A Harvest Story

A Harvest Story

By Lexi Hoffman

Amidst the sprawling landscape of millions of acres that stretch across Illinois' plains, a tapestry of soybean fields unfolds, each acre bearing the promise of sustenance and livelihood. In this vast canvas, 43,000 devoted soybean farmers are gearing up for a journey that's far more than routine; it's a testament to their unwavering bond with the land they nurture.

As the relentless sun scorched through the sweltering summer days and the parched earth thirsted for raindrops, the hearts of these farmers were entwined with hope and worry. The absence of rain posed a formidable challenge, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the upcoming season. For those safeguarding their crops from disease and drought, the lack of rain demanded a delicate balancing act. On the horizon, the glimmer of irrigation systems symbolized their determination to keep their fields alive amid the arid spell.

To complicate matters further, a haze from distant Canadian wildfires descended upon the crops, almost symbolizing the gloominess that had crept into the farmers' prospects. It mirrored their struggle – battling both nature's whims and external challenges. The persistent absence of rain painted a somber reality that refused to yield to their efforts.

But then, as if whispered from the heavens, the rain returned, rekindling not just the land but the farmers' spirits. However, the story doesn't end there. Amid these challenges, the farmers faced another adversary: rising expenses sweeping through Illinois like an unexpected storm. These aren't just numbers; they are stories of hard work and dedication. The cost projections, each dollar reflecting their sweat and determination, revealed a steep increase in cost per acre. Factors beyond their control – inflation, soaring energy costs, higher wage rates, and intricate supply chain issues –converged to create financial uncertainty.

Yet, these farmers stand strong. They are not just statistics but individuals who have embraced a calling that demands their all. Their stories, etched into the soybean rows stretching across Illinois, testify to the unbreakable bond between the human spirit and the land, and its capacity to face the seasons' challenges.

Harvesting ushers in a cycle of endings and fresh beginnings, a rhythm that never ceases. It's a moment of reckoning, where we determine if the year's goals have been achieved or slipped away. Sometimes, all it takes is a drive past the fields to understand the tale. This year, the soybeans stand as a testament – shorter than usual due to the early-season dryness, resulting in fewer nodes and pods gracing the Illinois fields. Consequently, we witness lower yields, meaning less income for our hardworking farmers as the year unfolds. With each passing day, the prospect of the next year draws nearer. Time never pauses, much like the indomitable spirit of a farmer. This unwavering dedication ensures that the rhythm of agriculture remains constant.

Within this rich narrative lies a vital resource for expert agronomic and management advice tailored to Illinois soybean production, courtesy of the ISA checkoff program: ILSoyAdvisor. It offers access to the latest education, resources, webinars, success stories, and more, all aimed at maximizing farm operations. The Soy Envoy program, active from March to October, is a highlight of ILSoyAdvisor, with Soy Envoys offering actionable insights, advice, and in-season agronomy updates through the ILSoyAdvisor.com blog and crop report tool. These dedicated individuals are ready to support Illinois soybean farmers in their pursuit of higher yields, increased profits, and a reduced environmental footprint.

Covering Northern Illinois – Steve Pitstick, an ISA AtLarge Director, shares his perspective: "After 45 years in this profession, this year is just as unique as any other. We experienced early-season dryness, followed by much needed midseason rains, and dryness once again as we near the end of the season. It's not unfolding exactly as I had dreamed due to accelerated aging in our crops. But our commitment to improvement remains unwavering. Every year, I strive to enhance our farming operations for the future. It's an ongoing pursuit of perfection. This summer, despite the unexpected appearance of diseases following the rainfall – a surprise given the prior dryness – we've learned valuable lessons. The stress on the plants during the dry spells brought out diseases we wouldn't typically encounter. It's yet another year of learning and growth."

Covering Eastern Illinois – Kris Ehler CCA, shares his thoughts: "Is it too early to start planning for next year?" His response, “It’s really never too early to start planning for the next growing season,” resonates deeply. Kris understands the significance of harvesting and taking note of any weed pressures to inform pre-emergence and post-emergence programs for the subsequent year.

Kris's motto, "Surprise is the mother of panic," is a poignant representation of the challenges faced in 2023, with their echoes set to reverberate into 2024. Yet, he offers the reassurance that addressing these challenges head-on is a choice we can make today.

Covering Southern Illinois – Abigail Peterson, the ISA Director of Agronomy and CCA, reflects on the challenges and prospects this year: "This season brought one of the earliest pre-season droughts we've witnessed. The struggle with crop emergence in dry conditions, notably in some no-till cover systems that were terminated late, were concerning. Watching the slow development of the soybean canopy, even in 15-inch rows, was disheartening. Now, as we approach mid-season and the end, soybean development is reaching a crucial phase, with hopes for optimism if rains arrive in some regions. Rainfall has been sporadic, causing regional disparities. Late-season drought stress is becoming evident, but surprisingly, many farmers hold an optimistic outlook, aiming for soybean yields around or slightly below average. One exciting aspect is the adaptation of some farmers who experimented with strip-till beans, expediting emergence. It's remarkable how the season's challenges have led to inventive approaches. Overall, the resilience and adaptability of Illinois farmers are remarkable, given the season's challenging start."

Covering Western Illinois – Brady Holst, Chair of the Soybean Production Committee, shares his thoughts: "Farming is never the same from one year to the next, and 2023 is no exception. This year's harvest will truly test the durability of soybean plants due to the wild weather in my area. We experienced weeks of extremely dry conditions, something we haven't seen in a long time. Despite this, soybean plants showed their strength by producing good yields when conditions improved. On the flip side, the excessive rain we had this year will affect our yields because it brought along disease issues. Even though every year is unique, there are always valuable lessons to learn. This year, we've seen the importance of closely monitoring how our crops handle wet conditions because yield potential can increase every day. Staying optimistic is crucial, as soybeans are tough plants, and conditions can get better in the future. So, the key takeaway from this year is to stay positive because next year could be our best yet.”