60 Years Later
By John Lumpe, ISA CEO

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), it is fitting to reflect on the many milestones our organization has achieved through the leadership of Illinois soybean farmers and supporters up and down the soy value chain. We have carved out progress together.

Over the past six decades, ISA has grown to be the largest soybean-focused ag organization in Illinois. Our team shows up every day to work for the best interests of our farmers, to create new opportunities and markets for soy from Illinois, and maximize value for checkoff and member investments. Our unwavering mission is to uphold the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, research and education. We focus our programs and initiatives in three key areas: Soybean Production, Market Development, and Government Relations. We strive to be the trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure profitability now and for future generations.

The ISA Board and staff have worked together to grow the ISA team across the organization. We have built a strong bench of industry experts and passionate advocates for agriculture who stand at the ready to collaborate with other interested groups.

We’ve developed an internal Agronomy team that is working with many in-state researchers and on-farm trial networks. They ensure Illinois soybean farmers continue to have access to cutting edge and relevant information to support their farms. Our Market Development team is focused on supporting farmers both domestically and abroad to realize new uses and markets for Illinois soybeans. And our Government Relations team works directly on achieving better legislative and regulatory outcomes for Illinois farmers.

So what can farmers expect from the ISA in the next 60 years? More!

We will continue investing in production research to advance on-farm profitability and sustainability. We know our growers’ abilities to operate freely and effectively depend on robust data that addresses the challenges and opportunities ahead.

ISA will continue to provide regional agronomic outreach, support and education to farmers across the state through On-Farm Field Days, our Soy Envoy Program, Soybean Summit and online farm management tools.

Through our Soy Innovation Center, we’ll continue collaborating with industry experts to discover new uses and innovations for Illinois soy. We will continue to grow markets far and wide, including livestock and biodiesel producers here at home and buyers and end users in Europe and Southeast Asia.

Transportation and infrastructure will remain a focus. We understand that efficient and reliable transportation is essential for maintaining the competitiveness of Illinois soybeans in the global market.

And we will continue to champion legislative work that safeguards and advances our industry. This includes advocating for higher blends of biodiesel, ensuring that our state remains at the forefront of renewable energy initiatives.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the many people and partners who have influenced our success over the last 60 years, ensuring our sustainability well into the future:

To the farmer leaders who have served on our Board of Directors over the years, your leadership and vision have guided us through decades of change, innovation and growth. Thank you for your service.

To our mission-minded ISA staff, who perform their work daily with expertise, passion and excellence, thank you for your dedication.

To our collaborators and industry partners represented across the 60 congratulatory ads in this special issue of Illinois Field & Bean Magazine, thank you for your contributions which drive advancements that benefit not just our farmers but the entire agricultural community.

And to the grassroots soybean farmers who never hesitate to step forward when hands and voices are needed, thank you for your hard work, your resiliency and your example. You are at the very center of our enduring success.