Illinois Soybean Association Launches Agronomy Farm for Research

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has officially opened a new agronomy farm aimed at enhancing research and farmer support in Illinois. Located just off Route 51, south of Heyworth, the ISA Agronomy Farm spans approximately 98 acres and features an array of crops, including soybeans, corn, and wheat, along with cover crops and a dedicated pollinator plot. This initiative was highlighted during a media event held on August 25, 2023.

Ron Kindred, ISA board District 9 director 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 goal is to produce actionable data that can influence public policy and showcase the innovations emerging from Illinois agriculture.

Strategic Investment for Farmers

The establishment of the ISA Agronomy Farm reflects a strategic investment aimed directly at benefiting Illinois soybean farmers. Kindred pointed out that the facility will address significant gaps in agricultural research, providing relevant and unbiased insights driven by farmer feedback. “Maintained by our agronomy team and our partners, this nearly 98-acre site is some of the best farmland in the world,” he said.

The farm’s research will focus on practical challenges faced by local farmers, looking into areas like conservation practices and pest management. Unlike conventional small plots, the agronomy farm will conduct trials on larger plots of at least 10 acres, making the findings more applicable to actual farming operations. “Because this land is owned, ISA can invest in long-term testing and infrastructure,” Kindred noted.

The ISA aims to fill the void left by reductions in resources for unbiased research, a gap that has grown as independent agricultural research has increasingly shifted toward corporate interests. According to Kindred, “This farm is our answer to that. Here, ISA prioritizes research questions directly from farmer feedback and surveys, ensuring the work on real-world challenges.”

Collaboration and Educational Outreach

Beyond its research capabilities, the ISA Agronomy Farm will serve as a hub for education and collaboration among various stakeholders, including farmers, legislators, researchers, and industry leaders. Kindred highlighted its strategic location between Chicago and Springfield, which makes it ideal for attracting state legislators and providing a venue for discussions on policy-relevant topics.

The farm will also play a vital role in international market development. By showcasing Illinois agriculture directly to foreign buyers, the ISA aims to foster greater purchasing confidence and build long-term partnerships. “It helps strengthen relationships that ultimately support higher prices and stronger markets for Illinois soybeans,” Kindred added.

The farm’s design will be guided by the ISA Production Committee, which will assess and adjust the research plots annually. The current season features a variety of crops including corn and soybeans, with future plans for cover crop demonstrations and broader plot sizes to enhance comparative analysis.

Research partners involved in the farm’s development include representatives from the University of Illinois and conservation organizations. Abigail Peterson, ISA director of agronomy, emphasized the importance of these partnerships in meeting educational needs and adapting to the ever-evolving agricultural landscape.

The ISA acquired the land through a purchase agreement with a local trust, which was interested in a 1031 exchange. Kindred shared that the trust had agreed to sell the land pending their search for alternative investments, which facilitated the acquisition for the ISA.

By investing in this agronomy farm, the Illinois Soybean Association is not just addressing immediate agricultural needs but is also laying the groundwork for sustainable farming practices that support the long-term profitability of Illinois soybean farmers.