Illinois Field & Bean - April 2023

The Broadband Issue

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6 The Infrastructure of Opportunity

Get to know the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, an organization dedicated to bringing open, affordable, high-performance broadband to all people to deliver opportunities and strengthen communities.

14 FY22 Annual Report

Hear from ISA leadership on the FY22 programs, partners, and projects that were driven by your checkoff and membership investments.

20 All Points Between

Read about the efforts of one group of students who created a statewide GIS mapping system to help identify areas of need.

23 Defining Gaps to Identify Solutions

See how the rural broadband survey, conducted by the United Soybean Board, allows us to better understand the connectivity challenges American farmers face.

24 Banding Together for Digital Equity

Learn about the checkoff efforts happening by farmers – on behalf of farmers – to make broadband accessible to Illinois' rural and underserved communities.

26 It’s Harvest Season in Springfield

As planting season begins for Illinois farmers, it's harvest season for Illinois legislators as sessions come to a close and bills are assigned to committees for review and potential action.

COVER: Rural broadband is essential to modern agriculture and a critical part of agribusiness as growers work to follow commodity markets, communicate with customers, and access new markets around the world, making their operations more efficient, economical and environmentally-friendly. But the gap is widening between farmers who have access to broadband, and farmers who don’t, which is why ISA is actively working to support efforts that will expand broadband deployment to rural communities across Illinois.

CHAIRMAN

Steve Pitstick, Maple Park

District 2

VICE CHAIRMAN

Ron Kindred, Atlanta

District 9

SECRETARY

Tim Scates, Carmi

At-Large

TREASURER

Bryan Severs, Potomac

District 7

ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER

Dwayne Anderson, Lynn Center

District 3

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Brad Daugherty, West Union

District 14

MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Scott Gaffner, Greenville

At-Large

UTILIZATION COMMITTEE CHAIR

Brady Holst, Plymouth

At-Large

DIRECTORS

Ryan Frieders, Waterman | District 1

Buck Hill, Grand Ridge | District 4

Mark Read, Putnam | District 5

Jim Martin, Pontiac | District 6

STAFF CREDITS

David Niekamp, Coatsburg | District 8

Elliott Uphoff, Shelbyville | District 10

Matt Murray, Paxton | District 11

Brock Willard, Pittsfield | District 12

Ed Murphy, Farmersville |

District 13

Jeff Parker, Belleville | District 15

Brian Atteberry, Carmi | District 16

Nick Harre, Nashville | District 17

Rick Rubenacker, McLeansboro |

District 18

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

Betsey Emerick, Vandalia

Jeff O'Connor, Kankakee

David Wessel, Chandlerville

UNITED SOYBEAN BOARD (USB)

Dwayne Anderson, Lynn Center

Gary Berg, St. Elmo

Lynn Rohrscheib, Fairmount

David Wessel, Chandlerville

AMERICAN SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION (ASA)

Stan Born, Mahomet

Daryl Cates, Columbia,

ASA President

Jered Hooker, Clinton

Jim Martin, Pontiac

Bill Raben, Ridgway

Rob Shaffer, El Paso

Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo

Bill Wykes, Yorkville

Editor | Claire Weinzierl, Illinois Soybean Association

Assistant Editor | Betsy Osman, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Brynna Sentel, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer & Photographer | Stephen Sostaric, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Olivia Key, Illinois Soybean Association

Digital Edition & Circulation Manager | Heather Rod, Illinois Soybean Association

OTHER ISA STAFF

Chief Executive Officer | John Lumpe

Director of Operations | Dustin Scott

Director of Market Development | Todd Main

Director of Finance | Kati Owen

Director of Government Relations & Strategy | Andrew Larson

Director of Agronomy | Abigail Peterson

The Illinois Soybean Growers is owner of Illinois Field & Bean, a publication for Illinois soybean farmers, designed and written to provide timely and useful industry information. Illinois Field & Bean is published by the Illinois Soybean Association, 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704. For address corrections, contact Illinois Field & Bean at 1108 Trinity Lane, Bloomington, IL, 61704. Phone 309-663-7692. Web address: www.ilsoy.org. Email: heather.rod@ilsoy.org.

Comments and statewide news articles should be sent to the above address. Advertising space reservations must be made by the first of the month preceding publication. In consideration of the acceptance of advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Claire Weinzier

Communications Manager

Phone: (309) 663-7692

Email: claire.weinzierl@ilsoy.org

SCOTT GAFFNER | MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN BOARD

Taking It Personally

Innovation has long been a hallmark of American agriculture. American farmers have continuously adapted their operations to meet new demands and stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy. But today, rural communities and farmers are experiencing one of the most significant disadvantages of all: the lack of connectivity.

When our cell phones get better service than our computers, that is a problem. If we want our farmers and rural communities to remain competitive, solid broadband infrastructure is an essential investment for current and future generations. Reliable internet access is something that everybody needs.

I know first-hand the frustration of not having reliable internet service in my rural home. It led me to start my own internet service provider company. I have used this opportunity to reach my rural neighbors and farmers with a reliable service to enhance their standard of living. I know it is only viable for some to start a company, that is why ISA is dedicated to helping provide Illinois counties with the tools they need to allow every soybean producer an opportunity to obtain reliable internet services.

Broadband is necessary to innovate farming practices, allowing for more targeted and efficient resource use. Farmers need connectivity in the farmhouse and farm office, in the field, and in the community to enable sustainable, data-driven agriculture and meet the world’s rising demand for food.

Broadband will be critical to increasing sustainability in agriculture. Farmers need data to make efficient decisions about resource management. Connectivity-dependent precision agriculture allows farmers to target pesticide, herbicide, water, and fuel use, saving the farmer money and helping them more diligently care for the environment.

Farms depend on rural communities, and rural communities depend on farms. Broadband can enable new opportunities in agricultural communities, such as remote education, professional development, and telehealth. Rural communities can work with local organizations, including nonprofits, cooperatives, and community-oriented private providers, to find solutions that meet their access and adoption needs.

Broadband is not an end in and of itself; instead, the transformative power of broadband lies in its ability to connect users to solutions. A broadband connection to a rural farm improves farmers’ ability to use precision agriculture. It increases remote training, telemedicine, and social communication opportunities.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and partners are working with a five-county cohort in developing their plans to bring reliable and affordable broadband access to every resident in their respective counties. The five teams are building their county broadband proposals through research by identifying and contacting broadband providers that service other areas of their county and designing and deploying countywide broadband surveys. At the end of their process, they will each have a successfully mappedout broadband blueprint for their county that will be submitted to the state to be approved for state and federal funding.

In the coming weeks, you may receive an email asking you to take a broadband survey and Internet speed test. I implore you to participate in the survey and the speed test as we work together to break through the broadband barrier.

