3 minute read
We Never Stop Learning
In an industry as dynamic as soybean farming, constant learning is as essential as a slow, soaking rain in July. Without it, we are literally left in yesterday’s dust. Each season gives us an opportunity to use important data and new research to inform our farm management decisions and also to help us identify a better path forward. With new inputs, new tools and techniques, it’s a perpetual invitation to reinvent the soybean world that we knew and grew comfortable with just the year before.
We never stop learning.
This same philosophy has become the driving force behind the transformation we are spearheading at the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). From the outset, our goal has been to find what works and do it. Our farmer leaders are not only supporters of that school of thought, they are the inspiration behind our strategic growth, driving this organization forward.
But commitment to continuous learning is more than just a tactic on a glossy brochure. It is the linchpin that keeps ISA vibrant and on-mission in its service to members. We stand on the lookout for new ways to build bridges, to make connections and to serve Illinois soybean farmers who are the core of everything we do.
The soybean landscape is in constant flux, demanding a commitment to learning and to embracing innovation. At ISA, we have worked diligently to provide farmers with a wealth of learning resources that keep them updated on the latest industry developments. ISA has become a hub for knowledge, ensuring farmers have the tools to stay competitive on a global scale. A prime example of this is our annual Soybean Summit, which has become a can’t-miss event for soybean farmers across the state. At the event, we roll out a rich lineup of expert agronomists, researchers and industry professionals who offer the latest insights and farm management advice.
Over these pages, you’ll get an inside look at the 2024 Soybean Summit and hear from some of this year’s key presenters. Reoccurring themes at this year’s event included maximized profitability, sustainability and driving new value back to our soybean farmers for doing things a better way. ISA is committed to championing sustainable farming practices but always with a clear acknowledgement that profitability comes first. Our goal for Soybean Summit, Better Beans and other agronomic outreach events is straightforward. We want to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools to implement best practices on their own terms, securing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their farms for generations.
Learning is a tactic of change-management and a necessary component of innovation and success. Your soybean checkoff is invested in your growth, enhanced competencies, confidence and opportunities.
Because a better you means a better Illinois and a better future for our entire industry.
