Illinois Field & Bean - March 2024

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.

6 Innovating NutritionForward Solutions

Learn more about ISA's animal ag-industry relationships, both domestically and internationally, to advance market opportunities for Illinois soy farmers.

12 Eyes on India

With the world’s largest livestock population and low ag productivity, India faces a huge deficit in feed and fodder, providing new opportunity for soy-based feed.

16 Illinois Soy Is Crushing the Market

Illinois Field & Bean unravels the dynamics of soybean markets and the reasons behind the surge in crush facilities.

22 Strengthening the Soy Value Chain

The recent expansion of the ISA Market Development team has led to new priorities, increased resources and heightened energy, all aimed at strengthening the soy value chain.

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

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

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

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

Farm to Feed

Illinois soybean farmers are at the forefront of increasing global demand for sustainable, high-protein animal feed. As the world population continues to grow, the importance of creating robust domestic and international animal agriculture markets presents a unique opportunity for Illinois soybean farmers.

Soybeans are a staple in animal feed and play a large role in meeting the nutritional requirements of livestock, poultry, and fish worldwide. They are one of the best sources of high-quality protein and essential amino acids. The popularity of soybean meal in animal feed highlights the importance of continuous research and market expansion efforts by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). The commitment to funding these initiatives is essential to ensure soy remains a preferred ingredient in animal feed globally.

The partnership between row-crop farmers and livestock producers is a necessary foundation for success in the animal agriculture market. ISA's efforts extend beyond funding research and market expansion, as we work to ensure the strength of these partnerships continues. Collaborative efforts among Illinois commodity organizations create a resilient and unified system that benefits all stakeholders involved.

Agriculture is the main driver of the Illinois economy, with farmers managing 75 percent of the state's land area. Illinois leads the nation in both soybean and swine production, and establishing and nurturing those relationships among different commodities is crucial. It creates an environment that also contributes to the overall economic prosperity of Illinois.

The ISA Market Development Committee strategically focuses on tapping into markets with a growing demand for soybean meal, both international and domestic. See Page 12 for a closer look at how this is happening in India. By doing so, we aim to increase soybean demand and value, resulting in a higher return on investment for Illinois farmers.

In the face of increasing global demand for sustainable and high-quality animal feed, the expansion of animal agriculture markets is very important for Illinois soybean farmers. By fostering relationships, investing in research, and exploring new markets, Illinois soybean farmers are not only contributing to their own prosperity but also playing a large role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture.

BRIAN ATTEBERRY | MARKET DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Early Wins

There’s something special about being a staff member for a farmer-led organization such as the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). I find across our departments there’s an extra degree of dedication, an added willingness to go the extra mile. Without exception, members of Team ISA consider their work responsibilities more than just a job. Serving the state’s soybean farmers is our mission and the barometer against which we measure our success.

Because of that focus and dedication, there’s a tendency for each of us to first dive into our own program work area. But each member of the ISA staff recognizes that their area of work touches many other organizations and platforms. Collaboration is instrumental to success. Judging by the early wins we have recorded already in 2024, working with others to amplify our priorities is truly a winning strategy!

We are the No. 1 soybean-producing state, and we work every day to prove it. We are proud of ISA’s marquee role in the soybean scene here in Illinois. But we also know much work is done to further the cause of soybeans beyond our state lines. In that spirit, I had an opportunity during our February board meeting to introduce Lucas Lentsch to Team ISA as the new CEO of the United Soybean Board (USB). With his background in the national dairy checkoff, he is bringing a new, dynamic perspective and renewed energy to national soy checkoff efforts. We have already begun to compose new strategies for enhanced operational efficiency, improved communication and coordinated advancement of our common challenges and opportunities. Along with our collaboration with the American Soybean Association (ASA) on a number of policy priorities, we eagerly anticipate a stronger relationship with USB that will create new opportunities for Illinois soybean farmers on the national stage in research, marketing, and promotion.

