LEADERSHIP - Illinois Soybean Association

L E A D E RS H I P
Illinois soybean farmers make major contributions to their
industry, their communities, their country and the world.
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
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CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD COMMENTS
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMENTS
You may recall a phrase from a Hollywood movie several years ago,
The Illinois soybean production industry faces domestic and
"Show Me the Money." Throughout the past year, ISA implemented
international challenges. We continue to see concerns for the
several Illinois soybean checkoff-funded programs that embodied
animal agriculture industry, increased production costs, and greater
that catch phrase. We are extremely enthused about the Yield
regulatory pressure. With a changing marketplace and a need to
Challenge program, which identified production practices that
lead changes rather than follow, the ISA board approved a new
soybean farmers can implement to achieve better yields. While the
ISA staffing and contractor structure in 2010. As a result, the ISA
Yield Challenge certainly was our most high-profile research initiative,
office ushered in several new staff leaders as well as several new
Illinois soybean checkoff dollars also were invested in numerous
consultant specialists to address the challenges and opportunities
yield-enhancing research programs at Illinois state universities.
facing Illinois soybean producers. This new structure will place the
Illinois soybean production industry in a leadership position among
In the area of domestic marketing, we reenergized our efforts by
U.S. soybean producing states and across the globe. The updated
focusing more on our number one customer, the Illinois animal
structure focuses efforts on utilization areas such as animal
agriculture industry. We are very optimistic that there are ways to
agriculture, industrial utilization, and human and aquaculture
strengthen this industry and bring that customer back to Illinois or
utilization. It also addresses supply issues such as production “best
to surrounding states so that our soybean producers can benefit
management practices” and transportation/logistics.
from better basis levels. At the same time, we understand that global
demand for soybeans continues to expand. With over 50 percent
Developing ISA to take a leadership position is a high standard,
of the U.S. soybean crop being exported, we continue to see growth
but one which will be achieved. During the past year, ISA has
opportunities for Illinois soybeans, soybean meal and soybean oil in
experienced a lot of changes and many Illinois soybean producers,
those export markets.
industry partners and consumers may have started to see a
stronger ISA presence. This trend will continue. In order for ISA to be
With our membership funding, we were able to obtain reinstatement
relevant and effective for Illinois soybean farmers, our organization
of the biodiesel tax incentives. Soy biodiesel usage plays a big role
needs to be involved in the value chain. ISA accomplished many
in using excess soybean oil supplies and also helps the United
successes last year and plans to increase those successes through
States become less reliant on petroleum oil imports and more
focusing on the demand industries that utilize Illinois soybean
environmentally friendly. We also see a lot of potential for soybean
products, increasing Illinois soybean production efficiencies, and
use in many other industrial products. Many factors are involved in
addressing those logistics and infrastructure constraints that
increasing soybean yields and prices. However, we on the ISA board
hamper profitability. ISA has developed a new strategic plan, and
firmly believe that the Illinois soybean checkoff and membership
I encourage everyone to review that plan on the ISA website. I am
programs are impactful in the marketplace – and that this positive
very optimistic that ISA will attain the vision, mission and goals
impact is felt by our Illinois soybean producers.
established by the ISA Board for the Illinois soybean producer.
RON MOORE,
ISA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
CRAIG RATAJCZYK,
ISA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
ISA MISSION STATEMENT
ISA VISION STATEMENT
To ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable,
sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace.
The Illinois Soybean Association strives to enable Illinois soybean
producers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable soybean
producers around the world.
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A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR
JANUARY – ISA board members, Soy Ambassadors and staff visited Brazil for a
study tour. During the visit, funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, ISA met with
APROSOJA, the Mato Grosso soybean producers association, and established three
shared areas for moving forward: establishing a young leader program and exchange,
sharing information about sustainable agriculture production, and exploring ways to
communicate about agriculture with non-farm audiences.
FEBRUARY – Findings of an Illinois soybean checkoff-funded research study were
presented at the Soybean Breeders’ Workshop in St. Louis, MO. The study, focusing on
soybean cyst nematode resistance, indicated that increasing the diversity of genes may be
the answer to controlling nematode populations in the future.
