4 minute read
Illini Nation Breeds Innovation
When I was first asked to write the “From the Boardroom” column for this issue of Illinois Field & Bean, I jumped at the opportunity. I'm not a writer, but my personal focus areas for the past winter seem to mirror two topics that feature prominently in this issue: leveraging farm data captured with technology and growing quality soy products using quality practices. How I got to this point, especially the farm data portion, has been quite the journey.
I’ll start off by giving credit where I believe credit is due: to the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Board and Staff. When I was first elected to serve as an ISA At-Large Director four years ago, I came with a focus on conservation and land stewardship. Continual improvement in both areas has been a constant in my time farming, as it was for the generations preceding me. My timing couldn’t have been better, as ISA had also just placed a renewed emphasis on conservation and production. What I wasn’t prepared for was the number of partners involved and how many of those partnerships required multiple collaborations to create useful data. At one time, data meant yield and net profit. Now, it means additional insights: protein percentage, amino acid levels and oil content. Those are things customers seek when purchasing soybeans. I learned that each new layer of data had its own story. I wanted to understand these data points to better share the story of Illinois soybean production and the ways ISA supports it. That way, we could be prepared as farmers share that story with prospective domestic and international buyers.
As my knowledge of those markets expanded, I began to notice I was increasingly putting my own farm practices under a microscope. The old phrase, “Do you practice what you preach?” comes to mind. If I spoke about biodiesel, was I using the 20 percent blend those equipment manufacturers stood by on my farm? I was not. So I changed. I haven't experienced a single problem after three years of using 20 percent blend during summertime. Not a single problem with three years of summer use. I could share other examples of data-driven changes I've made: exploring non-GMO soybean markets, advocating for farm policy and hosting trade teams, to name a few.
Sharing this story on my own farm seemed to help others understand the role of ISA here in Illinois. It helped them see how Illinois soybeans are vital in markets throughout the world. I now serve on the Market Development Committee, and ISA Staff has been patient with me as my understanding of our committee priorities deepens. That's particularly important with the launch of the Soy Innovation Center, which will play a pivotal role in continually bolstering demand for Illinois-grown soybeans.
My farm is close to the Chicagoland area, so I'm sure I will continue to have opportunities to share stories about Illinois soybeans and ISA with anyone who passes through. The committee experience is so rewarding that last year, ISA extended the role of hosting trade teams to several other local farms. Attendees gave positive reviews.
As my own tenure on the board has lengthened, my understanding of my own farm’s strengths and weaknesses has also become clearer. I've realized I should have made many changes sooner than I did. ISA's industry collaboration, initiatives and insights have informed decisions on my farm that continue to pay dividends.
My position on the ISA Board and my role as a sixth-generation farmer have a lot in common. My vision of a successful farm is much different than my ancestors held. Undoubtedly, my descendants will have a different vision, too. I find comfort in that reality because I believe we must innovate to stay progressive enough to make a meaningful difference.
