Illinois Field & Bean - July 2023

Innovation: Growing Progress Across the Value Chain

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6 ILSoyAdvisor Crop Report Tool

Farmers across Illinois have a new, easy-to-navigate Crop Report tool to stay on top of the latest field and crop conditions.

13 SoyInnovator: Jump Into What's Next

Featuring cutting-edge research updates, analysis on new market opportunities and practical farm advice, SoyInnovator is a must for farmers positioning for the future.

18 Sustainability Takes to the Skies

Learn more about the leading role ISA is taking in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel issue in Springfield, Illinois.

21 "It's Sustainably Soy"

The new ISA “It’s Sustainably Soy” certification program is bringing recognition to the companies choosing soy-based products to promote sustainable solutions.

24 Citizen Science: Conducting On-Farm Trials

ISA agronomists are conducting successful, on-farm trials and leveraging their research findings to support Illinois farmers.

27 Pesticide Q&A

When it comes to the issue of pesticides, Corey Lacey, PhD, Policy Manager for the Illinois Soybean Association, encourages Illinois Soybean Growers members to be advocates for themselves and their families.

29 Are You a Member of Illinois Soybean Growers?

The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is the premier agriculture commodity organization in Illinois which works for soy producers across the state of Illinois.

COVER: Stakeholders, constituents, and customers want to do business with organizations that align with their environmental values. As society continues to transition away from carbon-intense chemicals and compounds, choosing soy for infrastructure and construction projects helps to ensure that common goals for the economy, environment, and family farmers in Illinois are being met. This issue of Illinois Field & Bean sheds light on the many ways ISA is seizing these opportunities.

CHAIRMAN

Steve Pitstick, Maple Park

District 2

VICE CHAIRMAN

Ron Kindred, Atlanta

District 9

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

Brad Daugherty, West Union

District 14

MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

CHAIR

Scott Gaffner, Greenville

At-Large

UTILIZATION COMMITTEE CHAIR

Brady Holst, Plymouth

At-Large

DIRECTORS

Ryan Frieders, Waterman | District 1

Buck Hill, Grand Ridge | District 4

Mark Read, Putnam | District 5

Jim Martin, Pontiac | District 6

STAFF CREDITS

David Niekamp, Coatsburg |

District 8

Elliott Uphoff, Shelbyville | District 10

Matt Murray, Paxton | District 11

Brock Willard, Pittsfield | District 12

Ed Murphy, Farmersville |

District 13

Jeff Parker, Belleville | District 15

Brian Atteberry, Carmi | District 16

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,

ASA President

Jered Hooker, Clinton

Jim Martin, Pontiac

Bill Raben, Ridgway

Rob Shaffer, El Paso

Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Nebo

Bill Wykes, Yorkville

Editor | Claire Weinzierl, Illinois Soybean Association

Assistant Editor | Betsy Osman, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Brynna Sentel, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Lexi Hoffman, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer & Photographer | Stephen Sostaric, Illinois Soybean Association

Staff Writer | Olivia Key, Illinois Soybean Association

Digital Edition & Circulation Manager | Heather Rod, Illinois Soybean Association

Editorial Intern | Ainsley Peterson, Illinois Soybean Association

Editorial Intern | Mattie Lieb, Illinois Soybean Association

Editorial Intern | Anita Sharkey, Illinois Soybean Association

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

The Illinois Soybean Growers 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: heather.rod@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

Claire Weinzierl

Communications Manager

Phone: (309) 663-7692

Email: claire.weinzierl@ilsoy.org

STEVE PITSTICK | CHAIRMAN | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

It’s Not Goodbye; It’s Thank You

As I submit my final column as Chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association, I write in gratitude: proud of our accomplishments, confident in our strategy and direction, and inspired by all that we have accomplished together over the last two years. This experience has been, in a word, exhilarating. We are in the business of improving business for Illinois soybean farmers and their families, and it has been my honor to work for the men and women who feed and fuel our world, consistently posturing Illinois at center stage in our global marketplace.

Over the last two years, we worked to repair frayed relationships with members of Illinois commodity groups, unifying our voices and efforts, and brought Illinois corn and Illinois soy together under the same, shared booth at the Farm Progress Show. We built a new Bloomington office, large enough to accommodate our growing staff, programs and outreach services to farmers. We closed our downtown Chicago office and relocated to Lombard, a location strategically chosen for its close proximity to Chicagoland policy-makers and tremendous cost savings. We helped to facilitate an Illinois farm visit from the President of the United States and welcomed trade teams representing soy customers from around the world.

We revamped both ILSoy.org and ILSoyAdvisor.com as leading information hubs, bolstered by our renewed commitment to research in partnership with universities throughout the state. We developed SoyInnovator, an online platform dedicated to promoting innovation and technological ag advancement, encouraging farmers to keep their eyes on the future.

We grew our Corporate Partners program, which resulted in a stronger financial position for the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and added value to our partners’ missions. Our flagship communication, Illinois Field & Bean Magazine, developed into a monthly publication, affording us the opportunity to provide our 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers updates on both ISA soybean checkoff and ISG membership and governmental affairs programs, providing advertisers and corporate sponsors access to our readership.

We expanded our Agronomy, Government Relations, and Market Development teams, allowing us to move more work in-house across the full breadth of our ISA community of talent and expertise. These teams are mobilizing efforts throughout the industry to grow our opportunities in every imaginable dimension, truly pioneering a more hopeful future for Illinois agriculture.

And we lived our values, meeting with farmers, listening to farmers, and taking those stories with us from Illinois to Egypt, to Puerto Rico, and all across our great nation.

I want to acknowledge the steadfast efforts of the ISA Board of Directors for their insight and commitment, and the ISA staff for their great performance over the last two years. These hardworking individuals lead with a mission-first mindset.

Rather than close with “goodbye,” I’ll simply say, “thank you.” I am leaving this association in capable hands, ready for what’s next.

CEO'S MESSAGE | Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Measurements of Strategic Success

As the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2023 comes to a close, the Illinois Soybean Association continues to accelerate our strategic journey by measuring the goals, objectives, and successes of our three farmer-led committees which support Government Relations, Soybean Production, and Market Development.

Though these committees are each charged with unique goals designed to generate calculable return on investment for farmers, they share a common commitment to develop diverse and new opportunities for Illinois soybeans, introducing our products to domestic and international markets around the world, and setting a global example for quality, supply resilience, developing relationships with decision makers, and sustainable practices.