Collaboration has also resulted in some early wins a little closer to home. We just wrapped up our Better Beans agronomic event series, hosted by the ISA Agronomy team. That team, along with university researchers and agronomy experts, shared valuable regional insights with attendees. In February, the Agronomy team also hosted our 2024 Soybean Summit. More than 300 farmers, members of the media and ag industry partners joined us for high-energy keynote presentations by Chris Weaver, known as “The Podfather”; ISA’s own Abigail Peterson, CCA; and Stacy Zuber, Ph.D. Breakout sessions covered wide-ranging topics such as, “Soybean Success: No Longer a Secret,” “Fertilizer Outlook and Chemical Supply Chain Update for the 2024 Growing Season,” and “Insect Pests Lurking in Your Soybean Fields.” Other event highlights included a farmer panel and audience Q&A and a student research poster competition.

Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) hosted their inaugural dinner and annual meeting at the iHotel in Champaign, where ISG members enjoyed presentations from Jonathan Coppess, Greg Webb, Matt Rekeweg and Hector Serrano. Nearly 100 people attended and raised just under $13,000 for the ISA Federal PAC.

Recently, we teamed up with Illinois Central College and area agri-

businesses to host the Growing Careers in Ag mentorship program. And we worked with the American Lung Association to celebrate the B20 Club of Illinois’ 10th birthday, during which we also marked the milestone of club member fleets using more than 110 million gallons of biodiesel blends. Both are big wins for Team ISA.

Working with a wide variety of allies, we will continue to use collaboration as the vehicle that drives measurable results. At the core of successful collaboration are trust, expertise and instinctually knowing when to lead and when to support. You can trust Team ISA to continue working to amplify our collective efforts, improve our strengths, and create a unified message that resonates throughout and beyond the soybean industry.

JOHN LUMPE | CEO | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Innovating NutritionForward Solutions

IBy Joli A. Hohenstein

f you’re following the news or on social media at all, you’ve likely seen headlines flashing huge projections for world growth – 10 billion or more by 2050! The likelihood is strong, but the larger storyline for Illinois agriculture is that more population means increased demand for protein grown with the help of soybean meal fed to animals.

Today, we aren’t just feeding the world. We're feeding a growing global population that is increasingly urbanized and a middle class that’s trending up across the board. That also means more demand for protein, especially meat.

So how can Illinois soy be part of the solution and stay top-of-mind as countries seek to feed their growth?

Simply put: U.S. soy is the best nutrition-forward solution in the world for animal agriculture.

Now, it’s up to us to tell that story.

Key Challenge – an Overdue Paradigm Shift

As we tell the world about the advantages of U.S. soy, we face one key challenge: the way business has always been done. Huge segments of the world market make purchasing decisions based on crude protein.

In reality, crude protein is far from the best decision point for

feed ingredient buyers or their customers.

“I do believe a paradigm shift is overdue,” says Tom D’Alfonso, Director, Animal and Aquaculture for the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). “Soy ends up in animal diets more than any other use. Animal diets are rarely formulated on crude protein.”

Rather, animal diets are formulated on the consistency and digestibility of essential amino acids and calories. Quality control practices, including the use of near-infrared spectroscopy, allow for this value to be captured at the mill.

Crushers that provide superior soybean meal, and practice

superior quality control, then pass on the value of U.S. soy to animal producers. “For example, measuring and reporting values such as lysine and reactive lysine (an indicator of digestibility) brings greater value than

(See Innovating NutritionForward Solutions, page 8)

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Innovating NutritionForward Solutions

(continued from page 7)

measuring crude protein,” says D’Alfonso. “Greater transparency in the supply chain brings value to all players in the supply chain.”

As the world slowly realizes that soy value is based on far more than simple crude protein, they also see that when you wrap in all of the value factors U.S. soy delivers, there’s no comparison.

“If you use U.S. soy, even if you pay more on the front end, your returns will be as good or better at the other end of the cycle, as you’ll see the returns in animals that grow faster and have better uptake of nutrients,”

says Todd Main, Director of Market Development, ISA. “We will continue to educate feed millers and producers and other stakeholders on the key benefits of U.S. soy and how they play into global purchasing.”

