Next-Gen Illinois Farmers 2.0
JUNE 2026 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 8
Renewable fuels are no longer a future concept. Instead, they are a growing part of today's agricultural economy.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Illinois Field & Bean sits down with seasoned Illinois producers to ask what advice they would give beginning farmers today.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean
Strong 2026–2027 Renewable Volume Obligations are set to boost biodiesel demand by up to 160%, driving growth for Love’s, strengthening renewable fuel margins, and increasing soybean oil demand across U.S. agriculture.
By Patton Collie, Love's Travel Stops Renewable Fuels Trader
Hear from ISA District Director, Ryan Frieders, who answered the call to serve and encourages other growers to do the same.
By Ryan Frieders, District 1 Director
For many farm families, succession planning is often viewed through a financial or legal lens — estate plans, ownership transitions and tax strategies. But for fifth-generation Illinois farmer Rob Sharkey, the most critical piece of the puzzle isn’t found in paperwork. It’s found in conversation.
By IL Field & Bean Team
By Don Kyle, Evaluation Zone Lead and Soybean Breeder, Pioneer
Three new Illinois soybean farmers were recently elected to the Illinois Soybean Board of Directors, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to help shape the future of our industry.
By IL Field & Bean Team
By 2050, the world will need to feed 10 billion people — and soybean farmers will be central to that mission. Learn how ag companies are using AI to prepare.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Explore how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) team is leading innovative crop research from 438 miles up.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Learn how Dr. David Bullock works with farmers to turn numbers into on-farm results by using GPS-reliant precision agriculture technology.
By Peyton Rinkenberger, ISA Communications Intern
Agricultural drones are buzzing into action, helping producers adapt faster, work smarter and maximize every inch of their fields.
By IL Field & Bean Team
High oleic soybeans have opened new doors of opportunity with their beneficial profile for human-grade food products and animal feed.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but what does it really mean for agriculture?
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
Herbicide resistance is not a future concern for Illinois farmers, it's a present reality. Find out what you need to know.
By Dr. Aaron Hager, Professor and Faculty Extension Specialist, University of Illinois
This ISA Checkoff-funded research project evaluates whether growers can maintain soybean productivity when using practices that protect soil and reduce erosion risk.
By Federico Rolle, graduate student, University of Illinois, and Dr. Giovani Preza Fontes, Assistant Professor & Field Crops Extension Agronomist, University of Illinois
Sulfur is essential for plant growth, yet it's only just becoming a common addition to fertilizer management plans. This shift is no coincidence.
By Darby Danzl, ISA Regional Technical Agronomist
ISA's On-Farm Trial Network works directly with farmers across the state to develop research and protocols that address significant production concerns.
By Deanna Burkhart, ISA Agronomic Services Manager
As the global trade landscape continues to shift, ISA remains diligent about monitoring emerging markets for Illinois soy.
By Eric Woodie, ISA Trade Analyst
Four projects received checkoff funding support for their potential for new soybean uses.
By IL Field & Bean Team
ISA recently traveled to Indonesia to explore growth potential for U.S. soy's No. 4 trade partner.
By IL Field & Bean Team
The annual Soy Connext event gathers soy buyers, sellers, farmers and other supply chain members from around the world to share and gain insights into U.S. soybean production.
By Eileen Pabst, ISA International Markets Manager
The International Commercialization Initiative (ICI) of ISA's Soy Innovation Center unites soybean organizations to advance market development efforts.
By Todd Main, ISA Director of Market Development
Why growers should engage their policymakers and monitor challenges to soybean oil in Illinois.
By David Kubik, ISA Biofuels & Trade Policy Manager
ISA's Environmental Policy Manager Corey Lacey, Ph.D., provides clarity on farm policies, pesticide regulations and public health debates that could impact Illinois farmers.
By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager
The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) webinar series delivers focused, farm-tested insights from industry and academia each month without the fluff.
By Ashley Barry, ISA Engagement Manager
Meet six Illinois lawmakers who are making their mark by stepping up to support agriculture.
By Matthew Johnston, ISA Government Relations Coordinator
As Roundup (glyphosate) continues to face legal pressure, explore how we arrived here, what its potential withdrawal could mean for your farm operation and what you can do to stay ahead.
By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager
As policies continue to directly and indirectly impact agriculture, ISA's Government Relations team works to ensure farmers have a seat at the table as decisions are made.
By Collin Cisco, ISA Farm Policy Manager, and Matt Johnston, ISA Government Relations Coordinator