JANUARY 2024
¥
G5 Display Do more with a bigger, faster, and clearer display1
JOHN DEERE PRECISION AG
StarFire™ Receiver Go tower free and get accuracy up to 2.5cm
HIGHER YIELDS? MORE PRODUCTIVITY? PRECISELY. No matter what machines you have, precision ag technology helps you get more out of them, from precise seed placement to valuable input savings. And it starts with four foundation technologies. Together, they connect your machines, your field data – your entire farm – so you can find new efficiencies, improve yields, and increase profits.
JDLink™ Modem Stay connected to monitor your operation in real time
Get precise at JohnDeere.com/basics
John Deere Operations Center™ Seamlessly connect all your in-field data
1
Compared to Generation 4 models.
CONTENTS JANUARY 2024
5
Volume 4 Issue 3
Navigating The Illinois Soybean Superhighway Join Field & Bean Magazine for an in-depth analysis of the future of soy transportation along highways, rails, waterways and oceans.
8
Illinois Celebrates Incobrasa's Expansion A look at what Incobrasa’s quarter-billion-dollar expansion means for Illinois soybean farmers.
12 Year End Report Learn about the FY23 projects, programs and impacts driven by your checkoff investments.
18 AI + Drones = The New Frontier As farmers increasingly take to the skies for farm management, hear from the technology innovators, ag economists and agronomists who find themselves in the unique position of collaborating more closely to unlock crop productivity and sustainability using new skills and tools.
20 Trade & Exports Insert In 2023, ISA staff and farmer leaders conducted three trade team missions to countries with a significant opportunity for increasing demand for your crop. Join the journey!
DEPARTMENTS 4
FROM THE BOARDROOM
7
CEO'S MESSAGE
22 GROWTH
BY ASSOCIATION
26 VOICE FOR SOY
COVER: If there’s one thing America loves, it’s healthy competition. And in the transportation space, the U.S. system has not only secured our role as a global leader, it has floated America’s economic brawn for generations. This issue of Illinois Field & Bean provides a comprehensive look at our current transportation and infrastructure system, and the opportunities ahead for Illinois soy.
FROM THE BOARDROOM | Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff CHAIRMAN Ron Kindred, Atlanta District 9 VICE CHAIRMAN Brad Daugherty, West Union District 14 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 Steve Pitstick, Maple Park District 2 MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR Brian Atteberry, Carmi District 16 SOYBEAN PRODUCTION COMMITTEE CHAIR Brady Holst, Plymouth At-Large
David Niekamp, Coatsburg | District 8 Elliott Uphoff, Shelbyville | District 10 Matt Murray, Paxton | District 11 Brock Willard, Pittsfield | District 12 Heath Houck, Nokomis | District 13 Jeff Parker, Belleville | District 15 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 Jered Hooker, Clinton Jim Martin, Pontiac Bill Raben, Ridgway Rob Shaffer, El Paso Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo Bill Wykes, Yorkville
DIRECTORS Ryan Frieders, Waterman | District 1 Buck Hill, Grand Ridge | District 4 Mark Read, Putnam | District 5 Jim Martin, Pontiac | District 6 STAFF CREDITS Publisher | Michael Whitmer Managing Editor | Betsy Osman Staff Contributor | Olivia Key Staff Contributor | Brynna Sentel 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 Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) 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: ilsoy@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 Michael Whitmer Publisher Email: michael.whitmer@ilsoy.org
4 January 2024
DAVID NIEKAMP | DISTRICT 8 DIRECTOR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
Keeping Things Moving
As a farmer, I've witnessed firsthand the essential role that Illinois transportation infrastructure plays in efficiently exporting our soybeans. Each and every Illinois farmer relies on our state's robust transportation system to get their commodities from farm to market. Moving our crop from the farm to the world is a true team effort. The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is our steadfast ally, working tirelessly to keep our soybeans on the move, from our fields to the ports in the Gulf of Mexico, where they set sail for destinations around the globe. One of our biggest advantages? Rivers. Picture this: the Illinois and Ohio rivers merge with the Mississippi, creating this incredible network of loading points for barges. Our soybeans essentially have their own expressway to the Gulf ports. The efficiency of this river network ensures that soybeans can journey from our Illinois farms to the Gulf in just 11 days, on average, ready to embark on their global voyage. Then there's the railroads – about 10,000 miles of tracks weave across our state. That's our ticket to reach buyers worldwide. Shipping our soybeans via containers is a game-changer, as it allows international buyers to purchase IP and non-GM soybeans. We're not just sending our soybeans; we're sending quality straight from Illinois, which has built a prestigious reputation in the global market. But let's not forget the roads. With over 18,000 miles of highways and connections to the rivers and rails, Illinois can get its soybeans to where they need to be. Supported by approximately 8,000 bridges, this road system links farms to crucial transport points, enabling the bulk shipment of soybeans. This entire transportation network serves as our lifeline. We, as farmers, are not just contributors to a global network. We also play a pivotal role in ensuring that our soybeans reach plates and farms thousands of miles away. This is thanks to ISA and the partnerships they have fostered. These partnerships include local collaborators who help ensure the system remains up to date and the international customers who prefer to purchase soy from Illinois. As a result, we remain prepared for any challenges the future might present, ensuring that Illinois soybeans continue to have a lasting impact worldwide. It's this collective effort that instills confidence in us farmers. We are assured that our soybeans will consistently find their way to those who need them, regardless of the distance. This assurance fuels our determination, knowing that from our Illinois fields, we are nourishing and sustaining the world.
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Navigating The Illinois Soybean Superhighway An Analysis of the Future of Soy Transportation along Highways, Rails, Waterways and Oceans By Mace Thornton Like a Chicago expressway at rush hour, the soy transportation system constantly teeters on the brink of a traffic jam and is in persistent need of upgrades and maintenance. From railroads and inland waterways to roads and bridges, the intricate network that moves Illinois soy to the many markets it supplies is elaborate yet fragile. Keeping Illinois soybeans flowing to market is affected by a wide range of complex issues that can be local, national and even global in scale. Factors such as shifting market needs in relation to existing railroad infrastructure, balanced river levels and shipping container availability are compounded by macro events such as economic shifts, geopolitical strife and evolving labor resources. According to a new soy transportation benchmark report commissioned by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) and compiled by the firm Civil Design, Inc. (CDI), there is no question about the vital role transportation plays in adding value to Illinois soy. “Transportation is so inherent in the value for soy products because we have developed a supply that gives us the ability to take soy products to market,” said lead analyst Dr. Lee Hutchins. “And it’s not just to markets in Indiana or Missouri. It's around the globe. So we have to be able to get it there within the time and quality constraints that exist.”