Key Benefit: Superior Nutrient Bundle

“U.S. soy has a superior nutrient bundle of amino acids and digestible calories, worth more than $25 per ton of soybean meal, on average, with present economics in major animal-producing markets of the world,” says D’Alfonso.

U.S. soy offers better amino acid digestibility for swine and poultry compared to Argentina and Brazil. Higher amino acid digestibility reduces the need for supplementing with synthetic amino acids, in turn reducing formulation costs.

In addition, feed formulations with higher digestible amino

acids enable nutritionists to more precisely meet nutrition requirements. This also impacts not only animal performance but also overall profitability.

Energy contribution is another key factor in animal nutrition diets and another area where U.S. soy excels. U.S. soy has superior levels of energy compared to soy from other places, with twenty percent more net energy than soy from Argentina and thirty percent more net energy than soy from Brazil, for example.

Key Benefit: Consistency & Quality

Not only does U.S. soy provide better nutrition for animals, it also provides a more consistent, quality nutrition source, with less variability in amino acids and metabolizable energy than soy from other locations.

“This results in additional lower feed costs and more

consistent performance of the animals.”

For example, the U.S. consistently has less whole soybean damage than Brazil that country averages 4-6x more damage. Additionally, U.S. soy's total moisture content is twelve percent lower than Brazil, which results in higher nutrient concentrations that are extremely desirable for feed ingredients.

U.S. soy processing conditions are more consistent than soy from other origins. This, in turn, impacts quality, as well, according to Processing Condition Indicator assessments.

Key Benefit: Sustainability

U.S. soy also leads the world in sustainability. In fact, U.S. soy has the lowest carbon footprint when compared to soy from other countries, an attractive factor for buyers and end users worldwide.

“For customers, locking in U.S. soy into their animal feeds is measurably less costly in carbon footprint, and that can be communicated to consumers and shareholders, who are increasingly interested in these management decisions,” says D’Alfonso.

A study by Blonk Consultants found that the carbon footprint of U.S. soy is only 0.36 kg CO2eq/kg product, compared to 5.50 for Argentina and 5.70 for Brazil. This includes the impact of land-use change, primarily caused by deforestation in the two South American countries.

U.S. farmers, meanwhile, continue to incorporate more sustainability practices into their production strategies. In contrast to global trends, U.S. cropland is decreasing while its forest land is increasing. And U.S. soy has goals of further reducing greenhouse gas emissions per bushel while improving water, land and energy use efficiency; increasing soy

LEAD THE FIELD.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

production; and improving soil conservation.

Overall, U.S. soy nourishes animal nutrition businesses in both sustainable and measurable ways.

“Pork, poultry and aquaculture are the big growth opportunities internationally,” says ISA's

Main. “We are working hard to educate worldwide consumers and to equip them with the best tools possible to make the switch to U.S. soy the clear choice.”

U.S. soy works hard to ensure that every player in the soy value chain and supply chain benefits

from greater sustainability, consistency and nutrient composition.

“The end result is that businesses that use more U.S. soy get sustainability and profitability at the same time,” says D’Alfonso. “That’s business sustainability.”

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Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Eyes on India

Feeding the World’s Largest Livestock Population

By Joli A. Hohenstein

With the world’s largest livestock population yet a low comparable productivity rate, India faces a huge deficit in feed and fodder, providing new opportunity for soy-based feed producers such as the U.S. As the emphasis on

providing protein for meat replacement grows, what is the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) doing to meet those needs?

The organization knows the key role India will play in global population growth and agriculture expansion. So ISA has begun to implement a plan to make ISA a key part of the answer.

“India is the largest opportunity out there, and it is a democracy, and it has an educated population,” says Todd Main, Director of Market Development, ISA.

ISA engaged with the new South Asia Soy Excellence Center (SEC) in India to support workforce training and development in one of the world’s fastest growing and most important soy markets.

Why India?

According to the Economic Survey (2022-23), the Indian livestock sector – dairy, poultry meat, eggs and fisheries –recorded a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.9 percent from 2014-15 to 2020-21. In addition, the sector’s contribution to total agriculture Gross Value Added increased from

With the world’s largest livestock population and low ag productivity, India faces a huge deficit in feed and fodder, providing new opportunities for soy-based feed.

