Weekly Update

Fall harvest is one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for U.S. farmers. And for that reason, America has recognized National Farm Safety and Health during the third week of September. This year, Richard Guebert Jr., President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, challenges every Illinois farmer to make safety a top priority throughout the months of September and October.

The fertilizer industry is an essential part of any farming operation, and there is currently legislation in Congress to add potash and phosphate to the critical minerals list. Adding these two fertilizers is imperative to ensure our nation’s supply of fertilizer remains stable. Contact your Representative and urge them to support this legislation today.

Frey Family Farms is the recipient of the inaugural Illinois Leopold Conservation Award. The prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes achievement in voluntary conservation and management of natural resources by American farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 27 states. In Illinois, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners, IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.

Last week, the ISA Market Development team attended the 2023 Soy Connext in New York, NY. The department focused on meeting with representatives of Turkey, Morocco, Colombia, and Nigeria. The team also followed up with the numerous trade teams that attended farm visits with Illinois farmers over the past couple of weeks. Those trade teams included people from Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Soybean Production Committee board and staff traveled to the Netherlands last week with the goal of understanding European agricultural technology and climate regulations. Tour stops included Danone, Dutch Farms, the Port of Rotterdam, and Wageningen University.

Let Congress hear from you! The House Ag Committee opened a portal for members to submit their 2023 Farm Bill priorities. The Illinois Soybean Growers encourage you to visit their Soy Action Center and share farm bill priorities impacting your farm.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recently launched an updated B20 Club webpage that features an interactive map of Illinois-based organizations that utilize 20% biodiesel and higher blends. The B20 Club is a partnership between ISA and the American Lung Association that recognizes organizations throughout Illinois which rely on biodiesel blends to fuel their fleets.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is excited to welcome its 2023 class of summer interns. Five students, representing Illinois State University and the University of Illinois, will work alongside directors, managers, and coordinators across the organization.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is excited to announce the return of its annual Achievement Awards Program, designed to honor individuals who have impacted the Illinois soybean industry. The five award categories include the Chairman’s Award, Legislator of the Year Award, Excellence in Media Award, Friend of Illinois Soybean Farmers Award, and Farm Family of the Year Award.