Meeting tomorrow’s challenges means finally acknowledging that high-performance, fiber-based networks is a must-have technology for modern agriculture and rural America. We, as farmers, know what we need for sustainable, data-driven agriculture that can keep pace with the world’s rising food demand. Now it’s time to unite our communities and work together to build the broadband networks needed to feed and fuel the world.

The Next Big Mission

I grew up in a space-centric time of history, a decade when President John F. Kennedy declared that by the end of the 60s, man would walk on the moon and return safely. With the natural curiosity I had as a boy who grew up watching astronauts on my television set and hearing about deep space exploration, it’s no wonder that there’s a part of space exploration that still remains special to me.

A few weeks ago, I stood with ISA farmer leaders underneath the wings of Atlantis, one of three of NASA’s space-flown shuttles. We were at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for leadership training and goal planning. Soybeans or space, I can tell you that there’s no better ground for thinking big and planning for the future than NASA’s expansive campus.

We talked about design thinking, and making better plans in order to better deliver on our goals. We talked about the importance of productive brainstorming, and the roles we need our farmer board members to play in getting new ideas on the table, and vetted as possible solutions to soybean industry challenges. We talked about productive change management, goal setting, and learning from not only our successes but more importantly, our mistakes.

It was time well spent thinking about the possibilities of what’s next for Illinois soybean farmers. And though our feet were planted in a place where they were dreaming about exploring Mars, our minds were encouraged to dream just as big about the explorations our soy industry has yet to make.

We journeyed home inspired by our week at NASA, and ready to start thinking bigger for what I like to call “ISA’s Next Big Mission.”

What does the Next Big Mission entail? That story has yet to be written. It’s being designed by our Board of Directors who volunteer their time, resources, and voices to champion the most profitable return for Illinois farmers. It’s being contoured by the ISA staff who work every day to move our industry forward in accessible and meaningful ways. And it’s being defined by Illinois soybean farmers who raise the agricultural bar year after year, showing the world that Illinois doesn’t wait for solutions to global challenges: we create them.

We find ourselves at an unprecedented time in the soybean checkoff. There’s never been a better time than now to address the Next Big Mission for our industry. We’re talking about new uses, new markets, new programs, new standards, new policies, and plenty of other ideas in-between.

We might not be going to Mars, but the Illinois Soybean Association is preparing for blast-off. So buckle up and join our mission; we promise it’s going to be big.

JOHN LUMPE | CEO | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

The Infrastructure of Opportunity

By Betsy Osman

High-speed, affordable broadband is the infrastructure of opportunity.” So says Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, an organization dedicated to bringing open, affordable, high-performance broadband to all people in the U.S. to deliver opportunities and strengthen communities.

Benton believes that communications policy—rooted in the values of access, equity,

and diversity—has the power to deliver new opportunities and strengthen communities. To that end, Benton provides the only free, reliable, and non-partisan daily digest that curates and distributes news related to universal broadband.

"We humanize communications policy and help people understand its impact on their everyday lives,” says Adrianne Furniss, Executive Director.

“We believe we need to build resilient, high-speed broadband infrastructure that reach -

es everywhere in the U.S. (Access); to connect everyone to affordable internet service and equip people with the devices and the skills they need to use these connections (Adoption); and to ensure broadband uses serve opportunity and equity for all (Application).”

Adds Furniss, “We accomplish our goals by making sure people have the timely information, rigorous evidence, and practical guidance they need to implement a ‘broadband for all’ agenda.”

According to a 2019 United Soybean Board Survey, nearly 60 percent of U.S. farmers and ranchers do not believe they have adequate internet connectivity to run their business. And despite widespread dissatisfaction with the speed, cost, or reliability of their current service, 78 percent of farmers do not have another viable option to change service providers. Broadband access is central to sustainability because connected technologies allow farmers to measure their

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

inputs and outputs, creating opportunities for smarter, more sustainable resource management.

“Farmers need connectivity in the farmhouse and farm office, in the field, and in their communities to be able to continuously adapt their operations to meet the world’s rising food demand and stay competitive in an increasingly globalized economy,” says Furniss.

What Benton set out to accomplish goes far beyond policy, even societal reform. And they are doing it by including everyone; their list of potential collaborators knows no end.

“It truly takes work from all sectors of society to make ubiquitous broadband a reality. Policymakers at all levels of government, broadband service providers, non-profits, academics, community leaders, (including a representative from libraries, schools, and healthcare institutions), economic development folks, farm bureaus and agricultural associations, businesses, and residents are all important contributors to local broadband efforts,” says Furniss. “With billions of federal dollars flowing through states to achieve universal broadband and digital equity, local leaders and their communities want to make sure they receive their fair share of available dollars. Benton believes that community engagement and broadband planning work—that educates and supports local leadership teams—helps communities create a broadband vision and goals and allows them to pursue the best possible broadband solutions for their area. This work is not possible without collaboration.”

Benton underwrites policy and legal experts who work to articulate and advance a public interest-focused broadband agenda and communicate why “broadband for all” matters. The organization curates and distributes broadband research and analysis to policymakers, public interest advocates, and

philanthropy while identifying best practices and strategies as state and local leaders find innovative and creative ways to advance their broadband goals.

If you visit the Benton website, you’ll find a page dedicated to “Digital Divide Diaries,” or editorials meant to humanize and shed light on the experiences of those grappling with digital inequity. It is here where real life stories are shared, moving audiences from seeing dollar signs to human faces.

In 2021, Benton partnered with the United Soybean Board (USB) to understand and explain what kind of broadband connections farmers and ranchers need to operate effectively and sustainably in the coming years. Building on rural broadband research in USB’s Rural Broadband and the American Farmer, the Benton Institute published The Future of American Farming: Broadband Solutions for the Farm Office, Field, and Community to identify diverse solutions to support the deployment of the kind of broadband that agriculture and rural communities require. To bolster the effort, Benton convened agricultural leaders and broadband practitioners to discuss the best ways to create, and build awareness for, a rural broadband agenda among key agricultural leaders.

Enter the Illinois Soybean Association.

“Not only does ISA have relationships with 43,000 farmers in Illinois, but, importantly, Todd Main [ISA Director of Market Development] alerted

the Benton Institute of critical research tools being developed by a team of professors at Illinois State University (ISU). Rural communities need to expand their measures of success: ISU models demonstrate the impact of robust broadband on current crop production which can help farmers and farming communities justify broadband investments and plan and leverage infrastructure to deploy precision agriculture tools,” says Furniss.

“Our hope is to leverage ISA’s network of farming relationships and the Benton Institute’s proven community engagement and broadband planning approach and take Broadband Breakthrough to additional Illinois counties where farmers and farm businesses are such vital drivers of state and local economic growth.”

Learn more about the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society at www.benton.org.

Adrianne Furniss, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, Executive Director

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Join WISHH in the business of untapped protein potential.