24.3 percent in 2014-15 to 30.1 percent in 2020-21.

“Given this rapid growth, we envision a good number of young professionals entering the protein production industry, and all of them need training to see that this growth is sustained,” says Vijay Anand, India SEC Center Lead. “The Soy Excellence Center program can help train them and make them better stewards of the industry.”

It's an industry that will continue to expand as it seeks to feed its country’s growth.

“Almost 80 percent of the Indian population don’t meet their daily protein requirements, and 90 percent of the Indian population aren't aware of their daily protein requirements,” says Anand. “Nine out of 10 people don’t meet their daily protein requirements. In

a large population with economic growth and increased awareness, this means a high potential for protein need in the country.”

Currently, India is the fourth-largest feed producer in the world. (Only China, the U.S. and Brazil are higher.) Indian feed production grew 42.8 percent in eight years, according to the Alltech Global Feed Survey 2022, rising from 29 million metric tons (MMT) in 2014 to 44 MMT in 2022. Top factors driving animal protein consumption include population growth, a young population and disposable income, according to the report.

The dairy industry plays a huge role in India’s economy. Total milk production has increased by 23 percent since 2018. India is the third largest producer of poultry meat

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

and eggs in the world, and its aquaculture production is also on the rise. The protein industry is poised for even more expansion.

Soy can play a role in this growth. “If the dairy sectors must be improved, reliance on natural fodder must reduce, and dependence on compound feed must increase,” says Anand. “Soy products that have potential in dairy feeds are a) soy hulls, b) full-fat soy and, to an extent, soy meal, too.”

For those reasons and more, ISA knew it was key to make an early impact on the growing market – and its workforce.

Training Straight to the Workforce

“We are engaging people at the most basic level and building a good win-win rela -

tionship,” says Main. “We invest in them, and they in turn have positive feelings about U.S. soy. We are training the next generation of producers.”

The impact of that investment is substantial. The South Asia Soy Excellence Center in India is the program’s sixth regional center, training thousands of employees and impacting thousands of businesses worldwide. Other locations cover Central America, the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

The first courses for the new SEC in India rolled out this winter, targeting entry-level and mid-level protein value chain workforce members who might or might not have degrees. The goal is not only workforce training but also capacity building.

(See Eyes on India, page 14)

With support from ISA, the South Asia Soy Excellence Center in India officially launched in January 2024. It delivers technical training to entry-level and mid-level protein value chain professionals. The first courses on poultry production and human utilization have already been completed, with plans for many more in 2024.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Eyes on India

(continued from page 13)

For example, this could include helping a chicken producer with 100 broilers grow to 1,000 animals. Higher productivity at protein enterprises creates jobs; expands access to protein at lower costs; and, in the long run, supports development outcomes in economic growth, food security, nutrition and health.

“The Indian livestock industry employs 8.8 percent of the Indian population,” says Anand. “This translates to 123.2 million people. Considering 0.25 percent of this as a targeted professional workforce, we will have a training base of 300,000 members.”

Two self-paced hybrid courses through the Soy Excellence Center this winter covered poultry production as well as human utilization, with more topics on the horizon. (Other SECs teach topics such as feed milling,

aquaculture and soybean processing and refining.)

SEC courses go beyond simple instruction. They take a unique approach that starts with structured education and extends beyond the classroom with continuing education community pods and a network of alumni advocates.

“Obtaining a course completion certificate is not the end of the game,” Anand says. “A professional has a lot to gain from continued activity with SECs as a community member.”

The idea is to provide students with a source for ongoing learning and relationship development built around U.S. soy. In turn, this builds demand for U.S. soy among mid- to later-career professionals.

Tomorrow’s agribusiness leaders look to SECs as a pathway to growth, and ISA wants to be part of that bridge.

“We are making a difference on the ground already,” says Main.

Kevin Roepke, U.S. Soybean Export Council Regional Director-South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, introduces the South Asia Soy Excellence Center (SEC) at the India-U.S. Agricultural Synergy Summit in New Delhi. The India SEC is the program’s sixth regional center, joining locations in Central America, the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Illinois Soy is Crushing the Market

Unraveling the dynamics of soybean markets and the reasons behind the surge in crush facilities

By Mace Thornton

A$250 million expansion announcement in soybean crush capacity 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?