MARCH – Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the ISA Research Forum
took place in Champaign. Soybean researchers from UIUC and SIUC gathered to
review results, share statistics and update industry leaders about everything from
aquaculture to aphids.
APRIL – The 2010 FOODPLAY Tour conducted 40 school performances during national
Soyfoods Month. Twenty-one of those schools were selected through county farm
bureau grant applications, which are funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
MAY – ISA contributed financial support, materials and speakers – funded by the
Illinois soybean checkoff – to the Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom Summer
Agricultural Institutes from May through August.
JUNE – ISA launched its new Pod to Plate Curriculum, funded by the Illinois soybean
checkoff and created for children in fourth through eighth grades.
JULY – ISA hosted its annual Research Tour, funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
The two-day tour allowed farmers to see how their checkoff dollars are being used to
gain solutions to the issues they face in the field.
AUGUST – The ISA Board of Directors elected new officers for 2010-2011: Front row, left
to right: Vice Chairman Matt Hughes, Chairman Ron Moore; back row: Assistant SecretaryTreasurer Dean Campbell, Treasurer Doug Winter, Secretary Bill Wykes.
SEPTEMBER – ISA saw the retirement of two of its long-time employees: W. Lyle
Roberts, Jr., chief executive officer and Mary Burke, director of compliance and
research. ISA also announced Craig Ratajczyk as the new chief executive officer and
selected Brian Hansen as the organization’s new accounting and finance manager.
OCTOBER – ISA hired Tony Schuur, a professional aquaculture scientist, in a contractor
arrangement to help manage the organization’s aquaculture market development program.
NOVEMBER – ISA held its annual policy session in Bloomington to review
the current ASA resolutions for changes and amendments. These changes and
amendments will be shared with the full ASA board at the Commodity Classic in March.
DECEMBER – ISA announced the newest class for the Soy Ambassador Leadership
Program – a two-year program that grooms farmers for leadership roles.
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“It is important for farmers to be active in helping direct the political policies that
affect agriculture. In 2010, through ISA membership, ISA farmer-leaders became more
politically active both in Springfield and Washington D.C.”
– Matt Hughes, chair of the ISA Public Affairs Committee
P UBLIC AF FAIRS COMMIT TEE REP OR T
KEY LEGISLATION
ISA’s legislative efforts, funded by membership dollars, pursue
favorable state and national legislation. Using membership
dollars, soybean policy positions are based on grassroots grower
input, which is set at the annual state meeting and taken to
the annual national voting delegate session for discussion.
Once national positions are established, American Soybean
Association (ASA) leaders, funded by membership dollars, use
those platforms to testify before and lobby Congress and the
Administration and contact specific lawmakers. The process is an
effective one, as soybean growers have traditionally notched many
legislative successes. A few of those victories are listed here:
ISA-Supported Maritime Highway Initiative Received
Federal Funding
In November, the Heart of Illinois Regional Port District
(TransPORT) announced that their Illinois-Gulf Container
On Barge proposal had been designated by the U.S. Maritime
Administration (MARAD) as one of 14 projects selected
for funding under the America's Marine Highway Program.
ISA has been a leading voice in advancing inland river
transportation as an important issue for the soybean industry,
in particular the use of containers to ship raw soybeans to
ocean ports. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has
selected the use of marine highway corridors as a high priority.
"Making better use of our rivers and coastal routes offers an
intelligent way to relieve some of the biggest challenges we
face in transportation – congestion on our roads, fossil fuel
energy use and soaring road maintenance costs," said Secretary
LaHood. "There is no better time for us to improve the use of
our rivers and coasts for transportation."
ISA Backed Renewal of the Biodiesel Tax Incentive
ISA Efforts Helped Aquaculture
In 2010, using membership dollars, ISA created and led a diverse
coalition to help protect and expand the aquaculture industry. The
coalition’s goal was to remove the anti-aquaculture provisions of
major energy legislation called the “CLEAR Bill” – Consolidated
Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009, H.R.3534.