We are making decisions for the long-term while maintaining a strong, flexible balance sheet. Our approach has positioned us to grow, evolve, respond, and adapt to fast-paced changes in agriculture, while our progress is driven by a team of passionate board members and staff.

The Government Relations Committee acts to improve legislation and build relationships that advance beneficial farm policies and limit burdensome regulations. The committee engages in ongoing education and outreach across both the urban and rural political spectrum to further establish ISA as a policy leader and identify common priorities for potential partnerships. Throughout this quarter, the Government Relations committee traveled the state to engage urban, suburban, and rural legislators on upcoming Farm Bill priorities and other policies, hosted a second ISGPAC event, and met with over 13 offices representing Northern Illinois and allied organizations in Washington D.C.

The main objective of ISA’s Soybean Production Committee is to invest in and conduct cross-functional agronomic research and education that creates opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers to increase on-farm profitability and manage crop production risks. Several efforts were conducted to meet this objective throughout the quarter including collaborations with in-state and out of state partners on conservation efforts, hosting field days and sending out regular communications for farmer education and outreach, and the launch of the Online Crop Report on ILSoyAdvisor.com to provide to provide timely, relevant updates for farmers to read growing season updates in fields across the state.

And finally, the primary goal of the Market Development Committee is to promote Illinois soy as the preferred choice for U.S. and global customers and support advancements to infrastructure. The committee seeks to build the reputation of U.S. and Illinois grown soy (protein/oil) among international

buyers with market growth potential. This quarter, significant steps were taken to reach that objective including the development of a 20-page domestic market analysis, several meetings with international buyers from countries such as India, Taiwan, Indonesia and Vietnam, and the launch of a new “It’s Sustainably Soy” certification program which you'll read about in this issue.

Though our committees are to be commended for their third-quarter efforts and successful outcomes impacting communities in Illinois and around the globe, as an association we must remain forward-facing as the undisputed leaders in our industry. We must stay focused for new opportunities, competitive advantages, and ambitious plans. To view ISA's 2023-2024 Strategic Plan, visit https://www.ilsoy.org/about-thecheckoff/.

JOHN LUMPE | CEO | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

ILSoyAdvisor Crop Report Tool

By Olivia Key

Farmers across Illinois now have access to a new, easy-to-navigate Crop Report tool, brought to you by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Agronomy team who powers the ILSoyAdvisor online platform. Funded by the ISA checkoff program, ILSoyAdvisor provides the latest education, resources, webinars, success stories, and now timely crop condition updates, so you can maximize your operation.

The ISA Agronomy team, ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoys, University of Illinois Extension, and other industry experts teamed up to create this interactive resource, enabling growers

to better manage their soybean, corn, and wheat crops. From field conditions to crop progress, disease alerts, and pest sightings, the online Crop Report tool provides farmers with facts and strategic analyses of relevant information that impacts their farms.

“This online tool is just another example of a project funded by soybean checkoff dollars that keeps farmers up-to-date, specifically on the state of soil and crop growth across Illinois regions,” said ISA Outreach Agronomist, Stephanie Porter, CCA.

The tool divides the state into six regions by county to provide relevant updates from fields in

each area. The breakdown is as follows:

• Region 1 consists of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Lake, Carroll, Ogle, DeKalb, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Whiteside, Lee, and Kendall counties.

• Region 2 consists of Rock Island, Henry, Bureau, Mercer, Stark, Putnam, Marshall, Henderson, Warren, Knox, Peoria, Woodford, Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, and Tazewell counties.

• Region 3 consists of La Salle, Grundy, Will, Livingston, Kankakee, McLean, Ford, and Iroquois counties.

• Region 4 consists of Adams, Schuyler, Mason, Logan, Brown, Cass, Menard, Christian, Scott,

Morgan, Sangamon, Pike, Calhoun, Green, Macoupin, Montgomery, and Jersey counties.

• Region 5 consists of DeWitt, Piatt, Champaign, Vermilion, Macon, Moultrie, Douglas, Edgar, Shelby, Coles, Cumberland, and Clark counties.

• Region 6 consists of Madison, Bond, Fayette, Effingham, Jasper, Crawford, St. Clair, Clinton, Marion, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Monroe, Washington, Jefferson, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Randolph, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, White, Jackson, Williamson, Saline, Gallatin, Union, Johnson, Pope, Hardin, Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac counties.

2023 Soy Envoy and Certified Crop Advisor, Karen Corrigan,

ISA agronomists and partners across the state will keep farmers informed of what’s happening in fields near them through this online, interactive tool.

Funded

said, “The ILSoyAdvisor Crop Report tool is great because it can quickly record anything I see wherever I am. Sitting in the school pick-up line and see some suspicious looking beans - document it! Walking up to the church to help prepare for vacation bible school and notice a large flock of geese - document the damage! See something relevant - record it for others to be on notice. Short, sweet, and to the point.”

In a Region 2 report from May 19, Corrigan gave an update on the condition of a field in Woodford County on which she had previously reported. Corrigan stated in her synopsis that the field looked much better compared to the week before, and many fields in southern Woodford County had crops emerging, with corn at VE and soybeans at V1-2. She also found that some organic fields and pumpkins were yet to be planted, and it seemed crops just to the west in Tazewell County were farther along.

In a Region 6 report from May 25, Kelly Robertson, a 2023

Soy Envoy and Certified Crop Advisor, stated in his synopsis that the wireworms previously found in Saline County were hurting stands in corn planted on hills and sandy soils, and recommended that farmers in the area scout their fields. Robertson also stated in his report that the soil in the area was drier than normal, and plant growth may have been slowed.

“We are pleased to have received so many valuable ‘boots on the ground’ field insights and updates from our ISA Agronomy team, U of I Extension, as well as ISA Soy Envoys,” said Porter. “We will continue to gather feedback and look for ways to improve the future ILSoyAdvisor Online Crop Report user experience as well as its outreach efforts to Illinois farmers.”

According to Porter, the Crop Report tool is a great example of collaboration between the ISA Agronomy team, Soy Envoys, and the University of Illinois Extension team. With these experts on your side, you can ensure you are

receiving relevant updates from fields in your area to stay informed and overcome issues.

