BLOOMINGTON, ILL – A group of Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) directors and staff recently met with key marketing and research staff from DuPont Pioneer in Johnston, Iowa, and Stine Seed Company in Adel, Iowa. The group reviewed the latest advances in soybean breeding programs and discussed opportunities to collaborate on future projects.
"We know from working with our customers—including overseas buyers—that increasing protein and oil levels of our soybeans will help increase future demand," says Sharon Covert, soybean farmer from Tiskilwa, Ill., and ISA director. "The conversations are critical to the future of our industry because our seed suppliers can play a crucial role in helping us keep Illinois soybeans competitive in the world market."
The trip included in-depth discussions along with tours of greenhouses, test plots and laboratories where both biotech and traditional breeding programs are underway.
"These companies make significant investments that help us stay productive and profitable," adds Covert. "So another important aspect of these meetings is to help share this information about advances in the industry with other Illinois farmers."
Updates from the trip will be included on ISA's ILSoyAdvisor.com blog throughout the season. Farmers are encouraged to check the site regularly for the latest news and information on Illinois soybean production.
The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) represents more than 45,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace.
Source: Illinois Soybean Association