60 Years Later
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO

For the past 60 years, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has worked with farmers to optimize the value of their soybeans. Our goal is to market every bushel of Illinois soybeans at its fullest potential and highest possible value. From developing and securing new global markets to creating innovative soyfood and biobased product uses, our efforts have spanned the globe but have also focused within our state boundaries.

Our work demonstrates that investments made by Illinois soybean farmers—both financial and in people power—can have immediate results yet sometimes require patience. Regardless of the timeline, our efforts are about building a strong foundation with the goal of creating value for soybean farmers in Illinois over the long haul.

Although we believe in a mix of exploration and innovation, we also know there are times when farmers face imminent financial challenges. The current farm economy is such a time. That’s why we work to provide innovative tools and information resources to help our farmers produce more with less. We know that in order to think about increasing your return on investment, you first need to realize a sustainable return. The solutions and resources we offer are geared toward both because we know farming is and always will be cyclical.

It is just as important to keep one eye on effective solutions for today as it is to explore greater opportunities for tomorrow. Profitability and sustainable efficiency are key ingredients of resiliency.

There are also times during our economic cycle when we can affordto boldly step forward, to invest in the future and look beyond our borders. Our work with international soybean buyers is a prime example of this philosophy in action. Through consistent engagement, trade missions and partnership-building, we’ve built a strong preference for Illinois soy. We collaborate with the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to participate in trade missions to key markets such as Europe, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. These missions build loyal and lasting relationships with buyers, educate them on the superior quality and sustainability of Illinois soy, and address their specific needs.

International buyers want to look Illinois soybean farmers in the eye. They want to shake your hand. Our farmer-led missions include meetings with feed millers, livestock producers and food manufacturers in other nations. This creates strong, lasting partnerships that ensure Illinois soy remains a preferred choice.

Innovation is a cornerstone of our strategy to create new value. The expansion of soy-based products such as oil derivatives, bio-plastics and other industrial applications, is fueling further growth. Many of these innovations have roots in ISA investments, and each of the sectors continues to grow. One example is the estimated value of soy-based chemicals. According to a study from P&S Intelligence, today’s value of $27.9 billion will grow to $45.6 billion by 2030. Gains like this don’t happen overnight, but they are powered by a sustained commitment to soy research and development.

Our investments over time have led to soy gaining traction as a food-based ingredient that offers healthy, sustainable options for consumers. ISA actively promotes soy as a versatile and nutritious ingredient, ensuring that it remains a staple in kitchens around the globe. You’ll read more about these efforts in the coming pages.

The economic value of ISA’s work and investments cannot be overstated. The research and development spearheaded by ISA have far-reaching impacts, including boosting farm incomes and supporting local communities. As we continue to explore new markets and commercial uses for soy, the returns on these investments grow, contributing to the overall vigor of our state’s agricultural economy.

It’s important to remember that the progress we see today is often the result of years, sometimes decades, of hard work. The investments made during previous funding cycles lay the groundwork for today’s successes. Although we all appreciate quick wins, the true value of our work lies in the long game. By committing to this ongoing investment, we ensure the position of Illinois soy as a global market leader for years and years to come.