Soybean processors have signaled they intend to add three new soybean crushing facilities in Illinois by the end of 2025. That could solidify the state as a hub for transforming whole soybeans into soybean oil and soybean meal. If facilities come online as projected, it

would mean a promising outlook for Illinois soybean producers and possibly the state’s broader agricultural landscape.

According to a 2023 study sponsored by the U.S. Soybean Export Council, the past seven years witnessed only one new soybean crush facility, in Quincy. However, the landscape is set to change with two facilities slated for 2024, in Hennepin and Cairo, followed by another in 2025, in Gilman.

Todd Main, Director of Market Development for the Illinois Soybean Association, says the expected crush expansion is built on heightened demand for soybean oil. And that increased demand for soybean oil sits atop a foundation of public policy incentives and mandates in support of biofuels at

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

both the federal and state levels.

"The economic drivers for all these crush facilities are the incentives being offered to adopt and use renewable fuels,” he said. "California was the first state to create incentives for biofuels, and then Illinois passed similar incentives last year. That’s really blown up the market for soybean oil.”

Mac Marshall, Vice President of Market Intelligence for the United Soybean Board, points to the California mandate to decarbonize their economy by 30 percent by the end of this decade. That has created a substantial market opportunity for biofuels. Marshall notes that in terms of Gross Domestic Product, the California economy would be the fifth largest globally, just behind Japan.

Marshall explains that California, the most populous state in the U.S. and a large passenger vehicle market, might avail itself of electric vehicles as a solution to decarbonization. However, substantial demand for heavy equipment used in transportation and other industries, which is much harder to electrify. As a result, the state's policymakers are leaning toward next-generation renewable diesel, which is different than biodiesel and is produced through a unique refining process. Renewable diesel can be swapped outright for petroleum diesel, while biodiesel requires blending.

However, Marshall says

(See Illinois Soy is Crushing the Market, page 18)

The landscape of Illinois' soybean crushing capacity could be significantly bolstered when announced expansions come online. Although there are no guarantees, two new facilities are slated for this year, in Hennepin and Cairo, followed by another in 2025, in Gilman.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Illinois Soy is Crushing the Market

(continued from page 17)

the current opportunities for soybean oil as part of a decarbonized biofuels market goes back to the roots of biodiesel production. Back then, a group of forward-thinking farmers got together with the idea of creating a market opportunity for the excess supply of soybean oil. Beyond traditional biodiese, Main says, plans are taking shape in Illinois to produce both renewable diesel and possibly sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the future.

"Potentially, Illinois facilities will be able to produce SAF and

transport that fuel directly to the airports in Chicago," Main said.

Airlines are certainly hyping their move toward SAF with great fanfare.

“I was on a recent United flight, and when the flight attendant came by with the in-flight beverage and pretzels, they also handed me a napkin,” Marshall recalls. “The napkin said, ‘We’re investing more in sustainable aviation fuel production than any other airline.’ So sustainable aviation fuel and its potential market size are absolutely staggering. To see things put out by the aviation industry, there's a clear push for decarbonizing, and that’s another transportation sector that’s hard to electrify.”

The Developing Trend

When soybeans are

crushed, the result is roughly 80 percent meal and 20 percent oil. As a result, the projected increase in Illinois soybean processing facilities to satisfy the growing demand for soybean oil will also greatly increase the supply of soybean meal. Although the majority of the forecasted soybean oil supply is expected to cater to domestic biofuels demands, a substantial portion of the forecasted soybean meal is poised for export through Gulf ports.

“This wave of crush expansion is not about producing more meal,” Marshall says. “It’s about producing more oil because of those biofuels market signals coming from downstream. The bio-economy is creating a huge bio-energy market.”

However, Marshall cautions soybean supporters in Illinois and other states to proceed with care.