WISHH connects trade and development across global market systems, improves food security, and brings the power of strategic partnerships to our unique market-systems approach.

WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.

The Need for Speed

Access to reliable broadband service in rural Illinois is an ongoing issue. While it has been discussed for a long time, there has been little to no progress that will benefit our communities. Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Director Scott Gaffner knows first-hand about the challenges poor quality internet pose in running a farm and business in rural Illinois. To solve this problem in his family's century-old farming community in Bond County, he started his own small internet provider.

Gaffner says, “Allow me to ride the coattails of Tom Cruise when he first found his desire in 1986 while filming Top Gun and said, ‘I feel the need, the need for speed.’ Our goal at the Illinois Soybean Association is to identify and help counties deliver the needed internet speed to the 43,000 soybean farmers in rural Illinois to continue to provide a blockbuster crop.”

Scott understood that the challenge was larger than just his county and is one faced by communities across our state. He reached out to his fellow ISA board members and organized an initiative to look at the issue from a no-nonsense, practical farmer perspective.

As the ISA board and staff began to look at the issue of rural broadband, a couple of things became clear and helped to explain why so little progress was made in getting quality broadband in rural Illinois. The first of these roadblocks were in the nature of the way the discussion was being framed by big internet service providers. When policy discussions on rural broadband access were held, a common refrain was, “Well 95 percent of the population has good service and often has two or more providers to choose from, so this is a really small problem”.

The other roadblock to progress was the fact that the broadband service maps produced by the FCC were problematic and failed to reflect the experience Illinois rural communities face daily with inadequate internet service.

One other interesting thing we uncovered in our review of the state of the rural broadband policy discussion is that the current business models of the internet service providers are dependent on subscriptions that in turn are dependent on population density. This means that recovering the investments in providing service precludes providing service in the lower populated areas of rural Illinois. So, unless we broadened the discussion and expanded the metrics used to make decisions about where to provide service, we were never going to get quality broadband service in our communities.

As we started thinking about how to broaden this discussion, several things came into focus:

1. Agricultural production is on the verge of a dramatic increase in productivity. Over the next decade, there is an expected 15-25 percent productivity increase with the adoption of precision agriculture equip-

ment and practices, provided we can get good broadband in the field and on the farm.

2. Agriculture is the largest economic sector in Illinois, and we can calculate the economic impact of quality broadband investments with increases in productivity, which changes the conversation. It makes sense to invest in our number one economic sector.

3. Since building out rural broadband service will be predominately funded by public tax dollars from the state and federal government, rural communities should ensure that they get a fair slice of the pie with minimum speeds that allow for upstream as well as downstream data streaming.

4. Rural counties often lack the capacity to develop broadband plans and write the grants necessary to apply for funding. To impact this situation, we need to fill this capacity gap and reduce other barriers to successful applications.

To begin the process of widening broadband access, ISA collaborated with the Illinois State University GIS Department, Illinois Farm Bureau, Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, United Soybean Board, Illinois Broadband Lab, and Illinois Extension to bring broadband access to the pilot counties of McLean, Hancock, Edgar, Ogle, and Schuyler.

Enhancing broadband access in these five Illinois counties is just the beginning of the Broadband Breakthrough project. ISA and partners hope to gain relevant information from surveys, community liaisons, and local internet providers to eventually develop a proposal to ensure a share of $1 billion in federal funding to go toward broadband access in rural Illinois.

To learn more and to follow our progress, visit https://www.ilsoy. org/focus-areas/market-development/broadband/.

TODD MAIN | ISA DIRECTOR OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

Check

top researchers in soybean agronomy, collaborating on innovative research that will enable Illinois soybean farmers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world.

Researchers work year-round to dig in and discover the best ways to address the opportunities of growing soybeans including:

• Agronomic practices including pest, weed, disease, and nutrient management

• Projects combining high–yield with soil–health practices

• Conservation initiatives, including water quality, soil health, best management practices, and agronomic production in a sustainable system

Visit

It’s Your Year

A few weeks ago, many of us gathered around our televisions to watch the 57th Super Bowl. You’d probably assembled some of your favorite gameday snacks, picked a team to cheer for – Kansas City Chiefs or Philadelphia Eagles, and maybe you’d pulled together a group of friends to help cheer your team to victory. But what stood out this year had little to do with the big game or even the halftime show. For the State of Illinois, time was suspended during a commercial break somewhere in the second quarter when the much-anticipated “We are the 96” commercial aired, bringing the faces of real Illinois farm families into the living rooms of everyone watching.

The “We are the 96” campaign was developed to share the important news that 96 percent of Illinois farms are family-owned. The Illinois Farm Families Coalition (Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Marketing Board, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Pork Producers Association, Illinois Soybean Association and Midwest Dairy), felt it was time to bring this important message to Illinois consumers statewide. Recent IFF research indicated that when asked, consumer respondents said they think only 47 percent of Illinois farms are family-owned, with the other 53 percent being corporately owned.

And while this information is underestimated, it does present an opportunity to tell one of Illinois’ proudest stories.

Over the next year, Illinois agriculture has declared 2023 “The Year of the Illinois Farmer” and you’ll be seeing much more “We are the 96” campaign messaging coming to you. We’ll be highlighting more than 25 Illinois Farm Families featured in this special campaign, and putting a face to Illinois agriculture for the benefit of our con-

sumers. You’ll see this campaign in your social media feeds, watching the news, on the radio and even at events like the Illinois State Fair and Farm Progress Show. To say we’re excited to highlight Illinois’ 96 (who also represent the readership of this magazine) is an understatement.

What’s the goal of this campaign? To introduce the hardworking families and faces behind Illinois agriculture, encouraging consumers to support local farmers and trust the food and fuel that they produce.

As you read this April issue focused on another important topic that impacts us at home and locally – rural broadband – I hope you remember that Illinois agriculture is united, collaborative and looking out for the interests of the Illinois farmers we serve. After all, it’s our ability to communicate with communities across the state that enables us to share stories that inspire, engage, and move audiences to a place of better appreciation and understanding.

It’s your story; it’s your legacy; it’s your year.

CLAIRE WEINZIERL | EDITOR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

CEO

Believe it or not, most folks think that farms in Illinois are run by big, faceless corporations. Truth is, 96% of the farms are actually owned and operated by families. Yep, 96%. And we’re 100% committed to bringing you the most sustainably grown, healthiest food anywhere.

Scan or visit us at wearethe96.org

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.

FY22 Annual Report

FINANCIALS FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2022

ASSETS

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

FY22 was a banner year for the Illinois Soybean Association, combining innovative solutions, creative collaborations, and predictable project executions. ISA defined new ambitions for soy from Illinois, underpinning the importance of sustainable agronomic performance, global market expansion, relationships with policy-makers, and farmer profitability as pivotal elements of our strategy. We’re keeping our eyes on the road ahead, developing new, sustainable solutions for a better life, both for Illinois’ farm families and for communities around the world.

