, July 20 until 1:00 p.m. The 2011 Research Tour is designed to provide the state's soybean growers and other attendees with current information on what's new in Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research.

Illinois Soybean Association and Cargill Announce Partnership To Advance Soybean Yields and Quality (3-7-2012)
International grain marketing company Cargill is the latest organization to join a new partnership program with the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) to help advance the soybean industry in the state. As a corporate partner, Cargill will collaborate with Illinois soybean farmers to improve soybean yields and quality.

Illinois Soybean Association Offers Holiday Membership Special (12-21-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is inviting the state's soybean farmers -- and others vested in the Illinois soybean industry -- to take an active role in the future of Illinois agriculture by giving the gift of ISA membership. Available at a special, discounted holiday rate of $145 through January 31, 2012, a three-year ISA membership includes many valuable benefits that more than offset the registration fee!

ISA Encouraging State’s Soybean Farmers to Join by Offering Reduced Membership Rate (7-22-2011)
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is inviting all of the state's soybean farmers to take an active role in the future of Illinois agriculture by becoming ISA members. To encourage farmers and others who want to support them to join, ISA is offering a discounted rate of $145 for a three-year membership. That's $50 off the standard price from August 1 through September 15.

ISA Launches New Soy Leader Task Force and Affiliate Membership Incentive (7-21-2011)
While many soybean farmers have united with ISA and taken a stand against potential threats to the industry, more voices are needed to help secure the future success of Illinois agriculture. To engage the next generation of farmers and meet membership goals, ISA is recruiting representatives who are passionate about the agriculture industry for their new Soy Leader task force. In addition to the Soy Leader initiative, ISA plans to grow its membership base by implementing a corporate affiliate membership program.

Illinois Soybean Farmer Sees Soy Shipment Off to Afghan Families (12-22-2010)
Illinois soybean farmer Bill Wykes, Yorkville, Ill., was part of a team yesterday participating in final preparations to send a shipment of soy flour to Afghanistan. Wykes and other representatives from the American Soybean Association's (ASA) World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) were on hand in Portsmouth, Va., to see the 3,525 50-pound bags of soy flour off at the Port of Virginia.  The high-protein soy will benefit 5,000 women and their families. 

Getting to Know Bill Raben (7-13-2012)
"While on the board, I would like to see our membership numbers double."

Getting to Know Pat Dumoulin (6-19-2012)
"I feel strongly about giving back to the agricultural community because it has given so much to me."

Getting to Know Duane Dahlman (5-11-2012)
"One of the goals I hope to see accomplished is that we continue to educate Illinois soybean producers more about what we are doing with checkoff dollars and where we are going. There is still much to know."

Getting to Know Bob Colwell (4-13-2012)
"Other soybean farmers should consider serving on the board to learn more about how checkoff dollars are invested. We need more grassroots involvement."

Getting to Know Wendel Lutz (3-15-2012)
"We need to work on areas that influence the most change. The board has elections this year, and I hope more farmers will take an interest in how their checkoff dollars are spent."