Their efforts were successful. Congressional leaders removed
provisions of the bill which would have banned the practice of
offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico.
2010 was a year of great importance for the biodiesel industry
as soybean farmers focused on the renewal of the biodiesel tax
exemption (incentive), which makes biodiesel more competitive
with petroleum diesel and lowers the cost of biodiesel to the
end consumer. Using membership dollars, ISA was heavily
involved with the grassroots effort by meeting with senators
and representatives in Washington D.C., discussing it with
them over the phone and hosting events at production facilities.
Finally, these efforts paid off in December: Congress passed the
Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job
Creation Act of 2010, which includes the retroactive extension
of the biodiesel tax exemption through 2011.
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A VISIT TO THE HILL
On July 14, several ISA farmer-leaders and staff members visited
legislators as part of the ASA annual meeting in Washington D.C.
During their visit, those in attendance discussed the Biodiesel Tax
Extension; Free Trade Agreements with South Korea, Colombia and
Panama; FY-2011 appropriations; Farm Bill; energy/climate change;
and offshore aquaculture.
infrastructure improvements. Soybean farmers in 2011 also
should keep an eye on efforts to improve rail competition
and agriculture’s rail transportation needs. Efforts are under
way to promote increased competition to foster better
service, lower rates, and garner state and federal assistance
to maintain low-volume rail facilities in rural areas. At
the same time, farmers should monitor efforts to reassess
truck weight limits on roads and the potential impact on
agricultural traffic.
Food Safety
Every segment of the food chain is interested in steps being
taken to assure the safety of U.S. food and feed products.
Concerns have been raised that too many new standards
will unnecessarily complicate the marketplace and not
improve food safety overall. Soybean farmers should
watch for possible farm-level impact in new food safety
regulations or legislation.
ATTRACTING MORE PARTNERS
ISA always is looking for new ways to fund policy work. Unfortunately,
checkoff money cannot be used as a resource. SoyConnect helps fill this
gap by creating a network of industry partners to help fund legislative
work in Washington D.C. and Springfield. Crop Insurance
Crop insurance has become an important risk management
tool for soybean farmers. Cuts in the federal crop insurance
program that reduce agriculture baseline funding for the
2012 Farm Bill have been discussed, along with potential
ways to cover fully any actual crop loss attributed to
crop quantity and quality discounts with crop insurance.
Watch for the Risk Management Agency and Federal Crop
Insurance Corporation to reinstate Group Risk Plan and
Gross Revenue Insurance Plan policies where no longer
available.
Bio-Energy and Bio-Based Products
2011 SOYBEAN ISSUES ON ISA’S RADAR
Here is a look at some of the issues that Illinois farmers may want
to follow:
Transportation
A comprehensive Capital Development Plan has been formulated by
the waterways industry and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to improve
the U.S. inland navigation system over the next 20 years. The plan, if
enacted, is written to address the needs of the entire inland waterways
navigation system, as well as provide more dollars for greatly needed
With retroactive reinstatement of the federal biodiesel tax
credit, there is support to make the credit permanent. Watch
for possible restructuring of the biodiesel tax credit from a
blenders’ credit to a production credit, and Environmental
Protection Agency implementation of the Renewable
Fuels Standard II. Additionally, the industry could see
incentives for use of bio-based products, expansion of the
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s bio-preferred product list,
finalization of the bio-based product label and an equitable
tax credit for bio-based products.
Technology and Other Issues
Illinois soybean farmers can monitor several other issues
that could affect profitability, including development
of biotechnology- and nanotechnology-enhanced crop
varieties and products, trade regulations that do not leave
the United States at an unfair trade disadvantage worldwide,
U.S. estate tax revisions and continued work to attract new
livestock operations to Illinois.
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“The first Yield Challenge, held in 2010, was more successful than we at ISA could have
hoped. From the dedicated grower teams to the sponsors who helped support them,
the response was overwhelming. We already have kicked off the 2011 Yield Challenge,
and we look forward to having even more participants help us keep Illinois growers at
the forefront of the world’s soybean industry.”
