Hello, Illinois Field & Bean readers! I’m Emily Lovelady, a third-generation farmer from southern Illinois, where I grow corn, soybeans, wheat and cover crops. I’m also a seed dealer and a proud mother of two daughters. I’m excited to join the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Board of Directors and share my perspective on farming, the seed business and the importance of innovation and sustainability as we look ahead to the growing season.

Looking back, my younger self would never have imagined a future in the seed business. Although I grew up on a grain and livestock farm, I always planned to become a teacher. But that quickly changed as I became more involved in FFA and 4-H, where my passion for agriculture truly took root.

Since then, I’ve earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness economics, worked as a location manager at a local co-op, partnered with my husband to run our family farm and, for the past 14 years, successfully managed my own seed business.

Today, I’m excited to continue my ag journey as ISA’s District 17 Director, where I hope to bring insights from my experience in the seed business and continue to provide a voice for farmers in southern Illinois.

Looking ahead to the 2025 growing season, I believe innovation and adaptability will play critical roles. The seed industry is advancing rapidly with innovations such as embryo rescue and trait introgression, providing growers with new tools to improve efficiency and yields. However, these advancements often come with a higher price tag, raising the question: How much can growers realistically bear? With commodity prices trending lower and input costs staying high, finding a balance between affordability and progress is a growing challenge.

One thing I’ve learned as a seed dealer is the importance of helping farmers start the season strong. A good start with the right seed can make all the difference, and it’s my job to guide growers in selecting the best options for their operations. That means attending every meeting I can to stay informed about new varieties and hybrids, learning from the research my seed company conducts and being ready to adapt to the unexpected.

Farming is full of surprises—whether it’s a wet spring that delays planting or a new disease in the region like tar spot. Over the years, I’ve learned to roll with the punches and emphasize patience, both as a dealer and a farmer. Planning is essential, but flexibility is just as critical. Sometimes, sticking with the plan pays off, even when the weather or market conditions tempt us to change course.

As I begin my tenure on the ISA board, I hope to bring a southern Illinois perspective and advocate for the needs and concerns of growers in our region. Illinois is diverse, with farmers facing unique challenges and opportunities depending on their location in the state. If we listen to farmers and stay engaged with the latest research and innovations, I’m confident we can navigate the challenges ahead and continue to build on the success of Illinois agriculture.