Talon Becker, Commercial Agriculture Educator for the University of Illinois Extension, said, "Illinois Extension is happy to join forces with the Illinois Soybean Association to provide upto-date reports of crop and field conditions throughout Illinois.

It is our hope that through this partnership, we can provide a more complete, useful public resource that will provide a record of the general crop conditions across the state throughout the growing season."

To learn more and to stay current on field updates in your area, go to https://www.ilsoyadvisor. com/crop-report/.

With the 2023 season underway, it’s never too early to start planning for 2024. Benson Hill® is continuously improving seed varieties, designing better programs, and creating a more sustainable path to building a better food system for our future.

From a Region 6 report by Soy Envoy, Kelly Robertson

HELPING YOU DELIVER ON DEMAND

Whether it’s improving soybean meal to outperform the competition or promoting the sustainability of U.S. soy, the soy checkoff has been working behind the scenes to help farmers satisfy their customers’ needs. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And for U.S. soybean farmers like you, the impact is invaluable.

See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for farmers at unitedsoybean.org

2023 Illinois FFA State Proficiency Winner in Fiber and Oil Crop Production

Megan Waeltz, a soon-to-be high school senior from Marissa, Ill., has been named the 2023 Illinois FFA Proficiency winner in Fiber and Oil Crop Production.

Megan’s selected Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) was completed on her family’s farm in rural Marissa. After she graduates in 2024, Megan plans to pursue a degree in agronomy and obtain a job in the agronomy or precision agriculture field.

The Fiber and Oil Crop Production SAE highlights an FFA member each year who owns or works for a business that includes the best management practices available to efficiently produce and market crops for fiber and/or oil such as cotton, sisal, hemp, soybeans, sesame seed, flax, mustard, canola, castor beans, sunflower, peanuts, dill, spearmint, and safflower.

“I chose this specific SAE because I live and work on the family farm, which has led me to develop a passion for farming,” says Megan who has entered her SAE into the National FFA competition, representing Illinois agriculture to her national peers.

“I have to thank my family and coworkers, as well as my advisor, Mrs. Kim Portz, who have helped me achieve success with my record book,” says Megan. “I’m incredibly grateful for their support and encouragement.”

The Illinois Soybean Association is a proud sponsor of the Illinois FFA Fiber and Oil Crop Production award. ISA believes in the importance of cultivating the next generation of agriculture and understands the impact they will have on the industry for years to come.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.

Hearing from You

In 2020, we reintroduced this magazine with a fresh look, a new direction, and a “back to our roots” approach to putting farmer stories front and center. Rather than talking about farmers, we set out to talk to farmers. This meaningful shift became the focus for all of our organization’s communications, messaging and outreach, and has resulted in new richness and relevance in every issue of Illinois Field & Bean Magazine.

Our editorial team loves hearing your feedback, confirming which stories are resonating with you, what topics you’d like to read more of, and where we can grow as Illinois Soybean Association’s premier publication. We are storytellers but we’re also good listeners, working diligently to meet farmers where they are with information that helps you feel more knowledgeable, connected to Illinois’ farming community, and competitive in the current soybean market.

As dedicated readers of Illinois Field & Bean, I’m excited to share an opportunity with you that will enable us to stay better connected with our farmer audiences and learn more about what you’re looking for across these pages.

This month, we are conducting an Illinois Field & Bean Reader Survey to glean insights as to the content that is important to you. The information we learn will guide our focus for issues to come and help us to craft our publication in a way that delivers timely, relevant information that impacts your farming operation.

We want to know how often you read our publication, how much time you spend reading it, and what topics interest you most – from biofuels and international markets to production research, legislative issues, and human-interest pieces – let us know where your priorities lie.

Your opinion matters and the feedback you share will empower us with valuable insights and personalized perspectives. By sharing your thoughts with us, we can identify areas for improvement, validate what we’re doing well, and enhance our communication and collaboration. Here at ISA, we value any and all opportunities for growth and development.

As a thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, 25 lucky respondents will receive an ISA-branded hat. Be sure to complete the survey by Friday, July 28. You can take the survey by scanning the QR code on page 25 or by visiting https://qrco.de/ilfb2023

On behalf of our Field & Bean team, thank you for taking the time to respond and for your continued dedication. Your feedback will ensure our priorities are aligned with yours.

CLAIRE WEINZIERL | EDITOR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

“This program allowed us to take our conservation efforts to a larger scale. We have been working on different conservation practices for several years. This opportunity helped us expand those efforts and try things on different fields we hadn’t done in the past.”

- Nick Hermanson, participating farmer

Financial Incentives for Soil

and Water Stewardship

The Soil and Water Outcomes Fund provides financial incentives directly to farmers who implement new conservation practices that yield environmental outcomes like carbon sequestration and water quality improvement. Participating farmers typically implement practices including no-till/reduced tillage, cover crops, and extended crop rotations. Already implementing these practices? No problem, you can still enroll with additional practices or acreage.

Small changes can make a big difference. Diversify your revenue stream and enhance your operation’s financial resiliency through improved soil health with the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund.

How

Do I Find Out More and Enroll?

Visit theoutcomesfund.com to learn more and enroll. You can also use the QR code or send an email to contactus@theoutcomesfund.com.

*Enrollment closes once we reach our acre goal for the year.

$34 PER ACRE AVERAGE PAYMENT IN 2022 NO LIMITS* ON ACRES ENROLLED FARMER FOCUSED PROGRAM

Switching to Soy: The Time is Right

It is construction season in the Midwest, and in communities large and small, crews are building, repairing, and expanding critical infrastructure. While investments in things like highways have always been significant to the agriculture economy, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is launching a program to recognize projects and initiatives with deeper ties to farm fields across the state.

Thanks to years of research, development, and commercialization investments, organizations can use an ever-expanding pipeline of soybased products or utilize a soy derivative in construction and infrastructure projects.

It’s never been easier for institutions and organizations to incorporate soy - and other bio-based, sustainable construction materials and methods into their new build projects or maintenance initiatives.

To champion the adoption and use of soy in construction and transportation investments, the Illinois Soybean Association is launching a new recognition program, the “It’s Sustainably Soy Certification.”

This effort will recognize organizations, construction firms, and executives who are committed to switching to or using sustainable, soybased materials in their construction and building projects.

The time is right to launch this program because in offices, city halls, and board rooms across the country, leaders are being challenged to reduce the carbon intensity of their operations and their impact on the environment.