In this report, you will read more about the people, programs and projects being driven by your checkoff and membership investments. The projects listed here are a small sample of the dozens of those successfully executed by ISA Staff and Board Committees over FY22.

We want to be judged, not merely by our successes, but by our transparency, our strategies, and the way we have aligned our messages to the 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers we represent. While an annual report is meant to highlight the work of a wellintegrated organization, it cannot measure the potential of all that we can become.

I would like to thank you for your confidence in the Illinois Soybean Association Board and Staff. We endeavor to honor and live up to this confidence.

Steve Pitstick ISA Board Chairman

33% 20% 26%

15% 4% 2%

EYES ON THE ROAD

Thank You to Our Corporate Partners

FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 2022

American Soybean Association

Asgrow

Baird Seed Company

BASF

Bayer

Beck’s

Utilization

Brandt

Corteva

Farmers Edge

Farmobile

FMC

Golden Harvest

John Deere

Missouri Soybean/SOYLEIC

Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council

Mosaic

National Turkey Federation

Remington Seeds

WEED MANAGEMENT IN VERY EARLY-PLANTED SOYBEANS

Renewable Energy Group

Stoller USA

Syngenta

United Soybean Board

WISHH

“FY22 was a year of significant growth for the ISA agronomy team, both in terms of our growing staff and also our outreach and available resources to Illinois farmers. Continuing to partner with universities and organizations around critical research, carbon resources, conservation efforts, IPM concerns, and much more, the agronomy team worked to support all in-field production needs. We bring together farmers, researchers, agronomists, and students to address challenges and obstacles throughout each growing season. Whether it’s through our outreach events in the classroom or in the field, farmers are able to gain needed insights from fertilizer and chemical outlooks, cost-share opportunities, to new soybean pest impacts. We will continue to advance soybean management systems to protect and improve soil productivity and water quality. The ISA team supports soybean farmers’ production by evaluating on-farm economics and ROI. Coming up on another growing season, utilize your ISA agronomy team to answer questions you have in the field. Thank you on behalf of myself and the ISA agronomy team for your stewardship. We couldn’t be prouder to serve the farmers of Illinois and look forward to walking fields alongside you each year.”

Led by Dr. Hager, University of Illinois Associate Professor of Extension Weed Science, this research project generated data needed to formulate weed management recommendations for very early-planted soybean. Field research at four locations established in early April each year investigated pre-herbicide application rate and timing, and postapplications with and without layered residual.

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF PHOSPHORUS BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Led by Dr. Margenot, University of Illinois Assistant Professor for the Department of Crop Sciences, this work is year two of a two-year study evaluating best management practices for P of timing, placement, source and rate to ensure efficient and thus economic P usage for soybean growers. Updating the 4Rs of P management – specifically for soybean, and specific to the distinct soil-climate conditions of central-north versus southern Illinois – helped identify options to increase the profitable use of P inputs while reducing off-field nitrogen (N) and P losses.

Coming soon! The study findings and details from each of these research projects will be available at https://www.ilsoyadvisor.com/

ILSOYADVISOR’S CARBON & DATA GUIDEBOOK

Successful participation in conservation cost-share programs or environmental outcome market programs, such as carbon markets, requires Illinois soybean farmers to both understand program availability and requirements from the jungle of offerings, and be prepared to organize and share their farm data. ILSoyAdvisor’s Carbon & Data Guidebook provides growers with detailed program overviews and actionable steps to prepare the required farm data, reducing the time and confusion associated with program evaluation, enrollment, and data preparation. It covers the basics of emerging carbon and ecosystem programs, farm data needs, how farmers can better position their farm operations for any program or precision ag initiative.

https://www.ilsoyadvisor.com/carbon-data-guidebook/

NEW ILSOYADVISOR

ILSoyAdvisor, funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff program, is a one-stop-shop for all the latest soybean news, insights, tips and actionable advice to help farmers grow better beans, run a better business and improve overall profitability. In FY22, the website underwent an update to ensure an evolving user experience and continued alignment with program goals. Functionality was oriented to meet the needs of users looking to access information quickly and seamlessly, offering timely, actionable information through blogs, webinars, podcasts, video, and interactive content.

Abigail Peterson, Director of Agronomy

Market Development

“FY22 was an important year for the new market development team. We saw important advances on our capacity to manage hosting international trade delegations, developed new productive relationships with business leaders in important international and domestic markets, and renewed and deepened our working relationships with ASA, USB, USSEC and the rest of our partner organizations. Thank you for your support for our work and we welcome any thoughts you may have about how we can better grow and expand our market presence.”

ILLINOIS ANIMAL AG SUPPORT PROGRAMS

This project provided support for the allied Illinois animal ag industry. The ISA market development team worked in collaboration with the Illinois Pork Producers, Illinois Milk Producers, Illinois Beef Association, and Illinois Livestock Development Group to develop and promote the animal ag industry in Illinois work for creating a market in state for the largest consumer of soybean: the animal protein industry. This collaboration also supported ISA being recognized as a solid partner that is working in conjunction with our allied organizations.

WISHH INTRODUCING SOY BASED FEED TO CAMBODIA’S SNAKEHEAD FISH PHASE II

USSEC US SOY PROTEIN PROMOTION INITIATIVES FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION IN INDONESIA

Indonesia currently, imports approximately 2.5 MMT of soybeans for the purpose of human consumption, primarily in the form of Tempeh, the leading protein source in dietary guidelines. Indonesia currently utilizes commodity grade soybeans; over 95 percent of soybean imports come from the U.S. to meet the needs of this market. Through a collection of well-established and effective activities, this project provided various opportunities to educate buyers and users of soybeans and soy products in Indonesia’s food industry through a series of bespoke workshops, trade meetings, conferences, as well as in the development of resources to benefit the industry in its development and growth.

The most popular and widely consumed fish in Cambodia is Snakehead, a native, freshwater fish which is a vitally important species to the country, as they serve as a daily staple food item, eaten fresh when in season, as well as year-round in prahok sach, a fermented product. Unfortunately, Cambodia’s consumer demand for its most popular fish is quickly outpacing domestic production capabilities due to the insufficient supply, high costs, government regulations and the negative aquatic impact of the Snakehead’s traditional feed - small Trash Fish. This project was Phase II of a multi-year program. During the first year, the soy-based Snakehead feed was imported from Vietnam along with the fingerlings. This allowed the project to focus fully on establishing demand for soy-based Snakehead feed through the feeding demonstration and to work with the feed mill Agrimaster on the market potential for a commercial, soy-based Snakehead feed. Phase II tactics included: working with a Cambodian hatchery to conduct a Snakehead fingerling production trial aimed at reducing the dependence on imported fingerlings; organize a team to travel to China/Vietnam to see Snakehead hatcheries/nurseries and aquaculture farmers; snakehead feeding demonstration; a farmer field day to share the Snakehead feeding demonstration results; and virtual/in-person strategic planning, leadership, and management training for CAA members by experts in association management.

