3 minute read
Casting Our Net Over Illinois Communities
Over 70,000 farms across our state operate on nearly 27 million acres, and no two of those acres are ever the same, just as no two of the 1,300 communities in Illinois are identical. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) recognizes every Illinois farm and community is different, which is why we're on a mission to bridge the gap between urban and rural Illinois residents, meeting farmers and consumers where they are.
In this Illinois Field & Bean issue, you’ll get a glimpse into the projects and partnerships designed to create a statewide understanding of soybeans and their impact on Illinois’ economy, consumers and, of course, my fellow farmers. Each Illinois soybean farmer is top of mind as ISA works to fulfill our mission of upholding your interests through promotion, advocacy, research and education. This happens at regional agronomic events, via broadband expansion and bridge-bundling initiatives, through the Soy Envoy and Illinois 20 Under 40 programs, and beyond.
It's important for organizations such as ISA to recognize the relationship between livestock, grain and specialty crop farmers. So whether it's funding animal feed trials, advocating for essential infrastructure improvements, educating state and national legislators, providing tailored agronomic support, developing new markets or celebrating your achievements, ISA remains committed to enhancing the prosperity and success of the entire Illinois agricultural community.
Similarly, the relationship between rural agricultural production and urban processing and manufacturing is central to the Illinois economy. Although rural communities benefit directly from agricultural production, urban economies thrive on the processing and manufacturing sectors supported by production agriculture. ISA's initiatives contribute to strengthening this relationship, fostering growth across the state.
A strong agricultural economy not only raises crops and livestock but also creates employment opportunities, stimulates related industries and diversifies income sources. This builds stronger national and regional economies. The abundance and diversity of agricultural products also ensure a stable food supply, promoting food security and enhancing the well-being of communities.
ISA’s tailored approach to addressing community challenges and opportunities is just a small part of our overarching commitment to protect your bottom line. Our readers understand that the impact of agriculture extends into nearly every facet of each person's life. As you flip through these pages, I’m confident that you’ll find how these initiatives have made an impact on both you as an individual farmer and on your broader community.