Projects incorporating soy and other bio-based construction materials are investing in the future in a manner that is good for the economy, environment, and hardworking farmers across Illinois. But we recognize that executives and construction managers have a choice as they seek to meet these opportunities or mandates.

The Illinois Soybean Association believes we should have a programmatic approach to advance continued adoption, support market development, and encourage the building of resilient and renewable supply chains in the construction industry. We are committed to celebrating success, reiterating the opportunities to switch to soy, and showcasing the environmental and economic value soy-based products can provide.

Many of these “new use” products offer compelling commercial reasons for their adoption. Often, these products have obtained parity for price and performance compared to alternatives. In some cases, the lifespan of critical infrastructure can even be extended by deploying a soy-based additive or treatment. There is a compelling economic reason for organizations to adopt soy into their construction efforts.

Beyond the fiscal benefits, switching to soy-based products is also an opportunity to demonstrate an organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Undoubtedly, society and policies here in Illinois and across the globe are transitioning away from carbon-intense operations and seeking to reduce the impact of the chemicals and compounds used in their supply chains.

Utilizing soy and other bio-based compounds in construction materials reduces demand for petroleum-derived products and provides momentum for the switch to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable construction and infrastructure economy.

While a soy-based product may be able to replace a petroleum-based product on a specific project, the more significant opportunity for our industry is to change the mindset and underlying supply chain. Soy offers a compelling choice.

Soy- and bio-based construction additives and materials are rooted in sustainable farming practices. The crops are abundant, return each season, and do not require extractive techniques like petroleum- or mineral-based products.

Farmers have been pioneers and advocates for environmentally-responsible operations, conservation, and the regenerative economy for centuries. Through all our ongoing work and new initiatives like the “It’s Sustainably Soy Certification,” the Illinois Soybean Association will continue to educate about the environmental and economic benefits of using soy.

TODD MAIN | DIRECTOR OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Ready your farm for the future.

Featuring cutting-edge research updates, analysis on new market opportunities and practical farm advice, SoyInnovator.org is a must for farmers positioning for the future.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

SoyInnovator helps farmers pursue what’s possible.

Get practical insights on the challenges of farming.

Explore opportunities for adding value to your farm.

SUSTAINABILITY

Ensure your farm stands the test of time.

TECHNOLOGY

Consider innovations that can propel your farm and the soy industry.

PRODUCTION

Buying Land Through Online Auctions: Trend or Here to Stay?

The answer is both. What started as a response to COVID-driven restrictions and lockdowns has become a necessary part of land business and farming. While buyers are more accustomed to it than sellers, it’s unlikely online farmland auctions in some form are going away.

NEW MARKETS

Renewable Diesel: Soy Positioned as a Low-carbon Fuel Solution

In 2021, California consumed a combined 1.229 billion gallons of biodiesel and renewable diesel, replacing a full third of its petroleum diesel with renewables. The state has set a target of carbon neutrality by 2045. Biodiesel has helped California sprint toward its carbon reduction targets.

SUSTAINABILITY

Drought-proofing Your Illinois Farming Operation

Cover crops are an excellent strategy for drought-proofing. The myth is cover crops don’t pay off, when experts say the real truth is they rarely pay off in the first year or two – it’s that third or fourth year where you’ll really start seeing a difference.

TECHNOLOGY

Creating Smart Agriculture Data Standards for Better Productivity Outcomes

With smart agriculture data sets, farmers gain precision understanding of every acre in their fields. On its own, digital data has some value, but the depth and quality come when a range of data, inputs and technology are combined and easily shared for wide access.

by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Funded

SoyInnovator provides

As a farmer, it’s important to keep up with technology and innovation because of how quickly the agriculture industry is changing. From seed genetics to data management, understanding how any advancement can be used to benefit your business is necessary to staying competitive in a global market.

Brady Holst West Central Illinois Farmer

Tomorrow’s farmers are more tech savvy and motivated by emerging innovations that benefit the industry, the environment, and their bottom line. SoyInnovator enables farmers of the future to become more efficient and better informed, to improve tomorrow’s yields, and to be ready for what’s next in Illinois agriculture.

Steve Pitstick Northern Illinois Farmer

cutting-edge insights, data-driven research, and industry news happenings to help soybean farmers prepare for what’s next in agriculture.

Funded

Checkoff

A West African Poultry Farmer

Prefers Your U.S. Soybean Meal

“I prefer U.S. Soy because I learned about its quality through WISHH,” says Mathew Bonso who founded Harimat farms in 2018 in the West African country of Ghana. Bonso soon began working with WISHH through its U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Progress Project. He credits WISHH’s feed quality training, egg nutrition campaign and more as key to the management and profitability of his 50,000-bird flock. Today, WISHH continues to work with Bonso as he expands into broiler production.

Sustainability Takes to the Skies

By Ainsley Peterson

Biofuels soar even higher, literally. The markets for these cleaner, more sustainable fuels are looking towards the sky following recent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) efforts in Springfield, Illinois.

SAF is a high-priority issue and Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) has worked diligently with elected leaders, on both sides of the aisle, to pass this initiative in pursuit of continuous expansion of opportunities for soy producers in the state.

SAF provides a cleaner, more sustainable jet fuel alternative when compared to fossil fuels. It has similar properties to conventional jet fuel but is made with renewable feedstocks, including soybeans, corn, and used cooking oil. Studies on the use of SAF blended into fossil-based jet fuel have shown that particulate matter

(PM) emissions behind the aircraft at cruising altitudes are reduced by 50-97 percent compared to petroleum-based jet fuel. This reduction in emissions serves as a positive externality to those who are on flight paths and near airports as it can help reduce asthma and cancer risks.

The Illinois General Assembly bipartisanly passed a novel SAF purchaser’s credit in January which was then signed into law by Governor Pritzker on Feb. 3, 2023. SAF sold to or used by an air carrier will earn a tax credit in the amount of $1.50 per gallon of SAF purchased for use in Illinois, thus, expanding markets for more environmentally-friendly agricultural feedstocks.

In order to qualify as SAF and be eligible for credit, the purchaser must achieve at least a 50 percent lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction in comparison with petroleum-based jet fuel by either

using the Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) or International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) models. To earn tax credit the purchaser must retain a certification from the producer of the aviation fuel that includes sufficient detail for the Illinois Department of Transportation to determine if the fuel meets the requirements to be considered SAF and to calculate the number of gallons of SAF sold or used.

