Illinois top soybean producer
Illinois remained in the number one position for state soybean production in 2018, according to USDA’s crop production 2018 summary report.
Favorable growing conditions, technology and innovation have led to the title five of the last six seasons. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) estimates Illinois farmers raised 698.7 million bushels of soybeans on 10.7 million harvested acres with an average yield of 65 bushels per acre.
“Maximizing yields and profitability are priorities, but how we approach them has changed as the world around us changes,” says Lynn Rohrscheib, soybean farmer from Fairmount, Ill., and ISA chairwoman. “We are embracing fresh ideas to set Illinois producers apart, engaging in developing new technology and connecting with innovators to expand our capabilities.”
ISA Production and Outreach Committee Chairwoman Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare and soybean farmer from Nebo, Ill., adds that the focus on technology and innovation extends into learning opportunities that allow Illinois soybean producers to think outside the traditional production box.
“We invest soybean checkoff funds in production profitability initiatives like local seminars with cutting-edge experts and sharing the latest tools and information on our ILSoyAdvisor online platform and through webinars,” she says. “This contributes to producer success and challenges ISA to continually identify opportunities for producers to be even more efficient.”
ISA also invests in inventive programs to move soybeans more effectively to customers.
“We focus on improving logistics to get soybeans to market, including by rail, road and waterway. On the heels of another record harvest in Illinois, we continue to focus on expanding trade opportunities. For example, we are working with industry partners to step up container shipping to open the door to new, diverse international markets for soybean exports,” says Austin Rincker, soybean farmer from Moweaqua, Ill., and ISA Marketing Committee chairman.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, issues analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C., through the Illinois Soybean Growers.
ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.