– Dean Campbell, chair of the ISA Supply Committee
S U P P LY C O M M I T T E E R E P O R T
ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL YIELD CHALLENGE
SUPPORTING OTHER RESEARCH INITIATIVES
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the 2010 Yield Challenge
was created to make Illinois soybean growers the global leader
in soybean yields. The program divided Illinois into nine crop
reporting districts, with teams of growers in each district working
together to implement new methods to produce higher yields.
As part of the Challenge, each team farmed side-by-side plots
using traditional and innovative techniques, resulting in valuable
data that will benefit researchers and growers alike. In December,
several Yield Challenge winners received awards and recognition.
The Yield Challenge continues to be one of the highest priority
programs for ISA, and ISA farmer-leaders are extremely optimistic
that this annual program will provide continuing best management/
production practices that guide our research, communication and
education efforts.
In 2010, the Illinois soybean checkoff funded the following
projects and programs:
r The initiation, organization and conducting of field and lab
research on the improvement of breeding methodology and the
identification, genetic analysis, and breeding of new genes that
confer disease resistance or improve the crop yield and quality.
r Program areas involving technical staff and students in
support of Illinois soybean production.
r An SIUC breeding program working toward the identification
of high-yielding non-GMO varieties using a multi-location
breeding system. The result of this continuous effort was the
release of a new germplasm line, LS05-3229 with competitive
yield and a good resistance package to Frogeye Leaf Spot (FLS),
Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) and Soybean Cyst Nematode.
r The development of varieties with resistance to FLS. Thirty-one
SUBSIDIZING MANAGED RESEARCH AREAS
During 2010, as in previous years, Illinois soybean checkoff dollars
were invested in several managed research areas (MRAs): (1) Soybean Diseases and Insect Pests, (2) Soybean Germplasm
and Breeding Initiative, (3) Weeds, (4) Soy Nutrition and Food
Science, (5) Varietal Information Program for Soybeans (VIPS), and
(6) Soybean Cyst Nematode. Although the University Extension
programs have experienced serious budget cuts and restructuring,
the Illinois soybean checkoff provides support for three University
of Illinois Extension employees to focus on outreach ideas generated
from work in the MRAs. Through this program, the Extension
associates work additional hours beyond their University contracts
to visit with farmers about soybean production research at the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Southern
Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC), and Western Illinois
University. In 2010, these associates visited with hundreds of farmers
and spread the word about many National Soybean Research
Laboratory (NSRL) projects funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
high-yielding lines were tested at ultra-low plant density field
designs for two years (2009 and 2010) at two environments in
Carbondale. Selected plants for high-yield potential and
resistance to FLS were screened with SNP and SSR markers.
Our goal is to identify highly resistant lines to FLS that will
combine good yield potential and quality.
r The evaluation of lines with resistance to SDS. In total, 55 lines
were evaluated in three locations in Southern Illinois and two
lines with competitive yield and performance to SDS stress better
than “Ripley” (resistant check) were selected as the most promising
lines for future releasing.
r The evaluation of lines for resistance to viruses. A new virus
threat (SVNV) was identified in Southern Illinois, and screening
was started on germplasm lines for potential resistance or
tolerance. This work is a collaboration with the University of
Arkansas and will continue with the addition of other viruses
(TRSV, CMV, SMV and BPMV) that have the potential to cause
significant losses in our screening scheme.
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r The global protein model that is being used by industry and
universities around the world. In April 2010, the global protein
project had met or exceeded all of its research objectives. One
expectation that remained was the commercialization of the
technology. The model, titled Global Food in 3-DTM, is a unique,
web-based protein model that allows users to visually explore the
dynamics of the food system.
UPDATING THE VARIETAL INFORMATION
PROGRAM FOR SOYBEANS
t ćFi36")FBMUIZ,JE wQSPKFDU‫ ڀ‬ISA supported this cutting-edge
research project in a mighty way, allowing over 75 SIUC undergraduates
and 12 graduate students to gain hands-on experience with one of
the most pressing community nutrition issues for today’s adolescents. Many positive relationships with health professionals within SIUC
and the surrounding communities were developed, including school
nurses, pediatricians and family physicians.