“The $1.50 tax credit will effectively lower the price airlines pay for SAF used at airports in the state, and it is exciting that multiple industries will get to see the benefits of this legislation,” says Eva-Dina Delgado, State Representative for Illinois’ Third District.

The legislation, which will sunset on Dec. 31, 2032, also outlines some key provisions that will continue to evolve the

industry throughout the bill’s lifetime. The first being on June 1, 2028, in which SAF must be derived from domestic biomass resources. Additionally, there will be a limit on the tax credit eligibility for soybean oil derived SAF. Once air common carriers collectively purchase SAF containing more than 10,000,000 gallons of soybean oil feedstock for use in the state, then no tax credit may be earned on additional gallons purchased or used.

The limit on soybean oil was a concession that agriculture made to the oil industry to keep co-processed SAF from being eligible for the tax credit. This was granted to address the concern of the Illinois Fuel and Retail Association, which represents fuel retailers. The strongly felt concern was that this new incentive would divert soybean oil away from biodiesel production which is needed to be eligible for the B20 sales tax exemption. The

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) provides a cleaner, more sustainable jet fuel alternative when compared to fossil fuels.

Funded by

limit will allow soybean oil feedstocks to remain the preferred biodiesel that is used in heavy machinery, rail, long haul trucking, and marine vessels.

“This credit will create a market dynamic that further helps drive value of soybean oil in biodiesel,” says David Kubik, ISA Public Policy Manager. “Yet, it will still allow for inno -

vation in the soybean oil to jet pathway.”

The current aviation fuel market is roughly 1.1 billion gallons in Illinois which rank the state fifth nationally for jet fuel demand. The most recent regulations allow for up to a 50 percent blend of SAF with conventional jet fuel to be used in aircrafts which equates to, potentially, a 500-mil-

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

lion-gallon market in the state. However, Illinois’ budget will not be impacted because no single airline can claim a higher value in credits, compared to the amount in which they pay in sales taxes on aviation fuel in any given year. Moreover, the credit will encourage SAF utilization in O’Hare Airport, among others, which is the most connected and fourth

largest airport, creating a large market for SAF.

The heavily negotiated legislation, which went into effect on July 1, 2023, will have positive economic and environmental impacts in Illinois and throughout the U.S., and should continue to strengthen agricultural markets. It is definitely an exciting time as sustainability takes to the skies!

SCN Coalition: TAKING TH E GLOVES OFF

PERSISTENT OPPONENT

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) was first discovered in the U.S. in 1954, spreading from North Carolina to the Midwest and eventually into most soybean production areas. By 1974, it had become the most damaging soybean pathogen in the country. Today, it remains more damaging than any other disease or pest, causing about $1 billion in soybean yield losses annually.

PUTTING SCN ON THE ROPES

With soybean checkoff funding through the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP), the SCN Coalition was created in 1997. The goal was to encourage farmers to “Take the Test. Beat the Pest.” Training and education were provided to agronomists and farmers, along with free SCN soil sample processing to test and take control of SCN. University SCN testing labs in 1999 reported an increase from 11% to 736% the number of SCN samples submitted.

3

GOING FOR THE KNOCKOUT

By 2015, the list of SCN-resistant soybean varieties in the Upper Midwest showed nearly 90 percent had PI 88788 as a source of resistance. So, in 2016, a newly focused SCN Coalition was created to prevent a resistance crisis. The goal is to increase the number of farmers testing and actively managing for SCN across all soybean states. “Know Your Number” is the new aim for farmers to quantify their problem, decrease SCN populations and increase yield potential.

READY FOR THE NEXT ROUND

4 5

TAKE THE TEST. BEAT THE PEST.

ONE, TWO PUNCH: RESISTANCE AND RESISTANCE TO THE RESISTANCE

Farmers for about two decades were able to manage SCN with genetic resistance found in many soybean varieties: PI 88788. However, using the same resistance source over and over began to lead to soybean yield losses. Aggressive SCN populations were able to slowly overcome the genetic resistance. Checkoff funding shifted to finding breeding solutions for SCN resistance.

2 ON SOYBEAN RESEARCH AT 411 GET THE 13 NCSRP MEMBER STATES REPRESENT MORE THAN 355,000 SOYBEAN FARMERS

THE MOST DAMAGING SOYBEAN PATHOGEN IN THE COUNTRY

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

This program stemmed from federal legislation in 2002 calling for the federal government to buy biobased products. It was this purchasing that began the expansion of biobased product across all sectors.

It’s Sustainably Soy"

By Stephen Sostaric

The usefulness of soybeans beyond food has been known for decades. In fact, the 1930's saw famed industrialist Henry Ford work to develop and promote soybeans for a wide range of uses. He even went so far as to set up a soybean laboratory at Greenfield Village, his outdoor museum in Dearborn, Michigan. It was here that work was done that led to soy-based oils and plastics in Ford cars. By 1941 Ford had made a car with a body made of soy-based plastic, and Henry Ford himself even commissioned a suit made with soybean protein fibers. Unfortunately, the onset of World War II largely halted these advancements as war needs shifted priorities.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and a renewed drive to develop soy-based products that are sustainable, economically viable and quite literally homegrown. To encourage the adoption of these products, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has launched the “It’s Sustainably Soy” certification program. The goal of the program is to recognize organizations, construction firms, and executives for switching to sustainable soy in their construction and building projects.

Of course, as with any new product, there are many questions regarding the benefits of switch-

ing from traditional ones. The use of modern soy products yields not just environmental benefits, but economic ones as well.

The environmental benefits of soy- and bio-based construction materials are rooted in sustainable farming practices. Soybeans are a renewable resource, with an abundant crop returning each season. This eliminates the need for the extraction of finite resources like petroleum- and mineral-based products. Additionally, the use of soy-and bio-based products reduces the demand for petroleum-derived products. This makes for a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable construction industry and makes Illinois infrastructure more sustainable overall. Plus, being more sustainable is a selling point. “Consumers are increasingly seeking to do business with companies who align with their environmental values,” explains Todd Main, ISA Director of Market Development. “Having this certification helps strengthen companies sustainability initiatives and environmentally-friendly bona-fides.”

