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Measurements of Strategic Success
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/.