HELPING GLOBAL HUNGER PROJECTS
The Illinois soybean checkoff helped fund the NSRL work
for the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH)
program. Through this funding, NSRL managed WISHH projects
in Botswana, South Africa, Haiti, Honduras, India, Cambodia,
Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. Projects managed by NSRL/
WISHH operate within the main four focus areas of early childhood
nutrition, school nutrition, microenterprise development and HIV/
AIDS nutrition support. Within all of the projects that NSRL/WISHH
operates, a particular project will have at least one or a combination of
these four focus areas written into its plan to maximize the long-term
sustainable impact of efforts put forth by NSRL/WISHH and their
partner agencies and organizations.
The Illinois soybean checkoff continued to fund this valuable
program. In addition, the VIPS website (vipsoybeans.org)
is the one-stop source for electronic information to assist
Illinois soybean farmers in their planting decisions. After the
2010 soybean harvest was completed, extensive information
on varieties grown in the UIUC 2010 soybean variety trials
were added to VIPS. This information will be valuable to
seed companies who want to develop new varieties with
specific levels of key attributes. Likewise, processors engaged
in strategic planning to improve product quality or establish
component-based markets also will benefit from this
information.
BACKING SOYBEAN BREEDING
The Illinois soybean checkoff provided funding to support
expanded efforts in breeding conventional (non-GMO)
soybean varieties that can be used by Illinois soybean
farmers. The UIUC breeding program made crosses between
conventional parents, developed breeding populations, tested
lines from the breeding populations for yield and agronomic
traits and released three new conventional varieties in 2010
for use by soybean farmers in Illinois.
SUSTAINING WEED PREVENTION
The Illinois soybean checkoff funded the prevention and
management of glyphosate-resistant weeds. This is extremely
important as the infestation of glyphosate-resistant marestail
and waterhemp spreads throughout the state. Funding
will be utilized to support the regional publication series
“Glyphosate, Weeds, and Crops” and secure additional copies
for Illinois. These publications have been disseminated
to farmers at various venues and also are available on the
internet (glyphosateweedscrops.org). 7
“The profitability of soybean farmers is ISA’s number one goal. Sustainability is
important for their success, and soybean demand creation requires ongoing support
from Illinois farmers.”
– Bill Wykes, chair of the ISA Demand Committee
DEMAND COMMIT TEE REP OR T
FOSTERING GREATER SOYBEAN USE
U.S. soybean production in 2010 totaled 3.33 billion bushels, down
only one percent from the record production level set in 2009,
according to the Crop Production 2010 Summary released on January
12 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural
Statistics Service. Creating demand for these harvested crops
is critical and, therefore, ISA allocates checkoff funding toward
developing and promoting the many potential uses of soybeans. Here
are a few examples:
one priority area for investing market development funds. ISA’s
goal is to increase the amount of Illinois soybean meal used by
livestock in Illinois, other states and abroad. In November, ISA
hired Nicole J. Boettger, an expert in livestock producer services,
to coordinate the organization’s livestock program and strategy.
Animal Agriculture Receives Steady Support
Illinois livestock producers rely heavily on locally produced soybean
meal and soy hulls as the principal sources of protein in their animals’
diets. That’s why, during 2010, ISA supported Illinois livestock
producers in various ways via Illinois soybean checkoff funding:
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to feed the hungry in Illinois through the Pork Power Program.
Since the program began in 2008, more than 130,000 pounds
of pork have been donated, providing more than 520,000 meals
to hungry Illinois citizens.
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game in Normal
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State Fair
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at the Illinois State Fair
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for Illinois schools
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Development of international animal agriculture markets has
been another priority for ISA. For example, ISA was recognized in
September for supporting USA Poultry & Egg Export Council efforts
to increase exports of U.S. poultry to the country of Jordan. This
support was made possible by Illinois soybean checkoff funding.