According to Hutchins, having a comprehensive understanding of all the aspects affecting the transportation system is just as important. Possessing a comprehensive view of the system and balancing its many complicating factors can mean the difference between operating with the efficiency of a beehive or the dysfunction of a lone computerprinter serving the needs of an entire office complex. The CDI study, titled "Transportation Network Evaluation of Soybean and Soy Product Movements," highlights the complex soy transportation network in Illinois and beyond, as well as the importance of addressing infrastructure needs. From the old Baltimore and Ohio Canal to the Interstate Highway System, Hutchins said the U.S. has benefited greatly from the historical recognition of the importance of transportation. Although the tangible emphasis on transportation systems may not be as great today as it was during the middle 20th century, understanding the data behind how the system functions is as important as the system itself. “Data is out there in ways we never envisioned before,” Hutchins said. “What I've done in the last 10 years is to take bundles of data and put them together. What does it tell us? We can measure and be rigorous about it.” Hutchins shares a story about a client literally dancing in the boardroom after an analysis showed he could save more than
20 percent of his transportation capital budget simply by making an adjustment based on data. Overall, the report for ISA found that there is almost no other sector impacted more by transportation than agriculture. And Illinois, the nation’s largest soy-producing state, is one of the originating hubs for the domestic and international shipment of soybeans. Focusing on existing data from the system provides insights to successfully transport Illinois soybeans to their final shipping destination. The study focused on the transportation of soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil along the state’s Primary Freight Network. The study highlighted the critical importance of maintaining and selectively upgrading that shipping network, which currently provides access to approximately 86% of the state's soybean production. “We’ve taken a first cut in looking at USDA's data, tracking soybean production by county in Illinois in relation to the state's freight transportation network,” Hutchins said. “That's a really good thing to know. And then when you look at the difference between transload terminals
or the distance to port loading facilities, it gives you an idea of how best to transport soybeans to a place where they can be loaded for shipment. The work we've done so far is a first cut to see what the data tells us about what we can further examine.” The report also showcases data related to Illinois soybean and soy product movements as production volumes continue to grow over time. Illinois soybean production is expected to increase in productivity by 15% to 30% over the next two decades. While this is promising, it also raises concern about heightened competition for transportation resources. This could lead to potential system stresses and increased delays for soybeans, as well as for other shippers. With many shipping ports available to Illinois soy, including the Canada, the East Coast, New Orleans and the Pacific Northwest, data-informed balance is the key to handling additional volume. Although trucking is an essential mode of transport from the farm to the first purchaser, the report highlighted that railroads, (See Navigating The Illinois Soybean Superhighway, page 6)
January 2024
5
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Navigating The Illinois Soybean Superhighway (continued from page 5)
waterways and ocean ports play an essential role in expanding the reach of Illinois soybeans and their export to global destinations. Railroads, especially Class I railroads, help ensure efficient transportation. The Canadian Pacific/Kansas City Southern rail merger could further enhance services, broadening Illinois' reach and transportation capacity, according to Hutchins. “All things being equal, our rail system can be very effective in giving you access to different global market destinations because you can get to different ports,” Hutchins said. “It can be very flexible with a known schedule. It's not quite as immediate as trucks, but it's still responsive and it's got a lot more capacity.” On the other hand, Hutchins explained that barge traffic on inland waterways is less flexible in routing. It moves cargo from one set point on the waterway to the next, though barge shipping offers a price advantage to rail. “It costs a lot less to ship by barge,” he said “Gravity is your friend, like going down river to New Orleans for export. So that makes life generally easier.” From a competitive standpoint, the report emphasizes that for inland waterways to continue to play a crucial and competitive role in bulk soybean transportation,
6 January 2024
infrastructure improvements are needed, such as those coming online along the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Port developments, including dredging and freight handling equipment, have the potential to influence how soybeans and soy products reach markets. The study also mentioned the use of containers as one way to expand soy shipping, particularly for identity-preserved beans with specific qualities. “If Illinois soybeans can get to markets where identity preservation is more valuable, or more important, they'll make more money,” Hutchins said. “Using containers more gives you more shipping options.” The report also underscored the dynamic and multifaceted nature of freight transportation, where various parties own and operate the components of the supply chain. To address challenges and opportunities, the report encouraged ISA to form coalitions and collaborate with other stakeholders to help ensure better coordination
throughout the soy shipping network. According to the study, environmental stewardship remains a critical factor in transportation, considering the challenges of climate change, air and water quality, and biodiversity. The report suggests that soybeans and soy products can help offer flexible and renewable solutions and benefits in addressing these challenges. Addressing the U.S. soy transportation network holistically to find efficiencies is more important as competing nations such as Brazil continue to upgrade their infrastructure, but Hutchins said competition from South America may not be the biggest factor to consider.
“It's a medium-level concern,” he said. “There's a lot of other things that matter. We would be well served to address them (rather) than focus on specific infrastructure investments by other countries.” Hutchins said political instability and possible disruptions from changing weather patterns can loom large in the nation’s ability to keep up with transportation demands. He said the U.S. could face challenges from lower river levels that could impact domestic shipping, just as the lack of fresh water for backfill is currently limiting the number of vessels using the Panama Canal. “Are we going to find ourselves in a position where we need to consider significant changes? I think that's looming bigger than we have realized so far. While I think we have some real pluses going for us, we all too often encounter significant institutional disconnects.” The ISA Market Development Committee commissioned the study and played a pivotal role in determining the study's target end markets. The Soy Transportation Coalition also provided a snapshot of the soy transportation network by state, further illustrating the potential opportunities and gaps in the national transportation network. The CDI study, titled "Transportation Network Evaluation of Soybean and Soy Product Movements," was conducted in collaboration with logistics experts, subject matter specialists and data scientists. For additional information about the study, contact ISA’s Director of Market Development, Todd Main, todd.main@ilsoy.org.
