BLOOMINGTON, ILL – January 12, 2021 – Illinois Soybean Association (ISA), in partnership with Illinois Association FFA, will host an essay contest in early 2021, encouraging Illinois FFA chapters to address the topic “Promoting a Culture of Sustainability & Conservation in our Communities.” Three chapters will be identified as winners, and ISA will dispatch a local tree to be planted by a tree service in the winners’ communities at locations of their choosing. Tree planting ceremonies will take place Friday, April 30, 2021, on Arbor Day.
“We’re excited about this new collaboration, and the opportunity to grow awareness around sustainability and conservation,” says ISA CEO, John Lumpe. “Arbor Day is meant to celebrate hope for the future. Our soybean farmers are committed to sustainable practices, cleaner resources, and a healthier future, and this event seemed like a natural pairing between two organizations focused on improving the communities where we live and farm.”
Adds Mindy Bunselymeyer, Illinois Association FFA Executive Director,“You can’t put a price on giving back to your community, especially when it also helps the environment for countless years to come. This type of effort is one that not only leaves a lasting impact on but also creates a fundamental tradition of investing time, talents and resources into bettering the world around us.”
FFA chapters interested in entering the essay contest can find the application at https://www.ilsoy.org/arborday2021. Applications and essays must be submitted by February 26 for consideration. Winners will be notified by March 15.
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.
