Illinois Soybean Association Launches New Agronomy Research Farm

A new research farm aimed at enhancing agricultural practices for soybean farmers opened on August 25, 2023, under the auspices of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). Located on approximately 98 acres of prime farmland near Heyworth, the ISA Agronomy Farm features a variety of crops, including soybeans, corn, and wheat, alongside innovative agricultural practices geared toward advancing local farming techniques.

During a media event, Ron Kindred, a board director at ISA and immediate past president, emphasized the farm’s role as a “farmer-led research and demonstration site.” He stated, “What you see today represents far more than just test plots. This farm is a platform for research, demonstration, education, and profitability.” The initiative aims to provide actionable data that shapes public policy while showcasing the ongoing innovations within Illinois agriculture.

The ISA Agronomy Farm serves as a strategic investment that directly benefits Illinois soybean farmers. It intends to fill research gaps left by budget cuts affecting the University of Illinois Extension, which historically provided essential unbiased research. “We’ve tried to fill that with our agronomy team,” Kindred noted, highlighting the significance of the farm in addressing critical agricultural challenges faced by local farmers.

Innovative Research and Educational Opportunities

The farm will host a variety of research plots, each linked to active, checkoff-funded projects focused on conservation practices, pest management, and agronomy. Unlike typical small plots, the agronomy farm features larger plots of 10 acres or more, making results more applicable to farmers’ real-world conditions. “Because this land is owned, ISA can invest in long-term testing and infrastructure,” Kindred explained.

The farm’s educational role extends beyond research. It aims to connect farmers, legislators, researchers, industry leaders, and students in a centralized location. This strategic position between Chicago and Springfield allows for effective outreach and collaboration on important agricultural topics, such as cover crop benefits and pesticide use. Kindred highlighted the farm’s potential to enhance understanding among lawmakers regarding the impacts of legislation on agriculture.

The ISA’s focus on farmer feedback will guide the research agenda, ensuring that the projects address actual challenges faced by the farming community. “This farm is our answer to the decline in independent agricultural research,” Kindred stated, reaffirming the importance of unbiased, farmer-driven research.

Collaboration and Future Plans

The ISA Production Committee will oversee the design and implementation of research plots annually. The initial planting season includes corn, soybean research, and double-crop soybean plots. As part of its ongoing efforts, the ISA plans to develop a cover crop demonstration plot and expand research on soil health. Abigail Peterson, ISA’s director of agronomy, noted that these comparative measures will significantly impact farming practices.

The launch event also featured partners from various organizations, including the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association and Pheasants Forever, showcasing the collaborative effort behind the farm. Peterson expressed enthusiasm for working with these partners, stating, “The exciting part is to have some ideas come to life and really structure what is ever-changing in the ag space.”

The ISA acquired the land through a purchase agreement with a local trust, strategically selecting the site to maximize accessibility for staff and trade teams. Kindred remarked on the positive reception from the farming community, indicating a strong trust in the ISA’s management of checkoff dollars.

Through its multifaceted approach, the ISA Agronomy Farm aims to enhance profitability for farmers by providing valuable agronomic data. As Kindred summarized, “Everything we do here is about helping farmers improve return on investment.” The farm is set to become a crucial asset in the ongoing development and sustainability of Illinois agriculture.