CEO'S MESSAGE | Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Leveling Up: Enhancing Farmer Leadership and Competitiveness Illinois soybean farmers know the meaning of hard work. And thanks to our state's famously unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets and shifting global demand, soybean farmers also exemplify the term "resilience." Achievement, though, isn’t guaranteed by either of those qualities. That’s where the Illinois Soybean Association’s checkoff and membership programs are able to flex a little muscle. Through the many programs and projects conducted by ISA, our role is to help you sharpen your competitive edge by focusing on data-informed strategies to help mitigate risk and set yearly goals. We understand that sustained success is rooted in a steady march of continuous improvement. I like to call it "leveling up." Once you hit one target, it’s time to identify the next, and reap the reward of your efforts. ISA is here to assist you on your journey toward continued success. Our staff works to help you achieve the goals in front of you, whether that means exploring new crop input strategies or identifying the right technology to align your production and growth plans. ISA is strategic in our efforts to support Illinois soybean farmers as they realize return on their investments. From production to marketing, from conservation to innovation, from policy to education, ISA is committed to helping our farmers enhance their competitive edge in today’s challenging environment. One of the key issues on which ISA focuses is the infrastructure demands of raising and selling soybeans. It’s a matter of vital importance when it comes to the efficient and profitable movement of Illinois soybeans from farm to market, both domestically and internationally. That’s why we are leading conversations about policies and programs that invest in and improve our roads, bridges, railroads, waterways and broadband. In addition, we collaborate with partners across the value chain to identify and address the challenges and opportunities that infrastructure presents for our industry. You’ll read more about that and about a new transportation study we commissioned on page 5. Illinois soy can also be part of the infrastructure answer. We recently launched the “It’s Sustainably Soy” Certification program to recognize organizations, construction firms and executives for using sustainable soy-based products in their infrastructure projects. Soy-based products, such as asphalt sealants, roofing materials and bioplastics, offer environmental and economic benefits, such as renewable ingredients, extended pavement life, and new markets for Illinois soybeans. By promoting the use of these products, ISA is demonstrating the level-up versatility and value of soybeans beyond food and feed. You’ve probably been hearing more about the Broadband Breakthrough: Infrastructure Planning Tools for Rural Farming Communities, which we support along with the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the University of Illinois Extension, the University of Illinois Extension Broadband Lab teams, and the Illinois State University Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department. This program provides resources and guidance to rural communities to plan and implement broadband service that meets their residential and agricultural business
JOHN LUMPE | CEO | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
needs. Broadband access is no longer a luxury but rather a basic business essential for farmers to access information, markets and technologies that can enhance their productivity and profitability. By facilitating broadband expansion, ISA is empowering Illinois farmers to participate in agriculture’s digital revolution. Our interest in our farmer leaders extends beyond business as we seek to identify and capitalize on opportunities to increase your productivity and profitability, deepen your knowledge and encourage new innovations for your farm. It’s been great to meet many of you at our Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) Town Hall engagement meetings across the state. These meetings offer our Government Relations team the opportunity to engage with farmer members, answer questions and listen for the issues that keep you up at night. On Jan. 31, we hope to see you at our first annual ISG member dinner, where we’ll hear from guest speakers Jonathan Coppess, Professor at the University of Illinois and Farmdoc author of "Future of the Farm Bill: What's to come for farmers"; Jerry Costello, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture; and Hector Serrano, Senior Scientist for BASF. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to register at ilsoygrowers.com/events. The following day, we’ll be looking for you at our annual 2024 Soybean Summit, which will cover a wide range of agronomic subjects, such as precision agriculture, pest management, biological products, conservation, nutrient management, carbon markets and high-yield soybean opportunities. You can read more and register at ilsoyadvisor. com/events/soybean-summit. As your CEO, I’ve seen amazing things happen when people and teams come together and offer their best talents and skills in the pursuit of important goals. Creating the conditions for this to happen is not without its challenges, but it makes all the difference in terms of both performance and positive impact. Over the next year, we will continue to set ambitious goals, remain transparent with our progress and hold ourselves accountable. Here's to your success in 2024!
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
January 2024
7
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Incobrasa is one of the few family owned, privately held soybean crushers in the industry. Early adopters of biodiesel, they both crush and produce biodiesel in one place.
Illinois Celebrates Incobrasa's Expansion By Joli A. Hohenstein
A
$250 million expansion announcement sparks excitement, especially in the heart of soybean country. With Incobrasa currently processing 10 percent of the state’s soybeans, the ag industry certainly took notice. But when the dust settled (pun intended), and the coffee shop talk commenced, one question made the rounds the most: What's it mean for us? It’s a fair question, so we thought we’d break it down. First, a bit on where we are now. Incobrasa is one of the few family owned, privately held soybean crushers in the industry. Early adopters of
8 January 2024
biodiesel, they both crush and produce biodiesel at the same location, something fairly unusual in the industry. But what’s even more unusual is the incredible integration that goes on at the site. They crush and refine on-site, and the oil can be used in biodiesel and bottled for commercial and retail use, also on-site. They built their own bottling plant, and their primary contract is supplying vegetable oil to Dollar General. “So if you’re buying that, you’re buying Illinois soybeans,” says Andrew Larson, ISA Director of Government Relations & Strategy. The plant has created another competitive advantage for Illinois
to add to its belt. With Incobrasa, Illinois is able to create a closedloop system for soybean oil that most states can’t, explains David Kubik, ISA Public Policy Manager. “Soybeans come to the plant. They’re crushed and refined into oil, then shipped out to truck stops like Love's. The oil never travels more than 50 miles, so we have a lower carbon impact,” says Kubik. “That’s good for the environment and good for Illinois farmers.” Incobrasa is also one of the few biodiesel plants that exclusively uses soybeans for feedstock. And for the expansion, they’re also solely using soybean-based feedstock. More competitive advantages:
“It shows our industry continues to grow,” Kubik says. It also shows Incobrasa is a company of innovators, and they’re using Illinois competitive innovations to grow their own. Market Certainty & Stability Along with the massive soybean processing capacity it brings, the Incobrasa expansion also creates stronger markets for Illinois farmers’ soybeans. “What the plant provides is a more stable market for those soybeans,” says Kerry Fogarty, Incobrasa Quality Control Manager, who points out that currently 50 percent of soybeans in the U.S. head down the river and go over-
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff seas. “Foreign policy isn’t predictable. There are less transportation costs if you aren’t shipping, and farmers can expect more for a bushel of beans.” In turn, this is an opportunity to raise the basis, and farmers really benefit from that. “Basis has a huge impact on the amount farmers can sell their soybeans for at the elevator,” Larson says. “Having Incobrasa makes an impact.” Consistently, Illinois has a competitive advantage over other states, he says, and Incobrasa adds to it. Illinois exports more beans than it crushes and can easily export soybean meal. One of the real advantages of Illinois is having a good balance of crush, river and rail, with most of the Class 1 railroads having track in the state, and near Incobrasa. Added to that: “Incobrasa is a creative industry partner who is looking to always maximize the products that come off the soybeans. They are a huge asset for the soybean complex and soybean industry in Illinois,” says Larson. “Having domestic crush and export provides market options for growers and helps their products compete on the global market.” This, in turn, also helps farmers for the long term, and the Incobrasa expansion raises the profile of Illinois soybeans at a key time. “We’re supporting soybean farmers and making sure markets will be there in the long term,” says Kubik. That includes working to open up new trade segments and develop emerging markets in Africa and in India, where ISA has also partnered to develop a new Soy Excellence Center. Local Benefits Closer to home, Incobrasa’s expansion will have ramifications for the local Gilman and Iroquois County economies, as well. The company is projecting an increase of 200 to 250 jobs during construction and plans to add an additional 50 full-time jobs at the plant. “This is an advantage to the local worker, that we’re increasing the local workforce,” says Fogarty.
“We’re doubling our revenues, which means we can pay better wages for people.” More high-paying jobs will strengthen employee retention. “This is important because Incobrasa will bring in high-paying jobs and recruit more specialty roles as they get the expansion rolled out,” says Kubik. Fueling More Advantages The state’s biodiesel incentive played a key role in Incobrasa expanding the Gilman location. As a result, farmers will see benefits not only on their bottom lines but also at the pump. “The future for biodiesel looks very bright in the state of Illinois,” says Fogarty. “The legislature has incentivized biodiesel at the pumps. Demand is going up.” The most recent biodiesel tax exemption, extended for seven more years, is poised to drive that demand even higher. For the past decade, the incentive has been at 11 percent, but in the next three years, it will slowly move from 11 percent to 20 percent. “We expect biodiesel usage to track with that incentive because it’s very lucrative for people. Fuel retailers and others will pass that on to consumers,” Kubik says. “We expect about 50 percent to 80 percent more biodiesel sold. The biodiesel tax credit has helped make Illinois a place where companies are looking to invest.” Incobrasa and Fogarty agree. “We need to have oil to supply that biodiesel plant, which we are also expanding,” he says. “The beans are available, and we have a market for the ongoing production.” It’s impossible to overstate the importance of biodiesel, he says. “Without an outlet for the oil, I doubt this expansion would be happening.” Incobrasa has laid out the plan for expansion at Gilman in three phases, with the first phase operational in 2025 and the final phase online in 2030. Currently, the plant crushes 40 million soybeans a year. By 2025,
The Incobrasa expansion plan in Gilman, Ill., spans three phases, beginning with the first phase operational in 2025 and the final phase online in 2030.
