FAST 5 Weekly Updates

Last week, the ISA Market Development team hosted German agriculture influencers, including both farmers and media experts. During their visit, the group toured the farms of ISA board members in Atlanta and Kankakee and engaged with ISA’s Soybean Production, Market Development, and Marketing Communications departments at the Bloomington office.

The B20 Club is a partnership between ISA and the American Lung Association which recognizes Illinois-based organizations whose fleets run on biodiesel blends of 20 percent or greater. Recently, the group welcomed new members ADM and Wilmette Park District, while the Village of Mundelein became an Affiliate Member with plans to transition into a full membership in the near future.

Nominations for the 2024 ILSoyAdvisor Awards close this Friday, October 27. The CCA Soybean Master Adviser Award recognizes the vital role of Illinois Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) in improving soybean production, offering insights to enhance yield and profitability. The Dave Rahe Excellence in Soils Consulting Award honors an exceptional Illinois CCA for their expertise in soils consulting within the state's soybean production systems, named after former CCA Soy Envoy, Dave Rahe.

ISA’s “It’s Sustainably Soy” Certification Program recognizes organizations, companies and executives for switching to sustainable, soy-based solutions in their products. Stakeholders, constituents, and customers want to do business with organizations that align with their environmental values, and getting your product sustainably certified by ISA provides you with a resource you can list in your annual report and publish as part of your ongoing sustainability initiatives.

This year's harvest is bringing in a wide range of yields so far, from disappointing to outstanding, in both soybeans and corn. In the first ILSoyAdvisor podcast episode, the ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys offer a comprehensive harvest report, which includes yield assessments from various regions across the state. In addition, they provide insights into the growing season, addressing challenges such as insects, disease, and weed problems, and what Illinois growers should consider for next year.

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) has now spread to the majority of soybean-growing regions. Why should farmers be vigilant about this pest? While we’ve relied on the genetic approach of PI 88788 resistance to combat SCN, resistance is emerging. Dr. Mandy Bish of the University of Missouri Extension urges farmers to take a proactive stance in managing SCN as there are limited tools available for control.

Fall harvest is one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for U.S. farmers. And for that reason, America has recognized National Farm Safety and Health during the third week of September. This year, Richard Guebert Jr., President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, challenges every Illinois farmer to make safety a top priority throughout the months of September and October.

The fertilizer industry is an essential part of any farming operation, and there is currently legislation in Congress to add potash and phosphate to the critical minerals list. Adding these two fertilizers is imperative to ensure our nation’s supply of fertilizer remains stable. Contact your Representative and urge them to support this legislation today.

Frey Family Farms is the recipient of the inaugural Illinois Leopold Conservation Award. The prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes achievement in voluntary conservation and management of natural resources by American farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 27 states. In Illinois, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners, IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.