“It's not a done deal that all the plants are going to come online, nor is there any guarantee they will function at full capacity,” Marshall says. “As ASA’s Scott Gerlt says, ‘Announcements are not shovels in the ground,’ and they are not installed capacity or actual utilization. But there's a world in which, if everything is built as announced, and we do see a substantial 30 percent net increase in crush.”

Marshall also points out that the linear uptrend in soybean yields and production needs to be factored in. Although crush capacity might go up, so will the annual supply

When soybeans are crushed, the result is roughly 80 percent meal and 20 percent oil. The projected increase in Illinois soybean processing facilities, which will help satisfy the growing demand for soybean oil, will also greatly increase the supply of soybean meal.

of soybeans that need, to be marketed.

“Over the last 20 years or so, yield trend lines have grown at an average of four-tenths of a bushel to five-tenths of a bushel annually,” he says.

Shifting Dynamics of Soybean Value

According to Marshall, the U.S. currently crushes about half of the nation’s soybean crop, about 60 million tons of the annual production of between 112 million tons and 120 million tons.

The announced surge in new crush facilities to meet the growing demand for soybean oil for biofuels will likely create value opportunities for livestock producers here and over-

seas. These producers feed rations composed of soybean meal, according to Main.

“There is a significant shift in the traditional value of soybeans,” he says. “Historically, soybean oil played a secondary role in overall value, with soybean meal taking the spotlight. Because of the increased demand for soybean oil for renewable fuels, the traditional value that we saw in the soybean profile has been stood on its head. This restructuring has opened up growth opportunities for the meal market. Meal is going to be very competitively priced going forward."

Marshall sees the value shift as one of transformational proportion.

“That transformational shift is probably the most important one

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

we've seen since China came into the market as a large buyer of U.S. Soy as it acceded to the World Trade Organization in the early 2000s,” Marshall says.

Main views this as a growth opportunity for soybean meal export marketing, especially in feed use for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. He saw this first-hand during a January market development mission to Southeast Asia.

"They have populations that are exploding, and even with the hurdles of swine and poultry diseases, their production levels are growing fast, 6 or 7 percent a year. This growth translates to an increasing demand for soybean meal, positioning Illinois as a key supplier globally. A lot of this is driven by price. There are going to

be a lot of people looking at increasing the use of soybean meal as inputs in animal feed and in human food."

But U.S. soybean meal will not only be more competitive in price, Main says. It will also maintain an edge in quality.

"It's interesting because we've been talking about the need for new markets for meal,” he says. “Everybody wants U.S. soybean meal because of its quality, its chemical profile, and its digestibility. It's a reliable product, and our farmers produce a quality product. That really stands out with international buyers. As I travel around the world, and as I meet with teams that come here to look at our U.S. facilities, everybody wants U.S. soy.”

The U.S. crushes about 60 million tons of soybeans annually. That represents about half of the total crop. That level may increase as new facilities are built to help meet the growing biofuels demand for soybean oil. That will likely create value opportunities here and overseas for livestock producers who feed rations composed of U.S. soybean meal.

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

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Strengthening the Soy Value Chain

By Olivia Key

As our Illinois Field & Bean readers know, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Market Development team has seen significant growth over the past few months. This expansion has resulted in new priorities, increased resources, and heightened energy, all aimed at strengthening the soy value chain. One of the team’s main goals is cultivating markets for Illinois soybeans within the feed industry,

emphasizing the nutritional benefits of soy as a valuable source of protein and fat in feed products.

Given that the poultry and livestock feed industries are the primary consumers of soybeans and soybean meal, ISA actively collaborates with the Illinois Livestock Development Group (ILDG). Formed by six organizations - Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Beef Association, Illinois Corn Growers Association, Illinois Milk Producers Association, Illinois

Pork Producers Association, and ISA - ILDG aims to boost the profitability of Illinois farmers through collaboration and education.

Tim Rendall, ISA Domestic Markets Manager, says, “Our relationship with Illinois animal ag commodity groups is very important to ISA, as we want to partner with them, step by step, to develop their markets in Illinois. This, in turn, will increase the demand for Illinois soy within our own state.” Rendall adds, “ILDG is currently

going through a period of growth. They’ve hired a business developer, which poses a great opportunity for the organization to grow and will help further the missions of each commodity group involved.”