Incobrasa expects to be crushing 60 million; by 2030, 80 million soybeans annually. Along with that, the company will increase its biodiesel production at Gilman. Currently, they are permitted for 75 million gallons of biodiesel. Fogarty expects that to ramp up to 150 million by the end of the decade or even sooner.
These are big numbers, to be sure, but Kubik and Larson expect those very large numbers to translate directly into significant benefits for Illinois soybean farmers. And Fogarty says the same: “It’s a result of the efforts of the people who represent the farmer in Illinois and the country, so that’s paying dividends.”
Widespread and unseen, SCN can cause over $210,000 revenue loss over three years¹ to your soybean yields—and you’ll likely never even see the symptoms. ILEVO seed treatment is the only proven winner against both SCN and SDS. See SCN counts in fields near you at Watch-ILEVO-Work.com. ¹SCN yield loss from SCN Coalition Grower Survey, 2020. Estimated revenue loss for a 1,000 A soybean grower with commodity price of $14.00/bu. Always read and follow label directions. ILEVO is a registered trademark of BASF. ©2024 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
January 2024
9
Make Moves with U.S. Soy WISHH connects Trade, Development & Food Security in Cambodia where fish account for 61% of households' animal protein intake. We cultivate trade with Cambodian feed mills that are buying U.S. soybean meal for the growing aquaculture industry that WISHH is developing. Our trade and development work makes protein more available in the country where 45% of Cambodians live in moderate or severe food insecurity. Find out how WISHH’s three pillars of trade, development and food security cultivate new markets for U.S. Soy protein.
Trade. Development. Food Security.
10 January 2024
( Y OU ) Who’s the No. 1 protein source in chicken feed? YOU are. That’s right. You’re winning. All soybean farmers, including you, are really big in poultry and livestock feed. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.
Moving Soy Forward. Moving You Forward.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
©2021 United Soybean Board [61133-1 7/21] IL
January 2024
11
YEAR END
REPORT
Chairman’s Reflection FULFILLING THE MISSION “In today’s ever-changing agricultural landscape, it’s essential for organizations such as the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) to adapt and expand our mission to ensure the prosperity of farmers for generations to come. In fiscal year 2023, ISA embarked on a journey of growth and progress, encapsulated in our updated mission statement, which now includes the word “research” to demonstrate our commitment to addressing the evolving needs and challenges faced by Illinois soybean farmers. Promotion, advocacy, research, and education remain at the forefront of our efforts. We strive to make Illinois soy the preferred choice for both U.S. and global customers and actively support advancements in infrastructure. We take proactive steps to create opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers to enhance their on-farm profitability while effectively managing crop production risks. We remain dedicated to improving legislation and building relationships to advance policies that benefit our farmers. Within this report, you’ll 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 FY23. From one farmer to another, thank you for being a vital part of this shared success. Your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts are the foundation of the Illinois Soybean Association’s mission. Your commitment to the land and the soybean industry is our motivation to adapt, innovate and work toward a brighter future. I look forward to continuing this journey together as we collectively shape the path forward for Illinois agriculture.”
R O N K I NDRED, IS A CH AIRMAN
12 January 2024
Financial Snapshot F O R T HE YE AR EN D I N G AU G UST 31, 202 3
ON BEH ALF OF T H E ILLINOIS S OYBE AN B OAR D (I SB) AND ILLINOIS S OYBE AN G R OWE R S (I S G )
ASSETS
$28,119,823
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS
$28,119,823
REVENUE
$23,960,858
OPERATING EXPENSES
$20,848,645
For more information, contact 309-663-7692
Market Development BROADBAND BREAKTHROUGH
FY23 marked the first year of Project Broadband Breakthrough, an initiative led by ISA and the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society that supports rural communities in implementing expanded broadband access. Beginning in January, five Illinois counties paved the way for increased rural internet connectivity. ISA will continue to expand this initiative across Illinois in the upcoming FY23.
SOY ASPHALT DEMONSTRATION AT FARM PROGRESS SHOW At the 2023 Farm Progress Show, ISA implemented a new, large-scale use for soybeans. Inside the Varied Industries Tent, visitors encountered an impressive 43,600 square feet of soy-based asphalt. This innovative material, created through cold-in-place technology, incorporates 100% recycled asphalt pavement fused with a soy-based binding agent. The debut of the soy asphalt at Farm Progress, which draws nearly 150,000 attendees and 600 exhibitors annually, served as a platform to highlight the versatility of soy and the significance of the Illinois soybean industry.
BRIDGE BUNDLING Now in its third year, ISA’s Bridge Bundling project continues to bring awareness to the benefits of bundling, which encompasses issuing a single contract for the replacement, rehabilitation or repair of multiple bridges. This initiative not only streamlines the administrative process but also optimizes resource allocation, fostering cost-efficiency and enhancing the overall effectiveness of infrastructure improvement endeavors.
MARKET DEVELOPMENT STAFF EXPANSION To better promote Illinois soy among both U.S. and global customers, the ISA Market Development team expanded threefold in FY23. The six-person team is poised to drive the expansion of soybean markets. From fostering international trade relations to strengthening domestic market presence, each member plays a vital role in paving the way for the growth and sustainability of Illinois soybeans.
USSEC SOY EXCELLENCE CENTERS ISA continued to support the development of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) Soy Excellence Centers (SECs), which aim to both foster demand for soy and create a global network of tomorrow’s soy leaders. Structured as a program for professional growth, SECs offer participants a clear route to attain professional training certification and progress in their careers.
Reflection “FY23 was an important milestone year for the ISA Market Development team. We advanced several initiatives to grow our domestic and international markets. I believe that in the future, our work supporting the development of the Soy Excellence Centers this past year will likely be viewed as one of the most effective investments we have ever made in stimulating demand for soy. Our work to improve rural infrastructure in both broadband and bridge bundling will make a positive direct economic impact in communities across our state. Our soy asphalt demonstration project at Farm Progress showcased how soy oil can be used in new and innovative ways. It got the attention of the folks at the Illinois State Fair. Now they are considering implementing something similar for the agriculture sector at the fairgrounds. Our Market Development team also grew this year, as we were able to add four new staff members to multiply and extend our impact. This newly expanded team is excited because we get to come to work knowing that delivering U.S. soy to countries around the world improves food security. That, in turn, directly improves geopolitical security. We also understand that none of this would be possible without the support of the checkoff, so we want to thank you for the opportunity to contribute to such important work.”
