By Andi Anderson
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Soybean Production Committee continues to prioritize projects that strengthen agronomic research and build support systems for soybean farmers.
These priorities include establishing strong research partnerships, expanding educational outreach and focusing on production challenges unique to Illinois. All efforts aim toward one central goal: supporting soybean farmers with reliable, useful information.
A key program leading this effort is the On‑Farm Trial Network (OFTN). Managed by ISA’s Soybean Production department, the OFTN is a checkoff‑funded initiative that gives farmers the opportunity to participate directly in field‑scale research.
Through these trials, farmers test products, practices and management strategies on their own fields while contributing valuable data to regional and statewide studies. This creates practical, farmer‑driven results that reflect real farm conditions.
Illinois farmers are encouraged to help shape research priorities by completing the Growing Concerns Survey on FieldAdvisor.org. Responses help guide future checkoff‑funded trials and support university researchers in identifying new production challenges.
One example of farmer influence is seen in sulfur fertilization studies, which became an early OFTN protocol after widespread interest from farmers. Results from 2025 trials, including sulfur fertilization, soybean insecticides and soil‑health studies, will be shared soon through FieldAdvisor.org and ISA agronomy events.
For 2026, OFTN trials will be implemented across more than 30 fields statewide, representing Illinois’ diverse soils and climates. While most trials are open to all regions, a double‑crop soybean population study will focus specifically on southern Illinois.
Trial topics include cover‑crop biomass, weed suppression, planting population optimization, pest management and nutrient strategies. Action Trials test practices within a single season, while Legacy Trials evaluate long‑term impacts of cover crops and tillage.
Farmers who participate in OFTN trials receive one‑on‑one support from ISA agronomists, customized plot maps, scouting services and soil sampling. A minimum field size of 40 acres is required, along with accurate yield monitoring to ensure high‑quality data.
ISA also maintains two demonstration sites—the ISA Agronomy Farm near Heyworth and a second site at the Farm Progress Show grounds in Decatur. These locations host small‑scale demonstrations that mirror OFTN trials and provide hands‑on learning opportunities throughout the year.
Farmers interested in hosting a trial or learning more can complete the OFTN Interest Form on FieldAdvisor.org or contact ISA staff for details. Through continued collaboration, ISA hopes to strengthen crop management decisions and expand farmer‑led research across Illinois.
Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Soybeans