Additionally, ISA's commitment extends beyond positive partnerships to encompass investments in research to increase the use of soybeans in animal feed. “In order to move forward, you need to know where you are, and the FY24 research projects ISA is

One of the primary objectives of the Market Development Committee is to support the growth of markets for Illinois soybeans in the feed industry. The committee highlights the nutritional advantages of soy as a valuable protein source for livestock.

funding do a great job of providing the scientific rigor that's needed to baseline where we are right now. Funding research projects allows us to unlock new questions, start looking at things that were previously unknown, and use those learnings to create good investments and understand how we want to move forward as an organization. Overall, it's important to make sure that we're continuing to invest in answering these unknowns and developing new and innovative research,” Rendall says.

Among the ongoing research initiatives is a dairy cow feeding trial at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), which employs a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design with 12 Holstein cows. This design allows for a comprehensive assessment of treatments, eliminating potential variations from the "time effect" and "cow effect." Additionally, UIUC researchers are conducting poultry nutrition research aimed at better determining the nutritional value of soybean meal, which is crucial for the rapidly expanding global poultry industry. The research evaluates soybean meal's nutrient digestibility and its additional benefits for gut health, evaluating factors such as trypsin inhibitor and lectin levels, particularly relevant for poultry in hot climates.

In the realm of international market opportunities, ISA continues to support the growth of the Soy Excellence Center (SEC) program. An initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), the program provides protein enterprises with workforce training and capacity-building programs to boost productivity in the protein value chain of emerging markets. SEC programs have been established across the Americas, the Middle East, North Africa, Sub Saharan Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia since 2019.

Notably, the ISA Market Development Committee embarked

on a mission to Southeast Asia in January. The group of seven board members and five ISA staffers visited the Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam to explore soybean meal market opportunities for Illinois farmers.

Because 60 percent of Illinois soybeans are exported to destinations around the globe, it's

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

important to invest in initiatives supporting the expansion of international markets, especially in the animal agriculture sector, for the prosperity of Illinois soybean farmers. ISA International Markets Manager Eileen Pabst says, “As the global population continues to grow, so does the prevalence of food insecurity and the need for

protein. Soy finds itself in a unique position to address food insecurity by serving as a high-quality protein source for both humans and animals.” Pabst further explains that supporting the development of global markets not only benefits consumers but also holds advantages for all U.S. soybean farmers.

ISA-funded research at the University of Illinois is investigating how soybean meal can enhance poultry and dairy cow nutrition.

In January, a group of ISA board and staff members traveled to Southeast Asia to explore soybean meal market opportunities for Illinois farmers.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

GROWTH BY ASSOCIATION |

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff

Growing Appreciation for Illinois Soy

Illinois soybean farmers had yet another successful growing season in 2023, with the total harvest coming in at approximately 648.9 million bushels. As the top soybean-producing state, Illinois is well positioned to invest in enhancing the appeal and demand for its soy, fostering further growth in the industry.

Whether it’s pigs, cows, poultry or fish, the animal agriculture industry is soy’s largest customer, and that's for good reason. The nutritional profile of soybeans is a primary driver behind their popularity. Packed with high-quality protein, essential amino acids, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, soybeans present a consistent and sustainable feed option for poultry and livestock producers. This nutrient-dense package supports both the growth and health of animals and the quality of meat, milk and eggs produced.

Soybeans comprise 80 percent meal and 20 percent oil, and 98 percent of that meal produced in Illinois is used to feed poultry and livestock. Consumers are becoming more and more interested in biofuels and other products derived from soybean oil, so the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is tapping into markets with a need for soybean meal to ensure Illinois farmers continue to get the most out of their investments. Moreover, as the demand for soy rises, maintaining a competitive and sustainable soy supply becomes increasingly important.