TO D D MAI N , DIRE C TO R O F MAR KE T D E VELO PMEN T
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
January 2024
13
Soybean Production
INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR MAXIMIZING SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN CONSERVATION TILLAGE SYSTEMS D R . G I OVAN I PR E Z A F ONT E S
To help more farmers feel confident implementing conservation tillage systems, this project gained insights into the interactions across soil types, starter fertilizer, tillage systems and row spacings. It examined how these factors affect soybean growth, nutrient uptake, and seed yield and quality. The results of this multiyear project will enable more farmers to optimize soybean production under conservation tillage systems while preserving water and soil resources.
BENCHMARKING AND INTEGRATING SOIL HEALTH, WATER QUALITY AND CLIMATE-SMART FOOTPRINTS OF ILLINOIS SOYBEANS D R . AN DRE W M AR GEN OT
This multiyear project (2023-2027) is designed to identify soil health, water quality and climate footprint best practices and metrics across regions and cropping systems (soy-corn and double-crop wheat-soy with corn rotations). It helps inform practice-based recommendations that protect soil health and water quality and also provides insights farmers can use as they explore carbon markets.
AN ECONOMIC EVALUATION OF THE IMPACTS OF SITESPECIFIC MANAGEMENT FOR INCREASING SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS D R . JAY N AI R
To help close the soybean yield gap between average and record yields, this project breaks down management practices based on the specific needs of different areas within a field. It defines the yield variability within a field as high, medium and low; identifies seeding rates that can help optimize yield; creates a better understanding of the role biologicals can play in crop nutrient utilization; and evaluates the economics of site-specific management compared to whole-field management practices.
Reflection
INJURY POTENTIAL TO VERY EARLY PLANTED SOYBEANS FROM VARIOUS SOIL RESIDUAL HERBICIDES / ACTIVE INGREDIENTS D R . A AR O N HAGER
While interest in planting soybeans earlier continues to increase, concerns around preemergence (PRE) herbicide injuries to emerging seedlings continue to linger. Early planting often means cold, wet soil conditions that can delay seed germination and prolong plant emergence. These conditions can reduce the plant’s ability to metabolize PRE herbicides and result in crop injury. This project tested several herbicides and classes of chemistry to better understand which are more prone to cause crop injury under early planting conditions.
ENHANCING THE PROFITABILITY OF WHEAT-SOYBEAN DOUBLE CROPPING D R . JE S SI C A R U T KO SKI
Double cropping soybeans after winter wheat is an attractive approach to enhancing profitability in Midwest crop rotations and improving soil health. To capitalize on this cropping system, this project identified high-yielding winter wheat varieties that can be harvested earlier. This enabled earlier planting of double-crop soybeans to maximize soybean yield potential.
SCN TESTING FOR ILLINOIS SOYBEAN GROWERS D R . N AT HAN SCHR O ED ER
The objective of this project is to mitigate the impact of the soybean cyst nematode (SCN) on Illinois soybean growers and to educate growers about the significance of this pathogen. The program makes free SCN testing available for Illinois soybean producers and uses our established Extension network to complete a statewide survey of SCN on soybeans. This increased knowledge leads to improved nematode management practices and, ultimately, increased yield for Illinois soybean growers.
“This 2023 year of projects has been a testament to the growth and progress of the ISA Agronomy team. As we have grown in staff, we have doubled the research projects we are partnering in. This strengthens our work helping farmers to become more profitable and resilient in their operations. The team at ISA is ecstatic to work with this year’s partner organizations, researchers, agronomists and farmers who will be leading the way to accomplish goals geared toward conservation, in-season agronomy, integrated pest management, outreach and education. We have multiple projects that accomplish regional agronomics, soil and water quality challenges, statewide data surveys and direct farmer participation. Whether it’s submitting samples for free SCN testing, signing up for an on-farm trial or attending one of our field days, we have something valuable to offer every farmer. Our work on the Agronomy team moves as fast as the growing season, and one way to keep up is to follow us at ILSoyAdvisor.com. Whether you are interested in field updates from our Soy Envoy class or the latest findings from university researchers, it’s the best way to keep the most relevant information at your fingertips. We also encourage farmers to reach out to us online for field issues and agronomic questions that need to be answered. The team loves to be in the field working hands-on with farmers and agronomists to understand new management tactics to advance our soybean systems. We are looking forward to this next growing season and working to serve Illinois farmers across the state.”
ABI G AIL PE T ER S ON, DIRE C TOR OF AG R ONOM Y
14 January 2024
Government Relations
TORREY ADVISORY GROUP FEDERAL AFFAIRS EDUCATION Our partnership with the Torrey Advisory Group was a key project during FY23 in anticipation of farm bill reauthorization. Throughout the year, staff and farmers were able to meet with legislators in Washington, D.C., to educate them about agriculture. Trips to the nation’s capital were filled with conversations about the role of cover cropping, pesticide regulation and the inland waterway system that we rely heavily on in Illinois. Furthermore, hands-on experiences were provided for both federal and state officials as they visited farms across the state, learning firsthand the work that farmers do.
URBAN OUTREACH Expanding our presence in the Chicagoland area was a key priority in FY23. Most of the Illinois population and state legislators live in this part of the state, so it’s imperative that we educate in these areas. This provides them with the opportunity to learn about agriculture’s impacts, even if they don’t see it every day. Working in partnership with other groups, we helped bring agronomy and agriculture policy to children. We worked outside of traditional agriculture groups to reach growers in an unconventional setting, assisting with veterans events and food banks. Expanding on events hosted in the past, such as Soy Latte Day and B20 visits, our team was able to better connect with urban legislators and demonstrate the ways soy impacts their districts.
ISG GROWTH Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG), the voluntary membership program that is also a grassroots effort for supporting soybean producers and pro-agriculture legislation, expanded their reach greatly in FY23. A main focus throughout the FY23 was growing the Political Action Committee (PAC) through two fundraisers that support legislators who, if elected, will fight for agriculture policy during the next election cycle. Our increased presence at Farm Progress was highlighted with a member-only event that included three Representatives providing updates on the farm bill and the future of ag policy. To further support farm bill efforts, ISG hosted town halls, spanning the length of the state, to provide producers with updates on legislation and to learn from them what regionally specific issues they face. With increased memberships, we can strengthen and unify the voice for soy, educate legislators who make key policies, create new opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers and uncover new markets and uses for U.S. soy.
Reflection “FY23 was a year of growth for the Government Relations team. We added six team members to expand our outreach and to better enhance the goals of the department. The Illinois Soybean Growers followed suit with 55% membership growth. Throughout the year, we were able to create meaningful relationships with elected officials and become a resource for them to utilize when discussing conservation practices, the use of biofuels, inland waterways and the farm bill. Furthermore, we hosted legislators on farms throughout the growing season to showcase the work farmers do and provide firsthand experience to legislators. The Government Relations team will build on these successes and continue to be the leading voice for soy.”