While environmental benefits are great, in these times of limited budgets the economic side must work as well. Organizations are finding that soy- and bio-based products are at parity with traditional products in both price

and performance, meaning those organizations making the switch aren’t being forced to pay more for lower performance in the name of sustainability. Additionally, the products also support the agricultural economy of Illinois. Soy- and bio-based products use materials grown right here in Illinois, bringing home the economic benefits that were normally out-of-state or even overseas. “Being ’It’s Sustainably Soy’ Certified shows your support for the hardworking soybean farmers of Illinois and the state’s overall agricultural economy,” said Main. With nearly 23,000 jobs and almost $1.2 billion in wages linked to soybeans, the impact of increased usage on the agricultural economy of the state quickly becomes clear.

Knowing that certification programs like this often take a lot of time and effort to complete, ISA designed it for simplicity. Using ISA’s It’s Sustainably Soy Online Certification Portal, an applying organization can submit an application in less than five minutes.

A list of qualifying American-made products is maintained by the United Soybean Board (USB) through their Soy Biobased program. The products cover a wide range of applications, from building operations to cleaning supplies, construction, roads, office supplies, and even tires.

The 2008 Farm Bill took the initial policy from 2002 and expanded the federal government’s biobased products program. It also provided a definition of a biobased product: “a product determined by the Secretary of Agriculture to be a commercial or industrial product (other than food or feed) that is composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products, including renewable domestic agricultural materials and forestry materials; or an intermediate ingredient or feedstock.” With this definition, biobased products made from soybeans fit the bill.

Using this list from USB, an applicant simply completes the fields on the online form. Applicants are asked to include a summary of the project, which products they plan to use (and what traditional products are being replaced), manufacturer information, and why they chose a soy-based alternative project. Once received, the application is evaluated by an internal team of reviewers at ISA. If the project is certified, applicants will receive an “It’s Sustainably Soy Certification Toolkit” to help them spread the word both inside and outside their organizations.

With the It’s Sustainably Soy certification program, the Illinois Soybean Association is looking to spread the word about all the things that soy can do while also making the projects companies, governments, and other stakeholders more sustainable. This program also helps carry forward the sustainability story that Illinois soybean farmers have been living for years while supporting the industry and helping to sustain, expand, and secure it for the future.

To learn more and get your project certified, please visit www.ilsoy.org/itssustainably-soy.

From environmental to economical, the benefits of soy and other bio-based products align goals across the value chain.

You Grow a Protein Powerhouse for Global Food Security

Find out how ASA/WISHH’s soy checkoff-supported work with Edesia Nutrition led to the company developing a product that contains 25% more soy flour than earlier formulations. Adding more soy allows Edesia to reach more people throughout the world.

Trade. Development. Food Security.

Top photo courtesy of SNI Global

( YOU

)

Moving

Citizen Science: Conducting On-Farm Trials

By Stephen Sostaric

One of the main goals of the Illinois Soybean Association is to help farmers to reduce costs and increase profitability. ISA’s team of agronomists plays a key role in this process, in part by working with farmers around the state to conduct on-farm trials looking into new management techniques. ISA’s Director of Agronomy, Abigail Peterson, CCA, helps coordinate this work.

“Working across the state with farmers on trials looking into new management has been one of the most rewarding educational experiences for myself as an agronomist,” said Peterson. On-farm trials help farmers find new ways

of achieving their goals to reduce costs, improve soil quality and increase tools against integrated pest management (IPM) issues like weed, disease, and insect control.

This process has not been without its challenges, however. On-farm trials require a commitment to truly understand what system changes are happening. “We need to understand the variability and time involved with these practices on the farm over the course of a year,” said Peterson. “Across one single operation, fields have different soil types, rainfall, and management history that all play into what results we see at the end of the year. Working with farmers within testing a theory we always must have one

factor that is not necessarily driven by science, it’s wanting the system to work.”

The ISA Agronomy team works to bring the best research in soybean systems to the state through multiple avenues. Says Peterson, “Working alongside farmers, researchers, agronomists, industry partners, and students, the team is able to provide the best agronomic information in the state.”

While conducting the research, it is also important to consider the whole picture, because each practice applied will have an impact on the results at the end of the season. “More and more of the management testing we are considering is no longer a one-time application we add to the mix. Wanting to combat

something to improve soil quality, nutrient cycling, water holding capacity and reduce weed pressure takes more than thinking of one piece of the puzzle,” Peterson said. The most successful farmers are those who have considered all factors, including variety selection, herbicide program, cover crop rate, species, and planting plan.

Says Peterson, “Learning from these farmers and continuing to learn from farmers has helped to build the tools to know what works and what doesn’t. We need to find innovative approaches to crop production as we see increased occurrences in intense weather events, new diseases, and environmental resource concerns.”

Today, on-farm trials are easier to conduct with assistance from formalized on-farm trial programs and the use of GPS and precision technologies. ISA believes that onfarm trialing is critical to evaluating production practices under realistic growing conditions.

In addition to working in the dirt, ISA’s agronomists also know that outreach is key. That means they are constantly talking and engaging with farmers about what research is needed on the farm. Whether it’s a small field day, our annual Soybean Summit, farmer research survey, a comment received online, or a phone call, they are always collecting information from farmers and answering their questions. These discussions include a wide range of topics, such as cover crop management, tissue testing, weed control issues, specialty crops, and sulfur applications.

This information gathering helps Peterson and her team tailor outreach activities to what Illinois farmers want to know. “Having a close connection to our farmers allows us to create research and outreach projects catered to what farmers want. ISA Research Agronomist, Jennifer Jones, CCA, works with

colleges and universities across the state to take what we hear from the farm and apply it to work being done at the university level.”

These projects can help make future on-farm trials better by arming farmers and agronomists with practical research. For example, the University of Illinois Extension Educator, Nathan Johanning, is working across the state to understand the importance of cover crop planting dates in Illinois within row crop production. “The importance of practical actionable information is at the heart of each of the funded studies we have,” said Peterson.

Stephanie Porter, CCA, and Kelsey Litchfield, ISA’s agronomy outreach team, keep the ILSoyAdvisor platform updated with current research projects as well as information about the experts behind the data. Using social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube out in the field, they are able to show what is

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

happening this year.

