BLOOMINGTON, ILL – January 13, 2021 – Illinois produced more soybeans than any other state once again in 2020. Despite challenges with rain and cool temperatures for some of the state’s farmers that prolonged planting early in the year and dry weather that cut into yield potential late in the year, USDA estimates Illinois soybean farmers raised 605 million bushels on 10.25 million harvested acres with an average yield of 59 bushels per acre.
That compares with 2019 production of 532.4 million bushels of soybeans on 9.86 million acres harvested with an average yield of 54 bushels per acre.
“Even with the challenges presented by the pandemic, the economy and the weather, Illinois soybean farmers were able to do what they do best – show their ability to make the most of what the growing season throws at them,” says Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Utilization Committee chairman David Wessel and soybean farmer from Chandlerville, Ill. “Illinois soybean farmers make smart management decisions to maximize production opportunities.”
Wessel attributes the solid production year, in part, to ISA checkoff-funded research and farmer education. Through ILSoyAdvisor.com and other resources, ISA provides in-season, best practices advice from crop specialists statewide. ISA also shares new innovations and technology that can help farmers boost profitability and improve return on investment sustainably.
“Our goal for the current fiscal year is to be sure farmer needs are at the center of all we do,” says Wessel. “Through not only utilization, but also market development and government relations, ISA is funding projects to equip Illinois soybean farmers for the future. We continue to focus in 2021 on improving soybean productivity and quality through such efforts as emerging diseases research, sharing timely agronomic tips and encouraging better business management.”
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development and utilization efforts while the membership program supports the government relations interests of Illinois soybean farmers at the local, state, and national level, through the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG). ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean producers through promotion, advocacy, and education with the vision of becoming a market leader in sustainable soybean production and profitability. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.
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For more information, contact:
Rachel Peabody
Communications Director
peabodyr@ilsoy.org
309-808-3617
217-825-7654