For FY2011, ISA has identified animal agriculture as the number
Aquaculture, a Growing Area of Interest
Aquaculture offers a promising outlook for the state’s soybean
farmers. ISA has made considerable investments – funded by the
Illinois soybean checkoff – in furthering offshore aquaculture
production systems and perfecting rations. ISA also has been
involved in developing the science behind the aquaculture
movement. Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, research
investigating the relationship between the nutritional quality
of fish and the type of feed used is under way at Southern
Illinois University Carbondale. In addition, eMerge GeneticsTM
research studies, also funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff,
are indicating the potential of soybeans bred specifically for the
aquaculture industry. The Global Soy in Aquaculture Fellowship
Project, funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff, has
been providing specialized technical support in marine shrimp
production. The Fellowship Project has become an important
tool in promoting high soy-based diet formulations for marine
shrimp in different regions of the world.
In 2011, aquaculture development will continue to be a
high priority for ISA. In October, ISA hired Tony Schuur,
a professional aquaculture scientist, to help manage the
organization’s aquaculture market development program.
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Soy Transportation Remains a Key Priority
During 2010, ISA continued to be a leading voice in advancing the
transportation industry to service both domestic and international
soybean markets. This was made possible primarily through ISA’s
involvement with the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC), which is
funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff. This coalition focuses on
shipping and transportation issues that can help U.S. soybean industry
farmers sustain their competitive global position. The STC works to
maintain access to a national rail and water transportation system that is
cost-effective, reliable and competitive and can meet short- and longterm industry needs. Acquiring federal funding for new projects is one
major initiative. For example, a breakthrough in maritime highway
funding was achieved in November. That month, the Heart of Illinois
Regional Port District (TransPORT) announced that its Illinois-Gulf
Container On Barge proposal had been designated by the U.S. Maritime
Administration (MARAD) as one of 14 projects selected for funding
under the America’s Marine Highway Program.
Soyfoods Promotion Continues
Soy Biodiesel Promotion Stalls
2010 was a challenging year for promoting biodiesel, given the
uncertainty of product availability and the fact that the federal biodiesel
tax incentive was in limbo until December. As a result, ISA funded
small promotional efforts during the year while keeping close tabs on
the biodiesel industry. In fact, in February, ISA representatives attended
the 2010 Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Grapevine, TX to gather
information from biodiesel industry experts.
The soy biodiesel semi-trailer shown at right was displayed at ISA’s booth
at the February Mid-West Truck Show & Convention in Peoria.
During 2010, ISA helped create greater demand for soyfoods
in a number of ways. In February, four ISA representatives
attended a malnutrition conference in Honduras. Their trip,
funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, allowed them to
learn about innovative solutions for improving the nutrition
in protein-deficit countries. ISA also contributed Illinois
checkoff funds to help support the World Initiative for Soy in
Human Health (WISHH), which promotes U.S. soy protein
exports to developing countries. In April, ISA allocated
Illinois soybean checkoff funds to sponsor the Soyfoods
Association of North America’s April Soyfoods Month
campaign. This campaign succeeded in doubling engagement
among retailers, and total soyfoods sales in Illinois increased
4-5 percent from the last week of March to the first week in
May. Also in April, ISA allocated Illinois soybean checkoff
funds to sponsor FOODPLAY, a national award-winning
theater show that promotes healthy eating and exercise habits.
This presentation reached more than 12,300 students and
received heavy media coverage (more than 200,000 media
impressions). In August, ISA sponsored a soyfoods cooking
competition at the Illinois State Fair. Funded by the Illinois
soybean checkoff, the competition demonstrated the diversity
and nutritional value soy adds to any recipe.
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“We are finding innovative ways to communicate with farmers, non-farm consumers,
teachers and students about the many nutritional, economic and environmental
benefits of soy and soy products.”
