By Andi Anderson
For 60 years, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has worked with farmers and industry to help Illinois soybean farmers grow better soybeans and find new markets for their products.
In honor of this milestone, the association is celebrating 60 Seasons of Success with special events and commemorations throughout the year.
“For 60 years, ISA has brought farmers, businesses, and agriculture professionals together, making our farmers and organization better by association,” said Ron Kindred, ISA Board Chairman. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, we’re continuing to build on that idea.”
Funded by Illinois farmers who grow soybeans, ISA supports them by investing in promotion, advocacy, research, and education to create profit opportunities and drive preference for Illinois soybeans.
The sixty seasons of success for Illinois soybean farmers include significant milestones such as:
Illinois was the first state to enact a statewide biodiesel mandate.
Illinois planted more than 10 million acres of soybeans in 1997 and has had more years with 10 million acres or more of soybeans planted than any other state.
McLean County in Illinois is the top soybean-producing county in the nation.
Illinois has topped the nation in soybean production nine of the past years.
Funding multi-year research projects to monitor trends and identify solutions to on-farm challenges related to conservation, agronomy, and pest management.
Illinois is the largest soybean container exporter in the U.S., giving Illinois farmers a strengthened basis and price premium for commodity, identity preserve, and non-GM soybeans.
ISA will continue to promote progress in their focus areas with special recognition of the 60th anniversary during ISA events throughout the year, including the Illinois State Fair and Impact Awards.
The celebration also includes a video docuseries, anniversary merchandise, and a commemorative issue of Illinois Field & Bean.
“We know our farmers and our partners are the reason we’re effective and influential here at home and on the national stage,” Kindred said. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’re using it as an opportunity to look to the future, imagining a more sustainable, more profitable, more progressive legacy for Illinois farmers.”
ISA’s continued commitment to the growth and success of Illinois soybean farmers remains steadfast, as they look ahead to even more achievements in the years to come.
Photo Credit: illinois-soybean-association
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Soybeans