BLOOMINGTON, ILL – October 14, 2021 – We asked; you answered.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) worked with Aimpoint Research to conduct a producer survey in 2021 to improve communications and strategic investment. The results of the survey are being used to evaluate checkoff support among soybean growers, test the awareness of programs and initiatives, and identify opportunities and challenges.

Phone interviews were conducted with 302 soybean farmers across the state. All respondents farm at least 200 acres.

When asked about legislative priorities, farmers reported that they find trade, crop insurance and the Farm Bill to be the most important government affairs topics for their farm operation.

When it comes to on-farm issues, the survey found that farmers are extremely concerned with weeds and soil quality, in addition to disease, insects and water management.

Over 90 percent of farmers have adopted agronomic practices such as soil testing and reduced tillage. More specifically, 98 percent of surveyed farmers told us that they conduct soil tests, and 92 percent answered that they use reduced tillage. Biodiesel use varies by region.

According to the survey results, magazines are farmers’ most preferred means of receiving information, followed by mailers and email. Other means included newspapers, online media outlets, text messages, social media, and more.

ISA also learned that most farmers are familiar with ISA and three-fourths of farmers are familiar with how their checkoff dollars are used and are supportive of ISA.

“It’s important to us as a farmer-led organization to know the priorities and concerns of the farmers we serve, “says Steve Pitstick, ISA Chairman. “Having an idea of where farmers stand on certain issues guides us in our decision making and program planning year after year.”

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.