To meet this challenge, farmers across Illinois are embracing innovation. Common sustainability practices including conservation tillage, precision agriculture and crop rotation not only promote soil health but also contribute to reducing environmental impact, actively fostering a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

Illinois' success in soybean production is often credited to the fertile soils that cover our state. But the genuine catalysts behind this success are the dedicated farmers who serve as diligent stewards

of the land. Ninety-six percent of Illinois farms are family-owned and operated. Many have been handed down through generations, carrying with them a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for producing a high-quality product.

However, this success doesn’t just include soybeans. One-third of those family-owned farms include livestock, with many producing both row crops and livestock. These farm families dedicate their time to ensuring their livestock are not just produced but raised with a sense of responsibility and care. This responsibility encompasses all facets of raising livestock, including choosing soybean meal, whether it's been produced on their own land or in a neighboring county. In doing so, the public can be confident that the meat they purchase at the grocery store or the farmer’s market is of the highest quality. The connection between soybeans and animal agriculture is essential to foster a nourishing future for both farmers and communities.

TIM RENDALL | DOMESTIC MARKETS MANAGER | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

Be a Voice for Soy

The world is constantly transforming. The awareness of challenges and potential concerns, such as the impact of regulations on farms, is something we foresee dealing with for many years. To better prepare for the future and these uncertainties, we need you. Farmers are the vital link we need in legislative discussions. Sharing your experiences and speaking your concerns to elected officials helps ensure farmers remain a top priority when developing policy.

Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) works continuously to build and strengthen relationships with legislators to ensure Illinois farmers’ best interests are always top of mind when relevant legislation is introduced. Gaining knowledge and fostering awareness for continuous improvement, and providing transparency into the decision-making process, will help us stay at the forefront for those engaged in agriculture.

Stand for soy. Stand for farmers. Stand with us. Engaging with the Government Relations team through advocacy efforts is vital for every soybean farmer’s success in strengthening the voice for soy. Farmers provide firsthand insights into their challenges and can speak to the realities on the ground. Farmers have been fulfilling worldwide needs and will continue to do so with increasing demands.

So, as one voice let’s work together to play a pivotal role within our communities. Help us ensure that policies align with your needs. We need farmers' involvement to ensure that laws and regulations reflect the dynamic nature of the soybean industry. By expressing your voices to and with us, you will shape the framework of policy.

Illinois is a unique state with a wide variety of production practices, so we need everyone’s voice to shape future policies. It’s up to all of us to bring about positive change for farmers, and the Government Relations team works daily to achieve the goals set forth by farmers. Share your concerns and allow us to support you. Regularly assess your situation, and if programs or policies seem unmatched to your practices, don’t hesitate to voice your opinion.

The Government Relations team recognizes the great impact of both state and fed-

ANDREW LARSON | DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & STRATEGY | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION

eral government on agriculture. We want to tackle your concerns by co-creating positive, farmer-focused solutions. Additionally, we want to ensure the sustainability and growth of the Illinois soybean industry. Most importantly, we want to protect our farmers from harmful policies that arise. ISG will continue to do outreach, education and lobbying for farmers. Together, we can shape adaptive and resilient policies and foster a better environment for Illinois family farms.

When you become a member of ISG, you have the power to directly influence positive legislation and motivate leaders to add new policies that ensure your freedom to farm. The Illinois Soybean Growers Political Action Committee (ISGPAC) is a key part of ISG’s efforts to advance causes important to you and Illinois soybean farmers. ISGPAC is your opportunity to ensure that Illinois soybean farmers’ voices across the state are heard. Your support enables ISG to share your voice with politicians and interest groups that seek to shift the future of farm policy and its impact on your business. Join us in advocating for American agriculture. Visit www.ilsoygrowers.com to join and learn more!

Better by Association

60 SEASONS OF SUCCESS

For 60 years, we’ve looked beyond the rows to help you grow more opportunities from every acre. Funded by farmers and focused on the future, we invest in promotion, advocacy, research and education to create profit opportunities and drive preference for soy from Illinois. Because together, we’re better by association.

Celebrate the farmers who grow our future.

Nominate a young farmer for the Illinois 20 Under 40 Awards. The program recognizes young farmers for the work they do in the agriculture community and beyond to better our state and our industry.

Make this season one they’ll never forget.

Nominate a farmer today at IL20UNDER40.COM