The on-farm trials this year include farmers who are relay cropping soybeans into wheat in northern Illinois, cover crop and no-till trials, a sulfur application trial and many more. “Having these trials across the state helps us to build education and management recommendations regionally. The farm applications that are at the scale of 40 to 100 acres give us a better understanding of what we can apply to start transitioning management to more acres successfully,” said Peterson. Additionally, the economic factors of each practice are also taken into consideration to ensure farmers have all of the information gleaned from each trial. Through all of this, the ISA agronomy team stands ready to help. “We are here to provide you with unbiased resources and guidance. We enjoy challenging products and wild claims to understand testing from no other angle than improving produc-

tion,” Peterson said. This usually involves pushing the envelope within a traditional system. When testing a rate or treatment, there needs to be a control or low-rate comparison to show a significant result. If an economic threshold isn’t warranting an application, a practice being sold as a need is challenged.

So how does a farm become part of an on-farm trial with ISA? Currently, participating farms were selected on a case-by-case basis as farmers indicated interest. However, as interest increased the need for a more formalized process became clear. The ISA agronomy team is currently building such a system to create an on-farm trial network for 2024 to provide a clear protocol for future trials. For now, you can find your ISA agronomy team out and about around Illinois. Whether conducting field visits, field days, or local meetings they are here to help and want to work with you on your farm.

INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IS ALWAYS IN SEASON

Check out ilsoyadvisor.com/learn day or night to learn about the latest groundbreaking, unbiased, farmer-focused soybean agronomy research that’s ready to be put into action this season.

top researchers in soybean agronomy, collaborating on innovative research that will enable Illinois soybean farmers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean producers in the world.

Researchers work year-round to dig in and discover the best ways to address the opportunities of growing soybeans including:

• Agronomic practices including pest, weed, disease, and nutrient management

• Projects combining high–yield with soil–health practices

• Conservation initiatives, including water quality, soil health, best management practices, and agronomic production in a sustainable system

INSPIRED TO LEARN MORE?

Visit ilsoyadvisor.com/learn today to explore videos, printable project details, stories behind the cutting-edge research, and discover new ways and tools to maximize yield in the field.

SOYBEAN RESEARCH

Pesticide Q&A

By Corey Lacey, Ph.D., Policy Manager - Illinois Soybean Growers

Pesticides, an essential tool for our growers, have come under increasing scrutiny by local, state, and federal governments, as well as the public. Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) feels that public misconceptions about farm operations and on-farm pesticide use are best countered by enabling farmers to share their stories. This Q&A is an example of how ISG works to enable our grower members to be advocates for themselves and their families.

Pesticide Policy, FIFRA, and the EPA

Q: How does FIFRA (Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act) govern the EPA’s authority over pesticides?

A: In 1972, an amendment to FIFRA transferred the authority to set pesticide standards and registration from the USDA to the newly created Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), establishing the basis for current U.S. pesticide policy. Amendments to FIFRA were made in 1988 (registration of older pesticides), 1996 (Food Quality Protection Act), and Pesticide Registration Improvement Acts of 2003, 2007, 2012, 2018, and 2022.

FIFRA requires the EPA to regulate the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides in the United States through national pesticide registration and labeling policy. As part of this process, the Agency conducts scientific review of pesticides and restricts their use to prevent “unreasonable adverse effects on people and the environment” while also considering the costs and benefits of a pesticide’s various uses.

Q: What are the roles of federal versus state governments in pesticide regulation?

A: FIFRA confers primary enforcement authority of pesticide sale and use to states however, states must regulate within certain parameters established by EPA and FIFRA. In Illinois, pesticides are overseen by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, which is delegated authority by the Illinois Pesticide Act.

Q: Are there policies farmers can support that help protect access to pesticide products?

A: On both the federal and state-level, farmers can engage on legislation or submit comments on regulatory proposals that recognize the need for science-based pesticide policy. Illinois Soybean Growers tracks these proposals and can make farmers aware of advocacy opportunities.

registered pesticide uses do not “jeopardize the continued existence of federally threatened or endangered (listed) species or adversely modify their designated critical habitats.” This is a complicated process considering there are more than 1,600 listed species in the U.S. and the data needed to evaluate the impact of a specific pesticide is often limited. As a result, EPA has not historically fulfilled its ESA obligations, resulting in increased lawsuits and vacaturs of pesticide registrations by federal courts. To attempt to meet its compliance obligations, EPA is proposing additional pesticide mitigations that farmers must adopt to protect listed species and reduce environmental risks.

On-Farm/Off-Farm Benefits

Q: Would food security and hunger issues be impacted if farmers were not allowed to use pesticides?

A: Yes, pesticides help address food security in the U.S. and internationally; they are a key tool allowing both row crop (soybean, corn, wheat) and specialty crop (vegetables, nuts, fruit) farmers to maintain productivity. Without access to these crop protection tools, yields could decrease by as much as 50 percent. The result would be increased food prices, exacerbating food security issues locally, nationally, and globally.

Q: How would on-farm profitability be impacted by limited access to pesticides?

A: It is important to remember that most farmers operate on very thin profit margins; thus, they are naturally economical with input costs and only apply pesticides where and when it is needed. Without pesticides, decreased yields would put most farmers at risk of going out of business.

Interim Mitigation Strategies

Q: What is the “deal” with the upcoming Interim Pesticide Mitigation Strategies proposed by EPA?

A: As part of the pesticide registration process, the EPA is required by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ensure

While it is understandable that EPA is eager to bring its pesticide program into compliance with ESA and avoid additional lawsuits, the agency must also consider that these measures pose significant, long-term implications for growers. Requiring, in many cases, mitigations can be costly and challenging to implement. If the agency wishes to create workable solutions for ag stakeholders, there needs to be more outreach to farmers on this topic.

Illinois Pesticide Policy

Q: What happened with the over-the-top (OTT) dicamba cutoff date this year?

A: On February 16, 2023 EPA approved label changes moving up the cutoff date for OTT dicamba applications on soybeans to June 12 or V4 growth stage in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, and South Dakota. This was done in coordination with product registrants and approved by EPA, with the intent of reducing alleged off-target incidences. It is important to note Illinois already had a state-mandated June 20 cutoff of OTT applications from a prior label change, which is earlier than most other states. Remember that all other Illinois-specific Dicamba rules remain in place. Find out more at https://agr.illinois.gov/ pesticides/dicamba.

Are you a member of the Illinois

Soybean Growers?

