Farmers are true entrepreneurs. They take risks, are driven by consistent improvement and possess a diverse set of skills and talents needed for business success. It’s a multifaceted balance that goes with the territory. This issue of Illinois Field and Bean, “The Business of Illinois Farming,” shows that soybean farming requires a broad range of business know-how. From financial and business strategy to agronomy and machinery expertise, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is here to help you excel as entrepreneurs, both on the supply and demand sides.

In today’s tech-driven, sustainability-conscious world, farmers are more than crop growers and caretakers. Although often unheralded for these daily activities, soybean farmers navigate complex strategies and actions. And they also have a big ally in their corner: ISA.

As the largest soybean-focused farm organization in Illinois, ISA offers Illinois growers a wide range of programs to help them and their counterparts make informed business decisions unique to their farm and region. ISA serves as a business consultant, an agronomic adviser, a marketing communications firm and a crucial tool for Illinois soybean farmers, who lean heavily into farming with an entrepreneurial spirit.

ILSoyAdvisor is a key resource available to Illinois soybean growers for expert agronomic and management advice about soybean production. The ILSoyAdvisor.com website includes easy-to-navigate sections dedicated to conservation, in-season agronomy, ag technology, integrated pest management and even farm business management. ILSoyAdvisor also offers timely webinars on specific topics and a full slate of in-person events for soybean farmers across the state.

For Fiscal Year ’25 work, we are planning projects to improve efficiency, profitability and sustainability. We are preparing to offer you more access to data-informed research, agronomic insights, cutting-edge technology and insights from experts who will weigh in on the innovations that are worth it and those that aren’t.

Statistics from numerous sources, including the University of Illinois, show that being proactive can pay dividends. For example, utilizing precision ag technology and increasing organic matter can boost yields, while investing in risk management strategies helps reduce losses.

Farmers generate a vast amount of information from their soybean fields that can be crunched and analyzed to determine soil health, best practices for pest management and planting date recommendations for future crop years. We like to showcase farmers and their insights. We facilitate farmer conversations in classrooms, at conferences, in machine sheds and, literally, in soybean fields.

The business of Illinois farming extends well beyond the field, to the marketplace. ISA’s Market Development team works tirelessly to retain and build new demand for Illinois soy. Members of the team also help ensure a robust and reliable transportation system to support all marketing opportunities.

Meanwhile, the ISA Government Relations team shows up to represent you every day and ensure Illinois soybean farmers have the freedom to make business decisions without undue levels of government mandates and overreaching regulations. They advocate for policies that protect farmers’ rights and promote their economic interests. A timely example is ISA’s work on the 2024 Farm Bill.

The ISA Marketing Communications team works domestically and globally to grow appreciation and awareness for Illinois soybeans across the entire value chain. Through education and promotion efforts, the stories and benefits of Illinois soybeans reach a broader audience, enhancing market opportunities and driving demand.

Our farmers are the key to success for each of our staff teams. Creating soybean demand and increasing quality and supply require a diverse collection of skills and knowledge. Teamwork and trust between ISA and farmers ensures you have all the knowledge and support you need to succeed as an entrepreneur, each and every day.