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I’ve always loved the quote, “The bad news is, time flies. The good news is, you’re the pilot.” I think that idea is especially relevant as the calendar turns over a new page, leaving last year’s challenges in the past and bringing into the new year all that we’ve learned, earned and accomplished.
At the Illinois Soybean Association, we consistently strive to help Illinois soybean farmers be their own pilot — to create learning and growth opportunities that introduce innovative ways of thinking about the business of farming, providing growers the tools and resources to shape their own path and plan their own future.
One we way do this is by providing events to bring together farming communities to learn about the latest in region-specific soybean agronomy, sustainable production and checkoff-funded research to maximize yield and optimize returns from the field.
Here are a few upcoming ISA opportunities I hope you’ll consider.
Better Beans Series 2023
The 2023 ILSoyAdvisor Illinois Better Bean Series meetings are happening through February. Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program, these half-day events feature local CCA Soy Envoys, agronomists, industry experts and farmers and focus on providing growers with tools to improve profitability and achieve high yields by providing updates from the Illinois Soybean Agronomy Team, highlighting research and presentations from local experts.
The Better Beans Series meetings kick off Jan. 25 at the Holiday Inn in Quincy with a second event Feb. 23 at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Stadium Club. Both events start with a hot breakfast at 7 a.m. and wrap up at noon.
Soybean Summit 2023
Funded by the ISA checkoff program, the 2023 Soybean Summit: All Stars Edition gathers growers from across the state to provide the opportunity to gain agronomic information and insights from leading soybean experts across the country. Summit kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.
This year’s event is hybrid, offering in-person and virtual options for attendance. Registration is free, but not required for this event.
If attending in person, bring five or more non-perishable food items to donate to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank for a chance to win a Yeti cooler.
Topics this year include yield-increasing practices with precision, pest management, understanding biological products, the future of conservation and nutrient management, navigation of the carbon space and growing opportunities for value-added high-yielding soybeans, remarks from “Science for Success” participants, as well as exclusive farmer panels. CEU credits will be available for CCAs attending Soybean Summit.
As a new addition to this year’s Summit, ISA will host a Student Research Poster Competition. Stay after the meeting and “tailgate” with ILSoyAdvisor staff, ISA directors and student researchers to win an ISA tailgating pack.
This new opportunity allows students to gain experience sharing their research with farmer audiences while informing Illinois farmers about the latest in soybean research.
Registering for these events is easy. Visit www.ilsoyadvisor.com to let us know you’ll be there.
Maybe it’s true that time does indeed fly. But the truly great news is, the Illinois Soybean Association is at work for you, protecting your time and checkoff investment.
Consider taking the time to come check out all of the great things happening with your checkoff dollars at work. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Brady Holst is the Utilization Committee chair of the Illinois Soybean Association.