Thousands of family farmers are pushed off their land annually due to legislative pressure. New taxes and regulations are causing crises on Capitol Hill and the farm; this should not be at the expense of Illinois farmers. Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) is the premier commodities agriculture organization in Illinois which works for soy produces across the State of Illinois.

ISG is a voluntary, member-funded agriculture organization that advocates on behalf of Illinois soybean producers, providing a platform where farmers can be heard. ISG actively monitors issues, opportunities, and threats, providing producers with the most up-to-date information available. Illinois Soybean Growers works to increase the profitability of Illinois soybean farmers and protect your freedom to operate through legislative advocacy, public policy initiatives and education. From federal trade issues to supporting biodiesel, ISG works every day to make a difference in agriculture in Illinois, the U.S., and around the world.

As a member of ISG you will receive a member only monthly e-newsletter; highlighting policy updates and industry news; access to exclusive free member events with state and federal legislators from across the state; a complimentary membership to the American Soybean Association (ASA); and more.

To learn more about ISG membership or if you would like to join, visit ilsoygrowers. com or call 309.660.5492

Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG)

vs. Illinois Soybean Board (ISB)

ISG is often confused for the Illinois Soybean Board (ISB). They are, in fact, two entirely separate funds operated under the Illinois Soybean Association. Both ISG and ISB are farmer focused, striving for achievement in every part of the soy sector. However, ISG relies solely on voluntary paid membership funds to advocate and lobby agricultural issues on behalf of its members. ISG is not checkoff funded. ISB is funded through the checkoff and those funds can only be used for communication and education purposes. Advocating and lobbying for critical policy work that affects farmers and the agriculture industry is prohibited within the ISB checkoff funds. For this reason, Illinois soy producers created ISG as a means to protect farmer interests and profitability by positively influencing policy and regulatory matters at both the state and national level.

Grower Outreach Events

This summer, the Illinois Soybean Growers will host several farmer engagement events including five FREE regional Legislative Town Hall Breakfast Updates across the state, as well as a free, exclusive ISG members-only Farm Progress Show cocktail reception.

ISG will kick off its first round of Legislative Town Hall Updates in southern Illinois beginning August 7, 2023, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. in West Frankfort, Ill., immediately followed by August 8, 2023 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. in Effingham, Ill. We will move to central Illinois the following

week starting August 14, 2023, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. in Springfield, Ill. and then August 15, 2023, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. in Bloomington, Ill. August 21, 2023, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., ISG will host local soy producers in Maple Park, Ill. These Town Hall events will be an opportunity to hear from ISG staff about renewable fuels, pesticide rules, tax updates, Farm Bill progress and other legislative initiatives with ISG members and area farmers. Soy producers will be given the opportunity to ask ISG staff questions regarding pending legislation and discuss upcoming policy initiatives. Watch for your invitation in the mail.

Later in August, ISG will be offering all current ISG members an invitation to a FREE private cocktail reception at the Farm Progress Show. We’re delighted to present members the chance to meet and hear from U.S. Representative Mary Miller, District 15 and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski, District 13. The cocktail reception will take place on Tuesday, August 29, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. More details will be provided in a mailed invitation to members.

To learn more about ISG membership or information about area events, contact: Ashley Barry, Engagement Manager – Illinois Soybean Association email: Ashley. barry@ilsoybean.org or call: 309.660.5492.

COVER Act: An Opportunity to Support Conservation

The bipartisan Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience (COVER) Act introduced by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-6), Elissa Slotkin (MI-7), and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) provides a $5 per acre discount on crop insurance to farmers who use cover crops, an important conservation practice. This concept has been piloted in Illinois with the Fall Covers for Spring Savings (FCSS) program, in other state programs around the Midwest, and at the federal level by the USDA Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP). In fact, the popular national program has shown meaningful benefits to Illinois farms, farmers, and the environment; generating more than $2.5 million in annual savings for farmers while incentivizing cover cropping on more than 500,000 acres in Illinois.

Cover crops are one of the most effective methods of controlling nutrient losses (N and P fertilizer) from agriculture fields. Additionally, cover crops have the potential to sequester carbon, reduce erosion, and build soil health. Despite the agronomic and environmental benefits that this bill would incentivize, many in the agriculture community have expressed reservations about supporting this legislation. Primarily, concerns revolve around the tie between crop insurance and conservation practices the bill would create. For example, some growers are uneasy about how the bill might impact the actuarial soundness of crop insurance programs. First, it is important to note that a growing body of data suggests that covers do have the potential to mitigate risk, especially in extreme weather. Thus, over time, the data may reveal that a lower total premium for cover-cropped acres is actuarially sound. However, it is important to understand that the COVER Act, like the Illinois FCSS and the USDA PCCP programs, does not change total premiums for crop insurance policy, nor does it change the risk profile of the insured cash crop – we know this because cover crops are already allowed under existing crop insurance rules. Since the COVER Act neither changes the total premium nor the risk profile of an insurance policy it is not impacting the actuarial soundness of crop insurance.

Another concern is that a program linking conservation practices and crop insurance creates a “slippery slope” that other groups can use as a mechanism to create on-farm regulation.

COREY LACEY, PH.D. | POLICY MANAGER | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

This is a reasonable worry, as the last thing any grower organization wants is for farmers to be forced to adopt practices that do not work on their farms. However, it is important to note, it is hard to find an example of a voluntary federal program becoming mandatory in this way. Additionally, it is likely that groups that support on-farm regulation would do so with or without this program. In fact, the presence of such a voluntary conservation program, supported by farmers, helps demonstrate that regulation is not needed.

However, there is risk in the agriculture community’s inaction. For years, we have argued that we must support voluntary conservation programs to help our farmers. This is a core value that has been echoed by our environmental allies, who value farmer cooperation. As a community, we risk frustrating these farmer-friendly groups when we hesitate to support voluntary programs, especially ones with demonstrated success at the state and federal levels. In contrast, supporting the COVER Act, despite the tie to crop insurance, signals the agriculture community’s serious investment in voluntary conservation programs, earning us a seat at the table with environmental groups and allowing our farmers’ voices to be heard and valued.

While corporations love their jargon, farmers prefer to tell it like it is. So, when we say 96% of Illinois farms are still owned and operated by families, we’re not exaggerating. We’re also 100% committed to bringing you the most sustainably grown, healthiest food anywhere.

Scan or visit us at wearethe96.org