AN D R E W L AR SO N , D I R E C TO R O F G OVER N MEN T REL AT IONS & ST R AT E GY
Thank You to Our Corporate Partners ADM Agrodity American Soybean Association (ASA) ASGROW Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts BASF
Bayer Illinois Corn Marketing Board Beck’s Indigo Ag Benson Hill John Deere Brandt Missouri Soybean Busey Bank Merchandising Council ComEd Soil and Water FMC Outcomes Fund Golden Harvest OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION A PUBLICATION
Stoller Syngenta United Soybean Board (USB) Waterways Council, Inc. World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) January 2024
15
Marketing Communications ILLINOIS FIELD & BEAN MAGAZINE
In FY23, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine published 12 issues, covering topics ranging from soybean research initiatives, trade missions and broadband expansion, to the 2023 Farm Progress Show and Soybean Summit. Readers received updates on both ISA soybean checkoff and ISG grower membership programs, while advertisers and corporate sponsors extended their reach to Illinois’ 43,000 soybean farmers.
SOYINNOVATOR Illinois soybean farmers stand out as some of the most innovative in the world. Their commitment to innovation is not a coincidence but an intentional pursuit. They consistently seek knowledge to stay at the forefront of adopting new discoveries, ensuring they retain their competitive edge. In its second year, ISA’s online resource, SoyInnovator, continued to provide cutting-edge insights and the most up-to-date knowledge farmers of the future and the broader industry that supports Illinois farmers, offering invaluable information on a wide range of research that will advance their business practices.
ILLINOIS 20 UNDER 40 PROGRAM FY23 marks the second year of the Illinois 20 Under 40 program, which is a partnership between ISA and other Illinois commodity groups. It recognizes 20 farmers under the age of 40 for their ability to inspire their generation and the next. The project not only engaged and honored the young farmers of Illinois but also reached a broader, non agricultural Illinois audience by leveraging public relations, paid media and social influencer initiatives to showcase the selected farmers.
ROADSIDE ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN ISA communicated its good work and successes to Illinois soybean farmers by reaching them on the roadside in their own communities. The goal of the ISA Roadside Advertising Campaign was to help Illinois farmers understand how their checkoff dollars are being spent and the ways ISA’s initiatives directly impact onfarm ROI. By employing a strategy that involved placing a series of road signs and billboards, wrapping ice boxes and pumps at gas stations across the state, and utilizing traditional paid media, ISA extended its outreach to more than 2 million Illinois residents. 16 January 2024
Reflection “FY23 was a year of transition and growth for the ISA Communications team. Our increased focus on marketing led to a deeper understanding of our audiences and their preferences. We made it our mission to meet our farmers where they are, connecting with them on a deeper level. This strategic shift emphasizes the fact that effective marketing and meaningful communication are not standalone efforts but a powerful convergence designed to work together to create clear and defined messaging that encapsulates who we are and who we serve. In the upcoming year, we remain committed to enhancing our capacity to deliver the organization’s messages to the right stakeholders at the right time. We will continue measuring the impact of those messages for optimal effectiveness. This commitment aims to empower and equip farmers with the latest in on-farm research, to educate international soybean buyers while promoting the value of Illinois soy, and to ensure a trusted voice in both state and national governing decisions that will impact the future of agriculture. We’re eager to find new ways to engage with Illinois soybean farmers and would love to hear from our farmers because sharing their story is not only our priority, it’s our privilege. Farmers’ experiences, challenges and successes are at the core of our mission, and we look forward to collaborating with them to create a brighter future for Illinois soybean farmers.” MI CHAEL WHI TMER , DI R E C TO R O F M ARK E T ING C OM M UNI C AT I O N S
FY23 ISA Board Leadership
CEO’s Reflection
THE LAST WORD ON FY23
“Although I’m not one for looking back, FY23 was a year of intense growth and innovation for ISA. We grew programs, projects, departments and, most critical to our success, we integrated more talent and expertise into our team of dedicated, highly professional staff. Guided by our strategic plan and bolstered by effective implementation, we leveraged new information to better support our soybean farmers toward profitability. We continued our efforts to catalyze the development and deployment of solutions to the next generation of producers. Over FY23, our Market Development team worked to promote Illinois soy as the preferred choice for U.S. and global customers, to grow domestic markets for Illinois soy in the feed, food, fiber and fuel industries, and to promote Illinois’ competitive advantage in infrastructure to stakeholders across the value chain. Meanwhile, our Government Relations team kept their eye on building and deepening relationships with legislative partners in the service of advancing beneficial farm policies and limiting burdensome regulations. They engaged in ongoing outreach across both the urban and rural political spectrum to further establish ISA as a trusted resource and policy leader, and to identify common priorities for potential partnerships. From the fields of Illinois, our Soybean Production team conducted cross-functional agronomic research and education to create opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers to increase on-farm profitability and manage crop production risks. They worked to build partnerships to augment ISA’s research and education programs, established basic and applied research priorities that addressed regionally specific production opportunities and challenges, and continued to expand the ISA agronomic network. These findings and impacts were made accessible to the media, farmers and consumers by our Marketing Communications team, which led strategic efforts to raise awareness and appreciation for Illinois agriculture, the No. 1 economic driver of our great state. And though these ISA departments were each charged with unique goals designed to generate measurable ROI for farmers, they shared a common commitment. Together, they are leading new and ongoing opportunities for Illinois soybeans, introducing our products to domestic and international markets around the world, and setting a global example for quality and resilience. ISA will always be an organization that succeeds through its Board and Staff, who work with excellence on its behalf. Here’s to a successful FY24.” JO HN LUMPE, IS A CE O
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
On behalf of ASSOCIATION Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) which includes both the Illinois Soybean Board17 (ISB) A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN January 2024 checkoff funded program, and the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) non-checkoff member program.
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Drones and AI can gather vast amounts of data such as crop health, soil conditions and irrigation needs, allowing farmers to make more informed decisions.
AI + Drones = The New Frontier Joli A. Hohenstein
A
s farmers increasingly take to the skies for farm management, technology innovators, ag economists and agronomists find themselves in the unique position of assessing the potential as pilot, trainer, teacher and grower. DJI Agriculture recently released its Agriculture Drone
18 January 2024
Insight Report 2022/23, reporting that at the end of 2022, the global number of DJI drones exceeded 200,000 units. Their cumulative operating area exceeded 200 million hectares (nearly 500 million acres), bringing the benefits of aerial technology to hundreds of millions of agricultural practitioners. The World Economic Forum named agricultural drones one of the top three innovations
that could be key to producing more crops with less effort and less impact on the environment. In fact, the DJI report notes farmers are already seeing the results. For example, drone use helped a large-scale Washington potato grower reduce insect damage by 80 percent. Meanwhile, a Japanese rice producer used drones to increase yield to earn an addi-
tional $2,224 per acre. More and more growers and retailers have been using drones for scouting fields, but they still must contend with the missing link between identifying what they’re seeing and then acting on it. Artificial intelligence (AI), innovators say, is the next frontier. By combining drones and AI, farmers can reduce guesswork across fields. “If we have a field
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff with questions, instead of a hula-hoop test, we’re actually able to obtain per-acre stand count,” says Clint Chaffer, Asgrow Brand Manager whose family farms in northwest Illinois near Seaton. “It’s incredibly beneficial to determine if we need to replant.” Clint uses technology from Sentera, which captures aerial imagery from fields and plots to help understand performance, letting farmers cover more acres with fewer resources. The company calls it an “ag analytics platform powered by machine learning.” The data the drone acquires also pairs well with the information coming from his Climate FieldView digital platform, Clint says. “I look at field health and see what parts of the field I need to take a closer look at, then go fly a drone and see,” he explains. “We utilize it for another dataset that pairs well with the yield map to see if that change actually impacted yield.” Leaf-Level Data "Once farmers have the data, the next step is being able to act on it. That's another benefit AI is able to provide. It’s here in the form of leaf-level data that lets you immediately take steps in your fields," says Bryan McMurtrie, Regional Sales Manager for Taranis, which has created the largest library of leaf-level imagery. Their technology uses satellite images and AI capabilities to generate a field health index, which identifies anomalies within the field. Then using their leaf-level insights, farmers can easily ground truth these anomalies and determine their next steps. At a time when farmers are going to have to grow twice as many bushels to feed the world and stay profitable, AI technology is aimed at identifying and helping farmers address the things that take away from those yields.
