4 minute read
Windshields, Not Rearview Mirrors
Here we are, standing at the brink of an exciting new year for the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). It's tempting to look back at all that we've accomplished together, all that we’ve learned as a team, and the many ways we have advanced opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers. But I’ve never been one for looking back. After all, there’s a reason why car windshields are big and rearview mirrors are small – where we’re going is more important than where we’ve been.
Don’t get me wrong, I am certainly proud of key milestones accomplished through the collaborative efforts of our volunteer Board of Directors and highly-professional ISA Staff, who have performed their work with excellence and dedication. I’m most excited about our next destination: how we are going to create new value opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers in the year ahead. We have big plans for 2024.
Our Soybean Production Team - led by Brady Holst, Soybean Production Committee Chairman, and Abigail Peterson, CCA, Director of Agronomy - has their eyes on efficiency plus sustainability; helping you grow even more high-quality soybeans in ways that benefit the environment. They’ll be studying ways to optimize fertilizer use. Topics such as soil health, water quality and climate-smart footprints will be key focal points. And they’ll be meeting our farmers where they are through the Soybean Summit and Better Beans regional event series, field days and on-farm trials. They will continue to collaborate with the brightest minds in the research sector as they develop new technology, methods and tools to help you farm more efficiently and effectively, and enhance farmer profitability - a pillar of the soybean checkoff.
In this coming year, there will continue to be a large demand for soybean oil, soybean meal, nutrient-rich livestock feed and soy as a healthy food ingredient. The Market Development Team - led by Brian Atteberry, Market Development Committee Chairman, and Todd Main, Director of Market Development - will find new places to sell your soybeans, setting the table for your farm businesses to grow and prosper. They will continue to embark on trade missions to learn more about global customers’ agricultural challenges and opportunities. They will grow domestic relationships, and work to secure premium consideration for your crop through our “It’s Sustainably Soy” certification program. And they’ll work with local organizations and governments on plans to harness broadband technology, helping to bridge the great digital divide between rural Illinois communities and the global marketplace.
When it comes to education and outreach to legislative partners, our Government Relations Team – led by Steve Pitstick, Government Relations Committee Chairman, and Andrew Larson, Director of Government Relations & Strategy - will be working to build a deeper understanding of soy’s sustainability halo. Efforts such as those will be vital as we face environmental topics such as Endangered Species Act regulations. Reaching into Chicagoland for events that drive education and build relationships with our urban and suburban legislators will be a key priority. This group will continue to add value and growth initiatives for our ISG membership program, as well as our state and federal PACs.
The Marketing Communications Team - led by Michael Whitmer, Director of Marketing Communications - will continue to lead strategic efforts to engage with audiences within and beyond our fencerows about soybeans and farming. They will work to establish more corporate partnerships and look for ways to engage our young producers, who are increasingly rising through the leadership ranks, both organizationally and in their communities. They will reach consumers through strategic outreach to the media and by sharing farmer-focused messaging to raise awareness and appreciation for Illinois agriculture, the No. 1 economic driver of our great state. And, of course, they will continue to deliver relevant, meaningful stories here across the pages of Illinois Field & Bean Magazine.
I would like to close by issuing a sincere thank you to the men, women, families and farming communities whose work contributes to our global well-being. I wish you and your loved ones a warm holiday season and look forward to continuing our good work together in the New Year.