PUTTING TURKEY ON THE TABLE

In partnership with the National Turkey Federation, this project included outreach to barbecue pitmasters and consumers to raise awareness of turkey’s applications in the barbecue space (a marketing, consumer focus) and conduct a domestic market assessment to better assess the potential of Halal turkey products in a growing market segment.

efforts as bridge bundling projects were launched at Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicago Area Metropolitan Planning, and Boone County.

Todd Main, Director of Market Development

Government Relations

B20 EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

Biodiesel is a key focus of Illinois Soybean Grower’s strategic plan. Indeed, the use of B20 blends in Illinois would use around 400 million gallons of B100 biodiesel each year, bringing demand as much as 350 million bushels of soybeans. The B20 Education and Outreach project was designed to continue the education efforts to policy and decision makers.

As part of this project, outreach efforts included:

A Soy Latte Event at the Illinois State Capitol where ISA educated state lawmakers on issues impacting Illinois soybean farmers

The development of an educational legislative mailing to all 177 legislators on the positive environment and economic impacts of biodiesel

The development of a paid media advertising campaign to reach policymakers on social media

The facilitation of a B20 educational event at the Ozinga concrete plant in Mokena with key state representatives from the area

The created biodiesel educational ‘Flip Books’ for distribution at events

B20 CLUB OF ILLINOIS: BUILDING A BIOBASED FLEET EDUCATION & RESEARCH INITIATIVE

The B20 Club of Illinois: Building a Biobased Fleet Education & Research Initiative supported a shift in state-wide consumption of biodiesel and soybean oil by increasing the awareness, acceptance, and adoption of B20, pure biodiesel, biodiesel blends above B20, renewable hydrocarbon diesel, and soy-biobased fleet products (ex. tires, lubricants, etc.) through education and outreach activities with fleets operators, mechanics, farmers, fuel marketers, fuel retailers, community leaders, and stakeholders.

“FY22 was a transformational year at ISA with the first full year of operating the Government Relations Committee. In this year the committee funded an extensive outreach and education campaign that educated and informed Illinois legislators about the value of biodiesel and the role it could play supporting climate and air quality goals. The committee also manages Illinois Soybean Growers funds and with those funds, successfully lobbied for the extension of the current Illinois sales tax exemption for blends over B10. The legislation also creates demand for an additional 150 million gallons of biodiesel by increasing blends of biodiesel to over 19 percent. Building on this success, the organization hired a complete in-house governmental relations team that will continue outreach to legislators, develop strong policy, and enhance political engagement of ISG on key policy issues.”

TORREY ADVISORY GROUP FEDERAL AFFAIRS EDUCATION

Project collaborations with the Torrey Advisory Group ( TAG) supported the development of policies to encourage double-cropping soybeans and wheat in Illinois. This issue gained greater visibility with a May visit from President Biden to a farm near Kankakee; planned Capitol Hill visits in Washington D.C. during the ASA Board Meetings; the development of policy resolutions to be added to ASA’s ‘Policy Resolution’ book; and the facilitation of Farm Bill listening sessions where soybean farmer guests had the opportunities to ask questions, and share their priorities with ISA board and staff.

Andrew Larson, Director of Government Relations & Strategy

ILLINOIS FIELD & BEAN MAGAZINE

Illinois Field & Bean Magazine was published ten times during FY22, with topics ranging from animal ag, biodiesel and transportation infrastructure, to the benefits of soy protein for human consumption. Readers received updates on both ISA soybean checkoff and membership programs while advertisers and corporate sponsors gained access to 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers.

THE POWER OF SOY PROTEIN TOUR

When it comes to affordable, dependable and sustainable plant-based protein ingredients, soy is the proven protein-packed powerhouse. To deliver this message, The Power of Soy Protein Tour hit the road, making six tour stops across the state of Illinois reaching food manufacturers, ingredient processors, food technologists, ag educators and a wide variety of consumers. Attendees enjoyed free soy lattes and soy ice cream treats while talking with ISA staff and Illinois Soybean Farmers about the power of soy protein. Tour messaging showcased consumer demand for high-quality protein sources, soy’s health and nutritional benefits as well as its versatility in product form, and the sustainable farming practices of Illinois soybean farmers.

“Communications projects over Fiscal Year ’22 were focused on developing meaningful stories and content for multiple audiences, delivered across multiple channels and platforms. The year was punctuated by several memorable moments, but of everything we achieved, one of my personal favorite projects was to reveal a new association logo, branding and messaging as a nod to the long lineage of Illinois soybean farmers who directly influence the promotion, advocacy and education ISA upholds year-round. As we constantly watch our farmers grow, evolve, and adapt to the changing landscape, we were inspired to do the same. Our new brand is a reflection of Illinois farmers’ strength and pride, and projects fresh confidence for the future of the Illinois soybean industry. We know we’re getting it right when we hear from our farmer leaders who feel increasingly seen, heard, and connected to the ISA family, projects and programs. Telling your story is our great privilege.”

20 UNDER 40 FARMER RECOGNITION PROGRAM

This year, ISA launched a “20 under 40” recognition program that partners with other commodity groups in the state to nominate, identify and recognize 20 young farmers under the age of 40 who are top-notch leaders, contributors, innovators, community-champions, forwardthinkers, etc. The project was structured in a way that engaged and honored young farmers, but also reached a non-ag Illinois audience through celebrating the 20 selected farmers using a variety of public relations, paid media and social influencer activities.

SOYINNOVATOR

Mind-bending science. Turned-up technology. And innovations born from fever dreams. These descriptions underpin the futuristic vision of the Illinois Soybean Association’s newest agronomic mouthpiece, SoyInnovator. The website, which boasts hot trending topics and provides an in-depth analysis of a wide range of tech products, was designed to provide growers (and the agribusinesses who supports them) with data-driven news and reviews in a way that inspires continual improvement on the farm through the adoption of new practices and smart tools. Learn more at ilsoyinnovator.org

GATHER AROUND THE TABLE: PART 2

For a second year, ISA gathered stakeholders from the food industry and non-governmental associations at a farm in Kankakee, Illinois for an onfarm dinner and conversation surrounding the carbon market landscape. Over the four-course, soy-centric meal, industry leaders shared more on their commitment to providing consumers with sustainably grown food while being good land stewards and reducing environmental impact.

SOY AROUND THE STATE MEDIA TOUR

From top to bottom, every farm and every farmer is different, and the Illinois Soybean Association supports and represents every single one. This project provided the opportunity to invite state/local and ag media along for the ride as we traveled the state, collecting farmers’ stories and learning from the producers growing the food, fiber and fuel that keeps our world moving forward.