“Multiple studies say that for every inch of weed, you’re going to see 4- to 5-bu. loss,” says McMurtrie. “It’s only going to cost about 1 bu. of beans or 2 bu. of corn to monitor your crop with Taranis and prevent that. There is no real capital expenditure for the customer.” Taranis technology identifies the main stressors on crops: weeds, grasses, nutrient deficiencies, insects and chewing damage, and gives farmers actionable insights they can use to help unlock more yield potential. Ag Research Advancements Actionable information from AI isn’t just for farmers. Ag corporations are also leveraging AI to improve and advance research into new crop protection and seed technologies. Asgrow’s parent company, Bayer, utilizes AI for genetics research. The company’s Precision Breeding platform uses AI technology to more quickly and accurately pinpoint genetic changes needed and analyze data far faster than humans ever could. Mathematical puzzles that take humans 4 seconds to solve take an AI robot only 0.38 seconds. Likewise, the company says, AI can analyze millions of potential genetic combinations and make recommendations to solve breeding puzzles faster. In fact, Bayer says AI is increasing the number of unique genetic combinations they can analyze each year by tenfold, and they’re able to do it without using more energy, land or water. The result, they say, is new seed varieties tailored to specific field conditions years ahead of schedule. Likewise, Syngenta is collaborating with Insilico Medicine, an AI and deep learning company, to discover new, more effective crop protection solutions that safeguard the world’s food against diseases, weeds and pests, while also protecting ecosystems. The company says Insilico’s small
molecule generative chemistry technology will help invent molecules for active ingredients faster and also actively design molecules that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In addition, Syngenta says AI can help them be confident that new products protect biodiversity, including pollinators and beneficial insects, and help them design products that help keep soil healthy to capture carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For both companies, AI delivers the power to analyze and leverage large datasets on a much shorter timeline than they could with traditional research processes. With the world population projected to grow at a rate of more than 1 percent annually and to increase to 9.8 billion by
2050, speed is of the essence. AI can help farmers add new tools to their arsenal, not only to do more with less, but to proactively utilize solutions that manage and address the many differences climate change is bringing to farms. It's a new day in data, says McMurtrie. “In the past, data went into the tractor, came out of the combine. There was never anything in between. This technology gives season-long data capture.” As Forbes magazine says, “Each season of data builds the knowledge-base to allow even more sophisticated use of the technology in the future.” McMurtrie likes to call it a “game tape – you can review it and see what changes you need to make next season.”
By utilizing data gathered from drones, AI algorithms can produce tailored plans for the precise application of fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
January 2024
19
We’re On a Mission for
20 January 2024
Illinois Soybean Farmers
Illinois Soybean Association is committed to identifying new ways to help increase your profitability. That’s why we’re exploring new international markets on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers. In 2023, our staff and farmer leaders conducted three trade team missions to countries with a significant opportunity for increasing demand for your crop.
COLOMBIA & PANAMA
ISA traveled to Colombia, the third largest U.S. soy meal importer at 1.128 MMT and Panama, home to one of the most important waterways for transportation of soybean exports. In this region, consumer desire for affordable protein has created a growing aquaculture industry. While there, we connected with buyers on the advantages of choosing
soybean meal from Illinois as high-quality feed for aquaculture production. We’re also investing in the development of aquaculture in these countries through partnerships with USSEC at the Colombian Soy Excellence Center (SEC), which help support aquaculture training throughout the region.
EGYPT
ISA’s next mission brought us to Egypt, where an everincreasing need for safe and affordable protein makes aquaculture production vital to the country’s growing population. Soy-based feeds encourage healthy and efficient growth in fish, but Egypt’s climate can’t support soybean production. Through partnerships with USSEC at the Egypt Soy Excellence Center (SEC) and WorldFish, ISA is working to strengthen Egyptian aquaculture and create demand
for protein-packed Illinois soybean meal in aquaculture food rations. We saw your checkoff dollars at work during a visit to WorldFish, which hosted SEC training classes to educate farmers and industry professionals on efficient production methods and the role soy plays in driving improvements through their entire value chain. The successful completion of this class signifies a noteworthy milestone as the 100th cohort hosted by SEC in the Middle East North Africa region.
AMSTERDAM & THE NETHERLANDS
The final trade team mission of 2023 explored increased market opportunities for Illinois soybeans in the Netherlands. We also learned about new production practices in the region that can be implemented back home to ensure Illinois soy continues to meet the European Union’s sustainability requirements. Our itinerary included tours of sustainabilityfocused Danone, a multinational food-products corporation and maker of familiar brands such as Silk and Horizon;
a research farm working to “future-proof” Dutch agriculture; and the port of Rotterdam, a major hub for soybeans entering Europe. We also conducted a series of farm visits, where we saw the impact of intense regulations on crop production. All of these interactions left us with new insights and information that we’ll use to work with key stakeholders on the importance of maintaining the balance between environmental goals and efficient, profitable food production.
See Trade in Motion
Scan the QR code and follow the export journey from farm to market, hearing from Illinois soybean farmers along the way.
