3 minute read
The Power of “Why?”
The word “Why?” might be one of the biggest words I know.
This three-letter word stands on its own and holds the key to building better understanding. It’s been used over the centuries by ancient philosophers, scientists, artists and political thinkers. Asking “Why?” can unearth wisdom and meaning. It can start popular movements, scientific discoveries, revolutions.
And here's the cool part: “Why?” isn’t just for rabble-rousers looking to upset the apple cart. It’s a useful tool for everyone involved at any level of the soybean business who wants to know more because knowledge is a dynamic river, always flowing, changing and gaining momentum as it goes.
As stewards of checkoff investments, the Illinois Soybean Association, our Board, staff, and farmer leaders remain mission-minded and ready to answer any questions that come our way. Because we have been trusted with farmers’ investments, we constantly measure the impact and payback from our programs. Before we receive questions from outside the ISA office, inside the building, months before any initiative takes shape, our efforts have been pressure-tested by our teammates asking ourselves, “Why?”
Why are we investing in that research project?
Why are we developing that new publication?
Why is our attention focused on exploring new opportunities for soybeans to crush the marketplace?
Why do we host in-person events that connect our soybean farmers with industry experts?
We welcome and encourage our farmer leaders and checkoff investors to be inquisitive when they have questions, want to know more information or want to become part of our broader strategies. Staying attuned to that process is one of the big reasons Illinois soy is providing solutions for all types of societal needs, including soy-based foods, sustainable fuels, livestock feed and renewable ingredients that replace petroleum-based components in construction, maintenance and household products.
Asking “Why?” ensures accountability and boosts our farmers’ return on checkoff investment. It kindles curiosities that push us to explore new opportunities. This simple question holds the potential to unravel complexities and illuminate paths toward deeper understanding of how our soybean system could and should work. It’s a promise that every Illinois soybean checkoff dollar invested is based on a larger research-informed strategy.
People talk a lot about the importance of transparency these days, but Illinois soybean farmers aren’t content with mere explanations. They show up day after day, ready to step into unchartered territories to fuel the fires of innovation and progress.
When the rest of the world catches up and begins to ask, "Why?" Illinois agriculture will confidently respond, "Why not?"