Rachel Peabody, Director of Communications

FY22 ISA Board Leadership

DISTRICT DIRECTORS

1 Ryan Frieders

2 Steve Pitstick

3 Dwayne Anderson

4 Buck Hill

5 Mark Read

6 James Martin

7 Br yan Severs

8 David Niekamp

9 Ron Kindred

10

11 Matt Murray

The Last Word on FY22

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS A

Fiscal Year 2022 was a year of innovating, growing, imagining and ensuring we lived up to our strategic mission. At ISA we continue to play a leading role in making U.S. soy more widely accessible while exploring the ways Illinois can support a sustainable ag economy.

Under the direction of the ISA Board of Directors, we developed a new administrative infrastructure, moving more work in-house as opposed to outsourcing our work to third-party contractors. Not only has this model proven to be more effective, and to better advance our priorities as an organization, it has resulted in major cost savings. We began developing plans for a larger Bloomington office space which could accommodate the growth of our staff, programs and services to farmers.

We closed our downtown Chicago office and relocated to Lombard, a location strategically chosen for its close proximity to Chicagoland policy-makers and cost savings. We also unveiled a fresh new farmer-focused brand and logo. I’m proud of the work our team has done, and I’d like to thank them for their great performance.

When I look back at FY22, and then ahead, I see an organization that is delivering on its promise to farmers who invest in the soybean checkoff and membership program, who expect growth in returns. At ISA we are building an engine powerful enough to deliver Illinois soybeans to customers around the world, and represent the voice of Illinois farmers in Springfield and Washington D.C.

Thank you for your continued support, and for the excellence with which you perform your work. Our best days are yet to come.

John Lumpe ISA CEO

All Points Between

By Stephen Sostaric

In early 2020, the whole world shut down, everyone stayed home, and life as we knew it moved online. Virtual connection became our only link to the outside world. This massive shift laid bare something that farmers all over the country had known for a long time: broadband infrastructure in rural areas of the United States is often, at best, weak and in many areas non-existent. It also created the opportunity for new collaborations, born to address the great digital divide in Illinois.

The Illinois Soybean Association’s Rural Broadband Task Force was revived to examine the state of rural broadband in Illinois and what could be done to improve the situation. It quickly became apparent that

the available maps examining broadband access were not as accurate as they could be, meaning any efforts to address the problem wouldn’t be using the best possible data. The task force and its partners were given a boost when a connection was made with the Department of Geography, Geology, and the Environment at Illinois State University.

John Kostelnick, Professor of Geography and Director of GEOMAP, and Jonathan Thayn, Director of the Environmental Systems Science & Sustainability Program, were able to bring their mapping expertise and knowledge along with that of their students to better equip the task force for the work ahead. The goal of the project is to create an easy-to-use toolkit that can be scaled up and made

available for counties around the state of Illinois to do their own improved broadband analysis. “This is a chance to see how mapping is beneficial throughout the process of expanding rural broadband access,” said Kostelnick. “Our job is to figure out ways to answer some of the questions around rural broadband.”

Working with five of their undergraduate students, Kostelnick and Thayn are bringing together various pieces of data to map the current status of broadband and the expansion opportunities as well as quantifying the benefits of improved coverage to agricultural production and profitability. The team is comparing what the existing state and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband maps show for cur-

rent internet speed availability as compared to on-the-ground speed testing. United States Department of Agriculture cropland data provides a more refined benefits analysis by showing what is grown where and what kind of internet service is available. LiDAR surface scans from the state provide an accurate picture of vertical assets that can be used for equipment to broadcast a broadband signal. “We are working to use free data and software to identify these vertical assets to install repeaters,” said Thayn. “This way, the students can create an easy-to-follow process to identify these assets. It’s a methodology so anybody can make it work.”

As part of creating this process, real-world testing and

Meet John Kostelnick, Illinois State University Professor of Geography and Director of GEOMAP, and Jonathan Thayn, Director of the Environmental Systems Science & Sustainability Program, who are bringing their mapping expertise and knowledge along with that of their students to better equip the task force for the work ahead.

analysis need to be done to make sure it functions well. A cross-section of fifteen counties around the state was selected for this after considering several factors. The Connect Illinois broadband improvement program divides the state into ten regions. At least one county in each of these regions is part of the testing.

Other factors considered included topography, geographic location within the state, and if that county had high corn and soybean production. “Most likely these counties are the leading producers in their respective regions,” said Kostelnick. Strategic partners involved with the ISA Rural Broadband Task Force also helped determine the counties selected to give the team a “foot in the door” to conduct the initial work.

The initial counties for analysis include Bond, Christian, Clinton, Edgar, Hancock, Henry, Iroquois, Kankakee, LaSalle, Macoupin, McLean, Ogle, Schuyler, Washington, and Wayne.

According to the project timeline, much of the production and vertical assets analysis are complete, and now it comes down to whether or not the process will work. Five of these counties - Edgar, Hancock, McLean, Ogle, and Schuyler – are part of a workshop with the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society in Wilmette. “That partnership gives a kind of field testing for the project,” said Thayn. These counties were added to the initial list of ten once their applications for the Benton workshop were accepted.

While mapping products aren’t quite ready for use, the project is already creating positive impacts. “The work that we’ve done has already been used to argue for the utility of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in this project,” said Thayn. “It’s a tool around which we are building a consensus, using a mutual language to describe broadband problems.”

Kostelnick and Thayn don’t see the work done on broadband

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

as the only benefit to come out of this project. “I’m excited to see what we do next with the connections made. There is a lot of potentials to apply this technology and software to other uses in ag,” said Thayn.

Kostelnick sees the potential for not only agriculture but the field of geography as well. “Some of the grandest challenges are

geographic. This helps us look at how geography matters and the value added by looking at what geography can contribute. This demonstrates the utility of mapping to inform good decision-making in a way that makes sense, is cost effective, and successful in terms of deployment.”

He adds, “We are grateful to work with ISA and other part-

ners as the project has grown. It’s a demonstration of how a university can partner with others in the community and work collaboratively to meet the challenges everyone cares about.”

For those interested in learning more, a final report for the pilot project will be available later this spring.

According to the project timeline, much of the production and vertical assets analysis are complete, and now it comes down to whether or not the process will work.

John Kostelnick

Jonathan Thayn

Defining Gaps to Identify Solutions

By Olivia Key

Having the ability to utilize the internet’s full abilities can benefit virtually anyone, especially farmers. The future of farming in America depends heavily on rural broadband access. According to a 2019 study conducted by the United Soybean Board (USB) and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, farmers need reliable internet access in their fields and outbuildings, not just their home, but the majority of American farmers lack the connectivity needed for sustainable, data-driven agricultural practices.

