The Future Is in the Field
NOVEMBER 2025 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 1
Within the 20 agronomic research projects funded by ISA in FY26, one priority continues to stand out: conservation.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, Lead Writer, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine
Four projects received checkoff funding support for their potential for new soybean uses.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Known as the “silent yield robber,” soybean cyst nematode (SCN) reduces yields without leaving obvious above-ground symptoms.
By Nathan Schroeder, Associate Professor, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
ISA Perspectives
Soybean Production Committee Chairman Heath Houck highlights the expansive efforts of the ISA Agronomy team.
By Heath Houck, ISA Soybean Production Committee Chairman
CEO John Lumpe highlights how the future of farming is already growing in Illinois fields.
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO
Learn about USDA's Soybean Germplasm Collection that is located at the University of Illinois.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, ISA Content Manager
Relive the highlights of ISA’s 2025 Soybean Summit through photos that capture key moments, speakers and takeaways that made the event an essential experience.
By Olivia Key, Illinois Field & Bean Assistant Editor
TikTok sensation Jackson Laux, age 9, partners with John Deere to inspire agriculture's future.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Designed for both aspiring leaders and seasoned experts, ISA's LEAD Program provides tailored opportunities for growth, collaboration and impact
By Nicole Butler, ISA Executive Employee Relations
From cutting-edge research to hands-on support, discover the vital role Extension plays in improving farm operations and advancing Illinois agriculture.
By Talon Becker, Commercial Agriculture Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
We're here to support you. Explore the many ways the ISA Agronomy Team can help maximize your on-farm productivity.
By Stacy Zuber, Ph.D., ISA Research Data Scientist
Soil health mindset underpins efforts to boost productivity, sustainability and resilience.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Although it’s generally a growing part of every year’s crop budget, innovation is often an early exit from farmers’ wish lists in years when crop revenue slips and budgets tighten. Here's how to balance tech resources with reality.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Experts share tips for equipment, marketing and sustainability over the long winter months.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Join the ISA Agronomy Team at the Field Advisor Forum—a day dedicated to learning how your checkoff dollars are funding impactful agronomic research in Illinois and providing data-driven solutions for your farm.
By Stephanie Porter
Illinois Field & Bean investigates how U.S. soy compares to its largest competitors, Brazil and Argentina, by examining key differences in sustainability, production, infrastructure, quality and price.
By Ashley Rice-Haddon, ISA Content Manager
As global soybean markets continue to shift, how can Illinois farmers stay competitive?
By IL Field & Bean Team
Illinois is the No. 1 producer of non-GMO, identity preserved and commodity soybeans in the U.S. Through a partnership with the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance, ISA ensures Illinois farmers continue to meet the rising global demand for specialty soy.
By Eileen Pabst, International Markets Manager, and Emma Peters, International Markets Coordinator
At SpringBoard 2025, growers, researchers and industry leaders came together to spark new uses for soybeans and unlock fresh market opportunities for the future.
By IL Field & Bean Team
Through the See for Yourself 2025 program, participants saw firsthand how checkoff investments open international doors for U.S. soy, supporting profit-ability back home.
By Johnathan Griffel, 2024 20 Under 40 Farmer
Learn more about the iFAB Tech Hub at the University of Illinois and how its team is harnessing the power of corn and soy to create sustainable, high-value products.
By Olivia Key, Field & Bean Magazine Assistant Editor
Learn how federal and Illinois laws—and coming changes in tax provisions—might affect a family’s ability to pass the farm to the next generation.
By Collin Cisco, ISA Farm Policy Manager
Illinois farmer and ISA Board Director Steve Pitstick expresses his concerns over the proposed Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS).
By Steve Pitstick, Illinois Farmer and ISA Board Director
According to Collin Cisco, ISA Public Policy Manager, understanding the impact of upcoming tax changes—particularly the estate tax, Section 199A deductions and the stepped-up basis rule—is crucial for Illinois farmers who aim to safeguard their financial future and secure their ability to continue farming.
By Collin Cisco
Learn what ISG is doing to ensure American tax dollars are invested in domestic industries that use domestic feedstocks - such as Illinois-grown soybeans - to ensure our energy independence.
By David Kubik
Corey Lacey, Ph.D., ISA Environmental Policy Manager, answers readers' top questions and breaks down the EPA's final herbicide strategy.
By Corey Lacey