Illinois Soybean Association Launches New Agronomy Research Farm

A new research initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural practices for soybean farmers has officially launched in Illinois. On August 25, 2023, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) inaugurated the ISA Agronomy Farm, a dedicated site for innovative research and demonstration located on approximately 98 acres off Route 51, south of Heyworth. The farm features a range of crops, including soybeans, corn, and wheat, along with cover crops and a pollinator plot, marking its first growing season.

Ron Kindred, the ISA board District 9 director and immediate past president, emphasized the farm’s importance. “It’s a dedicated farmer-led research and demonstration site, created to produce actionable data that form public policy and showcase the innovation happening right here in Illinois agriculture,” he stated. Kindred highlighted that the farm serves not just as a collection of test plots but as a vital platform for education and profitability in the agricultural community.

The ISA Agronomy Farm is designed to address critical gaps in agricultural research. With the decline in independent agricultural research, largely due to shifts toward corporate funding, the ISA aims to provide unbiased insights derived directly from farmer feedback. “This farm prioritizes research questions directly from farmer feedback and surveys, ensuring the work addresses real-world challenges,” Kindred explained.

Research Focus and Infrastructure

Unlike typical small test plots, the agronomy farm will utilize larger plots of 10 acres or more, allowing for more relatable and applicable results for farmers. The farm is positioned for long-term investment in infrastructure, enabling multi-year studies on vital aspects such as tiling and drainage. “Because this land is owned, ISA can invest in long-term testing,” Kindred noted.

The farm’s research projects are tied to active checkoff-funded initiatives concerning conservation practices, pest management, and agronomy. Abigail Peterson, ISA director of agronomy, underscored the farm’s role in facilitating comparative studies that help farmers optimize their practices. “The plots will be divided up, and our committee will decide what they want to see from either the research that we’re doing or something that they’ve always wanted to try on their farm,” Peterson stated.

The ISA Production Committee will oversee the design of the research plots each year, ensuring that the focus remains aligned with the needs of Illinois soybean farmers. The first season features a combination of corn, a soybean research plot, and a double-crop soybean plot, with plans to rotate these crops annually.

Educational Outreach and Market Development

Beyond its research capabilities, the ISA Agronomy Farm aims to serve as an educational platform for farmers, legislators, researchers, and industry leaders. Its strategic location between Chicago and Springfield makes it an ideal venue for hosting discussions on policy-relevant topics such as cover crop benefits and pesticide use.

The farm also plays a crucial role in market development by showcasing Illinois agriculture to foreign buyers. “Seeing soybean production in action right here in Illinois often leads to greater purchasing confidence and larger contracts,” Kindred explained. This initiative not only strengthens relationships with international buyers but also supports higher prices and a more robust market for Illinois soybeans.

The farm serves as a model for understanding how legislation and regulation impact agriculture. It provides lawmakers with a tangible resource for grasping the practical implications of their decisions on farming. This hands-on education is essential for safeguarding the tools and technologies that farmers rely on for sustainable operations.

With a focus on profitability, the ISA Agronomy Farm aims to help farmers improve their return on investment. “Agronomic data from this farm will inform decisions about nutrient rates, tile management, and best practices that enhance yields and efficiency,” Kindred stated, reinforcing the farm’s commitment to maximizing the value of checkoff investments.

The ISA has strategically purchased the land as part of a broader vision to create a centralized hub for agricultural research in Illinois. Funding for the acquisition had been set aside in advance, allowing the ISA to act decisively when the opportunity arose.

As the ISA Agronomy Farm moves into its first full growing season, it stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration within the agricultural community, dedicated to advancing the interests of Illinois soybean farmers for generations to come.