Today’s farmers rely on connectivity in the field to share, process and pinpoint data such as yield and soil fertility maps, solutions to crop and livestock problems, machinery maintenance, and to ensure technology like autosteer, drones, and sensors function properly. There is also important information that directly impacts daily business decisions only available via the internet, like commodity markets, weather, historical and current production data, and industry updates.

USB’s study, “Rural Broadband and the American Farmer: Connectivity Challenges Limit Agriculture’s Economic Impact

and Sustainability,” notes that reliable broadband access is directly correlated with sustainability practices, as connected technologies allow farmers to monitor their inputs and outputs to create opportunities for efficient resource management. In addition, internet access allows for a steady line of communication from farmer to farmer. Todd Main, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Director of Market Development says, “Access to quality broadband can improve adoption rates of sustainability practices as farmers can compare their individual farm conditions against others in real time to evaluate impacts and reduce risk to production.”

When it comes to sustainable farming, precision agriculture is an important topic of discussion, as it optimizes fertilizer application by reducing overlap and varying the rate of inputs, which can increase farmers’ productivity and profitability. “Reliable broadband will allow growers to adopt the latest production innovations and efficiencies associated with precision agriculture. This technological advancement has the potential to increase yields and income to growers while reducing costs of inputs through better application management,” says Main. Additionally, precision agriculture can assist in improving water and soil

quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

USB’s research found that close to 60 percent of American farmers and ranchers believe they do not have adequate internet connectivity to effectively run their businesses, and 78 percent have just one internet service provider option.

The study conducted in 2019 included a qualitative and quantitative survey of 2,054 farmers and ranchers in hopes to better understand the realities of online connectivity for those who live in rural areas. Research points to a gap between rural and nonrural broadband access, as rural residents were 12 percent less likely to have adequate internet connectivity; however, the definition of rural used in the study mimics that of the U.S. Census Bureau: any population, housing or territory not in an urban area, which is defined as less than 2,500 people.

While farmers represent just a fraction of rural residents, the $133 billion they contribute to the U.S. economy is often the economic driving force of their own communities, and with 60 percent not having reliable internet, approximately $80 billion of that is contributed by farms that run on limited connectivity.

Most American farmers brave the impact of poor inter-

net connection, which makes improving farm economic and environmental sustainability and reinvesting in their businesses inherently difficult. They do their best to preserve and improve their farms and natural resources, but lack of clear data to make decisions hinders the need for continuous improvement. And with the constant changes and growth in the agriculture industry, their demand for reliable internet access is expected to grow as technology continues to advance.

The “Rural Broadband and the American Farmer: Connectivity Challenges Limit Agriculture’s Economic Impact and Sustainability” study conducted by USB allows us to better understand how and why farmers require reliable online connectivity, and how they currently reap economic and sustainability benefits from their mediocre internet access. This value could see a significant increase with rural broadband access that is comparable to the fast and reliable internet most industries depend on to keep moving forward.

To learn more and to read the full report from the United Soybean Board, visit https://www. unitedsoybean.org/hopper/ study-rural-broadband-ag-technology/.

Banding Together for Digital Equity

By DeAnna Thomas

State-of-the-art internet access is vital to the growth and progress of agriculture throughout the state. With Project Broadband Breakthrough, five Illinois counties are paving the way for rural broadband access across the state. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is piloting the program with the Benton Institute, the University of Illinois Extension, and the University of Illinois Extension Broadband Lab teams to collaborate with community team members in Schuyler, Edgar, Ogle, Hancock, and McLean Counties.

“Broadband access in our great state's rural and remote areas opens up a world of opportunity,” said Todd Main, ISA Director of Market Development. “It connects local businesses to global markets, provides educational op-

portunities, and connects patients to healthcare while also allowing for population growth, higher rates of new business formation and home values, and lower unemployment rates. Broadband access is crucial to the revitalization and preservation of rural communities.”

Project Broadband Breakthrough kicked off in January of 2023. During the 16-week program, the five-county teams will work together to develop their grant applications to receive funding from the state and federal broadband programs.

“Working with this cohort of five counties to accelerate and streamline their rural broadband access funding application allows us all to learn how to replicate this process for other counties and their leaders successfully,” Main said. “ISA is proud to be a part of this project as we work together

to break through the broadband

barrier.”

Through developing and sending out county-wide surveys, meeting with community leaders and stakeholders, identifying viable broadband anchors through mapping, conducting feasibility studies, interviewing potential internet service providers and more, these teams will lay the gridwork and build the foundation to provide the citizens of their counties with reliable, affordable rural broadband access.

“Many homes in our rural communities don't have reliable access to high-speed internet,” Main said. “By taking these surveys, residents can help their community broadband leaders identify gaps in the county. The leaders will use this information to help plan for broadband access expansion.”

Accompanying each survey is the request for county residents to conduct an internet speed test and share the results so the committees can better understand connectivity issues they can help solve through the next phase of the project: mapping.

While the team leaders have been busy developing and deploying their surveys, they also have learned from leading broadband experts across the state, like Illinois Farm Bureau’s Bill Bodine, as he presented to the cohort about how to work with Illinois farmers and county farm bureaus to get them involved in rural broadband efforts.

“From working with farmers and landowners on the challenges of rural broadband access, to learning about the right of ways and easements to understanding the importance and value of broadband when it comes to

ISA's pilot program, Project Broadband Breakthrough, is paving the way for rural broadband access across the state.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

precision ag and the location of vertical assets in the county, it is imperative to get those in agriculture involved in early phases of rural broadband planning,” Main said.

Shubhika Agarwal of the Illinois Broadband Lab has also taught the teams how to use the available and efficient Illinois broadband mapping tools results to help make a case for broadband infrastructure investments by utilizing various forms of secondary data that speak to demographic and broadband-related information.

Cohort leaders have benefited from the teachings of Illinois State University’s Dr. John Kostelnick and Dr. Jonathan Thayne who presented a map book for counties that covers the economic potential and agricultural gain that can be realized with robust broadband infrastructure, particularly in corn and soybean production.

“These five county teams and other counties interested in participating in our Broadband Breakthrough program are fortunate to have these resources and experts available to them,” Main said. “Nowhere else in the country has this high a level of mapping capability, professional assistance, and resources available for counties to design successful broadband infrastructure plans.”

Champaign County Connect

The five teams have also learned the importance of informing, educating, and communicating their mission, vision, and goals to community leaders and stakeholders. Benton Institute’s Adrianne Furniss shared how impactful messaging and outreach can make all the difference in projects like these. Participants learned firsthand from Champaign County Farm Bureau Manager, Bailey Conrady, as she shared Champaign County’s experience in improving broadband access and affordability.

“The Champaign County Farm Bureau’s (CCFB) mission to improve the quality of farm family life has taken a high-tech turn in the

past several years,” Conrady said.

“Champaign County Farm Bureau members raised concerns over the connectivity gap between urban and rural Champaign County even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Since early 2019, the CCFB has been working diligently with local stakeholders to increase investment in broadband infrastructure in the rural areas of Champaign County through a broadband survey and efforts to engage with broadband providers on the issue.”