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff January 2024 21
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
GROWTH BY ASSOCIATION | Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
22 January 2024
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Accelerating Economic Growth The Return on Transportation Investments Illinois, known for its robust and reliable transportation network, stands as a crucial hub for efficiently moving commodities from farm to market. Its positioning allows for the use of multiple transportation options, including road, rail and river, offering a competitive edge to soybean exports and making Illinois a key player in the global market. However, Illinois confronts a recurring challenge: the maintenance and modernization of its aging infrastructure, a critical element that is essential in preserving and enhancing its competitive advantage. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) works to address and mitigate the challenges posed by the aging infrastructure in Illinois. ISA's proactive measures aim to not only confront this issue head-on but also to pave the way for sustained growth and amplified success of Illinois soybeans. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, ISA is fortifying the foundation supporting Illinois soy, ensuring its continued expansion, resilience and prominence in the global marketplace. ISA has employed several projects focusing on innovative solutions to address the state's deteriorating infrastructure. Among these initiatives is the promotion of "Bridge Bundling," a promising approach that streamlines the upgrading and maintenance of bridges in a cost-effective manner. With nearly 2,400 bridges in poor or worse condition across Illinois, this effort becomes imperative to establish smoother transportation routes, benefiting not just farmers but also consumers and residents throughout the state. An important component of Illinois’ infrastructure is broadband access. Although it does not directly impact transportation infrastructure, today’s farmers need access to new markets for their products and commodity market information — not just in their homes, but also in their fields — to ensure continued productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Lack of connectivity greatly impacts transportation companies as well, as it can make it difficult to track assets and take preventative action if there is an issue with a vehicle. Along with the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the Illinois State University Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department, and the University of Illinois Extension, ISA has made significant headway in alleviating the burden of poor internet connectivity in rural counties across Illinois through Project Broad-
TODD MAIN | DIRECTOR OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
band Breakthrough. Furthermore, the emphasis on biodiesel use highlights our state's commitment to fostering sustainability within the transportation sector. ISA's proactive measures in promoting biodiesel not only align with environmentally conscious initiatives but also reinforce Illinois' position as a forward-thinking leader in transportation practices. However, our state's transportation strength lies mainly in its inland waterway system. Collaborating closely with the Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI), a national trade organization, ISA works in tandem with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advocate for the modernization and maintenance of our state’s inland waterways infrastructure. Through partnerships and lobbying efforts, WCI aims to secure efficient funding from Congress to upgrade the waterways that are vital for transporting goods. Illinois is a prime example of efficient commodity movement. As the state seeks to maintain its competitive edge, ISA is leading the charge in confronting aging infrastructure, spearheading initiatives to ensure reliable transportation routes. These proactive measures not only address infrastructure challenges but also pave the way for sustained growth and prominence in the global marketplace, securing Illinois' position as a leader in transportation efficiency.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
January 2024
23
Make Moves with U.S. Soy Our founding farmers took action 22 years ago to launch ASA’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health so WISHH could grow new markets for U.S. Soy. Today, WISHH is working with strategic partners that use soy for food or feed in 28 countries across Asia and Latin America to sub-Saharan Africa. Find out how WISHH’s three pillars of trade, development and food security cultivate new markets for U.S. Soy protein.
Trade. Development. Food Security.
24 January 2024
unitedsoybean.org
MAINTAINING OUR REPUTATION TO DELIVER
Whether shipping by river, road or rail, the soy checkoff is committed to ensuring America’s infrastructure is a significant advantage for U.S. soybean farmers. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And it’s helping make a valuable impact for soybean farmers like you. See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for soybean farmers at unitedsoybean.org
Brought to you by the soy checkoff. ©2018 United Soybean Board. Our Soy Checkoff and the Our Soy Checkoff mark are trademarks of United Soybean Board. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION IL AD_8.25 x 10.75_3-25-19.indd 2
January 2024
25
3/25/19 1:52 PM
VOICE FOR SOY
Continuous, Adequate Investments in Infrastructure There are few more important things to our national security and our domestic supply chain than continuous and adequate investment in infrastructure. About 50 percent of Illinois soybeans are exported by way of the Gulf of Mexico, utilizing our rich natural resource of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Barges have the ability to hold 52,000 bushels of agricultural products, or 600,000 bushels in a 12-barge tow, allowing sellers to move beans in greater quantities and producing less greenhouse gas emissions than if they were moved by a fleet or large truck. And yet, the media doesn’t seem to report on the major barriers that stand in the way of the maintenance and repair of locks and dams. Here at ISA, we don’t let news cycles dictate what work we put in, we go after the issues that affect farmers the most, like investment in our infrastructure. You might have seen headlines about substantial ongoing investment in infrastructure. These include the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021, the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP), and the work of the Army Corps of Engineers. Millions, if not billions, of dollars have been earmarked in the legislative process to fund repairing, building, and maintaining of our locks and dams. For those unfamiliar with NESP, it is an investment program in small-scale navigation efficiency projects, new locks and ecosystem restoration projects on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers. Funding of programs such as NESP and support of the Army Corps of Engineers is critical, as these projects aren’t cheap. For example, you might have seen that $732 million was set aside for the Lock and Dam 25 expansion. Yet anyone who has funded a project knows that the initial price tag rarely covers the full cost of the undertaking. What the media won’t tell you is that these projects need consistent help and attention, including regular allocations of funds beyond the initial price tag of a project. We like to think handing out money will solve a problem, but if the current allocation doesn’t come close to the scale and scope of the issue at hand, the project will not get done. A major structural barrier to accomplishing these critical lock-and-dam projects is ensuring the funds actually make a dent in the full scope of a project. Earmarks made in Congress, for better or for worse, are absolutely necessary to the completion of these vital infrastructure problems. Congressman Eric Sorensen, along with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, and Congressman Darin LaHood have worked to ensure projects such as NESP get funded. The next story you won’t read in your newspaper is the actual cost of delays in building these waterways. According to the Water-
26 January 2024
ANDREW LARSON | DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & STRATEGY | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
ways Council, the percentage of vessels delayed traveling down the river increased from 35 percent in 2010 to 49 percent in 2017. Delays can cost up to $739 per hour for an average tow, amounting to more than $44 million in additional costs per year. This burden doesn’t just affect the Army Corps or groups contracted out to complete these projects, but also the American farmer who shoulders the brunt of these delays. Currently, the majority of these projects are still in the pre-construction phase, despite the billions of dollars invested in projects such as NESP and others. Whether the delay is caused by a lack of consistent, adequate funding, labor shortages, climate factors or tools the Army Corps needs to get the job done, the delay of such projects is unacceptable. So what is ISA doing to address this problem? We’re here working with legislators, collaborating organizations, and Illinois farmers to pressure Congress to continue funding these projects, based on feedback from the Army Corps. We’re investigating solutions to the problems standing in the way of projects such as NESP being completed by asking the question, “What does the Army Corps need in its toolbox to actually get the job done?” We’re working to educate the public about the importance of these infrastructure projects, so the public can stand with farmers in our call to finish the job. Thank you for standing with us. As we move into the New Year, please continue to join your voice with ours as we call for these critical infrastructure jobs to reach completion.
Consumers want sustainability. Illinois Soy delivers. your .5% checkoff investment cements the seal of approval in the supply chain
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.
Sent to you compliments of: Illinois Soybean Association 1108 Trinity Lane Bloomington, IL. 61704
THURSDAY, FEB. 1, 2024 | 7 AM – 5:30 PM THE I HOTEL, CHAMPAIGN, IL
Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.
Join Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) at the annual Soybean Summit for the latest in soybean production. Learn yieldmaximizing techniques while preserving soil health. Discover ISA's on-farm trialing service and gain insights from a farmer panel. Explore ISA's checkoff-funded research projects and gain a deeper understanding of carbon markets. Stay updated on cover crop trends, secrets to high-yield soybean farming, 2024's chemical supply chain, and managing soybean pests. Engage with college students and their research projects during happy hour.
#2024SOYBEANSUMMIT FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER FOR FREE TODAY, VISIT ILSOYADVISOR.COM/SOYBEAN-SUMMIT
ILSoyAdvisor.com
@ilsoyadvisor
@ilsoyadvisor
@ilsoyadvisor
