Congratulations, Illinois soybean farmers, you have set another record-breaking harvest in 2024, leading the entire nation in production! In 2024, Illinois’ growers produced 688 million bushels of soybeans, surpassing the state’s previous record of 666.75 million bushels in 2018. But growing more soybeans is only part of your story. The real opportunity lies in what comes next for ISA—finding new uses, creating new markets, advocating for you in Springfield and D.C., and driving innovation that makes Illinois soy more valuable. That’s the driving force behind the Illinois Soybean Association’s Soy Innovation Center, where we’re asking one big question: What More Can Illinois Soy Do?

Innovation That Works for Farmers

The ISA Team understands that sustainability—both financial and environmental—is at the heart of long-term success for soybean farmers. Under the leadership of Market Development Committee Chairman Brady Holst, ISA Director of Market Development Todd Main and our entire volunteer Board of Directors, the Soy Innovation Center is bringing together researchers, manufacturers and companies to develop solutions that expand the reach of U.S. soy. The Center is studying cutting-edge bioplastics, advanced animal nutrition and much more. It’s working to ensure soy isn’t just a commodity, it’s an indispensable ingredient for industries around the world.

One example of the Center’s ongoing work is the It’s Sustainably Soy program, a game-changer for companies looking for sustainably grown soybeans. This program provides collaborating companies a story to tell about how they are sourcing Illinois soybeans that are grown using stewardship-focused practices that prioritize soil health, water conservation and reduced environmental impact. You and your fellow Illinois farmers already use cutting-edge technology—precision ag, cover crops, reduced tillage—to do more with less. That’s good for the land, good for your bottom line and good for the companies seeking transparent, sustainable sourcing.

Connecting Soybean Farmers to New Markets

Why do companies care? Because their customers care. Today’s savvy consumers want to know where their products come from— whether it’s the food on their plates, the fuel in their engines or the materials in their car seats. More than ever, companies are looking for sustainably sourced ingredients to meet customer expectations. The It’s Sustainably Soy certification program provides a direct link between environmentally responsible farmers and businesses committed to sustainability. It’s a win-win for the entire value chain: Farmers get stronger market demand, companies get a trusted supply and consumers get products they can feel good about. We are creating partnerships that push soy’s potential even further, including:

• Biobased Manufacturing: Companies are using soy to create everything from adhesives to coatings to construction materials—offering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products.
• Animal Nutrition Advancements: With soy as a key protein source, research is improving feed efficiency and nutrition for livestock and aquaculture, strengthening demand for Illinois-grown soybeans.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Soy-based road sealants and lubricants are proving that soy isn’t just about food—it’s about innovation in industries that impact everyday life.

(Even more exciting, we have several innovations currently in development that we’re not able to discuss due to non-disclosure agreements. But we look forward to sharing those with you once they move to future commercialization!)

Leading Production and Possibility

Illinois farmers are already at the forefront of sustainability, and the work of the Soy Innovation Center is amplifying that leadership. Precision agriculture is advancing rapidly with tools such as GPS mapping and soil sensors. In the near future, it’s likely we’ll even see AI-powered analytics that help you maximize efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

With over 10 million acres of soybeans planted in Illinois each year, the impact of this work is massive, not just for our state but for industries and economies around the world. At ISA, we’re committed to making Illinois soy the most sought-after, sustainable and innovative choice for companies worldwide. Whether through It’s Sustainably Soy or groundbreaking research happening at the Soy Innovation Center, we’re proving that Illinois soy isn’t just leading in production— it’s leading in possibility.