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) boosted this effort. In response, the CCFB mobilized members and other local stakeholders early to convince the Champaign County Board to set aside a significant portion of the allotted ARPA funds for rural broadband infrastructure projects.

“The CCFB has a long history of successfully working with politicians from both sides of the aisle on issues important to our members and agriculture and collaborating with community stakeholders to improve the quality of farm family life,” Conrady said.

Champaign County Farm Bureau members provided written comments to the county board, which proved incredibly convincing. The CCFB was prepared to ask for funding early in the ARPA allotment process and was organized and timely with comments and attendance at county board meetings and other stakeholder engagements, which helped secure the campaign’s success.

“It was readily apparent to all involved that the CCFB had our members’ support and that we would be incredibly engaged in the ARPA funding process,” Conrady said.

The CCFB was heavily involved with the Champaign County Broadband Task Force, chaired by then-CCFB Manager Brad Uken, and with selecting two “preferred providers” who were chosen to lead the broadband infrastructure installation in rural Champaign County.

“Throughout this process, one of our top priorities was

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

protecting landowner rights,” Conrady said. “As a pillar of Farm Bureau policy, the CCFB ensures landowner rights are respected throughout the fiber installation process.”

During this process, CCFB members provided feedback on another broadband survey conducted by the University of Illinois Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning. This survey provided overwhelming evidence of the disparity between the urban and rural parts of Champaign County in internet access, reliability, and affordability.

Champaign County Farm Bureau staff and leadership testified multiple times in front of the Champaign County Board and were engaged in several other stakeholder meetings and engagements.

“Through the extraordinary efforts of CCFB Directors and members, $10 million of the $40.8 million in ARPA funds allotted to Champaign County were set aside for broadband infrastructure projects,” Conrady said. “Despite this funding, the CCFB is not slowing down in our effort to improve our members’ lives. The CCFB is committed to completing this project.”

The Champaign County Farm Bureau also is working with the CONNECT Champaign County initiative, which has been developed to continue pushing rural broadband forward.

Champaign County Farm Bureau volunteers also will gather letters of support for the two preferred providers, which the Champaign County Broadband Taskforce chose. These letters of support are a vital part of federal and state grant applications.

“There is no doubt that this is a complex, ambitious, multi-year plan, which, when completed, will make Champaign County an example of how communities and rural areas can come together to better the livelihood of all residents,” Conrady said.

Collaboration and cooperation are the foundation of CONNECT

Champaign County, and the CCFB is committed to working with all community stakeholders to see this project through. Rural Champaign County will bridge the rural-urban connectivity gap and have fast reliable internet.

“Broadband access in rural areas is challenging to solve,” Conrady added. “We will not be able to provide fast, reliable, and affordable broadband to everyone in the county tomorrow, but we believe that progress is being and will continue to be made in this important area.”

Live in Champaign County?

The CCFB is committed to working with all possible stakeholders regarding the funding and completion of these projects. If you are a civic group, community organization, or elected board member, please get in touch with the CCFB office at 217-352-5235 or visit https://www.connectchampaigncounty.com/ to schedule a CONNECT Champaign County volunteer to present to your organization.

Looking to get broadband in your rural community?

As ISA Market Development Committee Chair, Scott Gaffner, mentioned in his column, ISA will soon distribute a statewide survey asking residents, farmers, and industry stakeholders about their internet access and speed to gain critical information for Illinois counties to identify broadband needs, viable broadband anchors in their area, and more. In many instances, neighboring counties can work together in this initiative, from identifying mutually-beneficial anchors to working with the same internet service provider (ISP). This survey will enable the experts at the Benton Institute to connect those dots and streamline the broadband application process.

For more information on Project Broadband Breakthrough or to start a pilot project in your county, contact ISA’s Director of Market Development, Todd Main, at broadband@ilsoy.org.

It’s Harvest Season in Springfield

By Andrew Larson, Director of Government Relations & Strategy

Each spring as farmers enter the field to plant the year’s crop, legislators in Springfield prepare to “harvest” their crop and end the legislative session by the end of May. Often times this means that in the weeks following the early March committee deadline periods, as bills have to be passed by a committee to journey through the process to become law, we have a much better idea of which issues are going to gain traction and which are not.

Through the first two months of this year’s session, rumors ran rampant about more than 10,000 bills being filed. Ultimately the number ended short of that, but over 2,600 bills were assigned to committees for review and potential action. Along with appropriations and budget bills, which are standard order issues each year, we have seen a strong resurgence of legislation filed “to stake a position.” These bills range from issues such as making the soybean the official state bean to attempts to tie Illinois vehicle emissions regulations to the standards California uses, and many issues in between.

Of note, one major issue being debated is the future of policy related to the capturing, storage and transportation of carbon/CO2 emissions. In efforts to improve the carbon footprint of many industries, scientific research has been done around storing carbon in geological formations. It just so happens that large parts of Illinois include the right geological composition to store carbon, building on research that has been done at the National Carbon Sequestration Center at Richland Community College in Decatur.

Many industries could benefit from the storage of carbon deep underground. For agriculture, ethanol plants have opportunities to

become carbon “negative,” meaning they have a positive environmental impact with the products they produce. This designation presents strong opportunity in the biofuel space for Illinois farmers. However, the details of how these programs operate, and what compensation and safeguards are present for landowners, are part of major discussions happening in Springfield. Several proposals have been under review by all the major ag groups. Work is being done to examine the impacts of this legislation and ensure it allows access for ag commodities to market opportunities but also protects the rights of landowners and rural communities.

Another major issue that is gaining traction is the examination of Illinois’ estate tax policy. In 2017 the Federal government raised its minimum exemption level. This level has changed over the last few years and without attention, is set to lower again at the Federal level. In the meantime, Illinois’ $4 million exemption level is significantly below current federal levels. Agriculture and business groups have been working with legislators to reach a compromise that would raise the Illinois exemption rate and provide more certainty that family farms will be passed on to future generations.

These are just two major issues that are beginning to gain discussion, debate, and negotiation in Springfield this legislative session. As we come closer to the end of the session and terms are being harvested, your policy team at Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is working to be at the table and develop state legislation that makes sense for Illinois farmers. To get more regular updates on key policy issues in Springfield and Washington, D.C. visit www.ilsoygrowers.com to join ISG at our new lowered $75 membership rate which directly impacts ISG’s efforts to better represent Illinois farmers.

HELPING YOU DELIVER ON DEMAND

Whether it’s improving soybean meal to outperform the competition or promoting the sustainability of U.S. soy, the soy checkoff has been working behind the scenes to help farmers satisfy their customers’ needs. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And for U.S. soybean farmers like you, the impact is invaluable.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for farmers at unitedsoybean.org