– Doug Winter, chair of the ISA Information & Education Committee
INF ORM AT ION & EDUC AT ION COMMI T T EE REP OR T
PROVIDING CREDIBLE, TIMELY INFORMATION
TO SOYBEAN STAKEHOLDERS
OFFERING GREATER SUPPORT TO ILLINOIS
SOYBEAN FARMERS
ISA continues to be a leading and credible source of soybean
information for both farmer and non-farmer audiences. During
2010, ISA communication initiatives funded by the Illinois
soybean checkoff included publication and support material
development; media relations, planning and publicity for county
farm bureau visits, farm shows and other industry events; and
expansion of online communications. Checkoff-funded initiatives
also included communications development for several key
areas, such as animal, human and industrial utilization of soy;
aquaculture research; container/infrastructure challenges and
opportunities; and emerging issues.
Throughout 2010, ISA provided valuable information to soybean
farmers in many different ways, including its Illinois Soybean
Review magazine and Illinois Farmer Leader newsletter, as
well as email updates, e-blasts and ongoing press releases – all
funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff. Several other 2010
communication efforts are listed below and on the facing page.
In the months ahead, ISA will continue to provide the most
relevant information for soybean farmers and other stakeholders.
Supporting Current and Future Leaders
New Farm Show Display and Presentations Highlight
Soybean Checkoff Programs
As part of an initiative to inform soybean farmers how their
checkoff dollars are spent, ISA introduced a new display at farm
shows. ISA also made presentations to county farm bureau
groups throughout Illinois in 2010. Based on new talking points
established by the ISA, these presentations, funded by the Illinois
soybean checkoff, complemented the new farm show display.
During 2010, ISA provided meetings, electronic training, support
materials and an enhanced directors’ intranet to prepare ISA
directors for their leadership roles and to keep them informed.
For example, a series of talking points covering numerous
topics – funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff – was created
to help directors prepare for speeches and media interviews.
In November 2010, ISA announced the newest class for the Soy
Ambassador Leadership Program – a two-year program that
grooms farmers for leadership roles. During the program, Soy
Ambassadors discover the challenges and opportunities facing
the soybean industry. They gain the inside track on the state,
national and global soybean industry and its organizations.
These individuals also provide valuable input on association
and checkoff activities. In addition, the Soy Ambassadors
promote soybeans and attend key soybean events, including
soybean conferences, workshops, and research tours in Illinois
and other selected conferences and meetings outside of Illinois.
For example, the Ambassadors travel to Washington, D.C.
for a legislative visit with Illinois lawmakers. They also travel
internationally to gain a global perspective that is critical in
becoming an effective leader in the soybean industry.
Annual Research Forum and Tour Inform Farmers
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the annual ISA
Research Forum was held in March and featured a wide variety
of presentations about checkoff-funded research. In July, ISA
hosted its annual Research Tour at two state universities and also
distributed its 2010 Research Report. The forum, tour and report
were funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
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Two New Websites Launched
In February, ISA launched two new websites funded by the Illinois
soybean checkoff: ilsoy.org and soyyieldchallenge.com. Both sites
are powered by a content management system (CMS) that enables
interactivity on a whole new level. The CMS allows ISA staff to make
changes and publish new pages and photos in a matter of minutes –
which means farmers and other users always have access to up-to-date
information.
Mobile Version of ilsoy.org Introduced
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, a mobile version of
ilsoy.org was introduced in December as a valuable tool for
smartphone users – not only soybean farmers, but also the
media, industry professionals and other key audiences.
New VIPS Booklet Developed and Distributed
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the Varietal
Information Program for Soybeans (VIPS) booklet arrived in
farmers’ mailboxes in December. This guide was included as a
supplement to the December issue of Illinois Soybean Review,
and included information farmers need to identify soybean
seed varieties to match their field conditions.
REACHING NON-FARMER AUDIENCES IN
NEW WAYS
New Brochures Published
In 2010, ISA developed new brochures funded by the Illinois soybean
checkoff. Inserted in an issue of Illinois Agri-News, “Illinois Soybean
Growers & Aquaculture: Oceans of Opportunity” addressed the role
of soy in aquaculture. A brochure titled “Get Rid of Unwanted Guests”
was released with the April issue of Illinois Soybean Review. This
brochure addressed how aphids and rust lead to decreased soybean
yields, and explained ways to identify their presence.
Radio Commercials Hit the Airways
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, five radio spots were created
and aired in key markets. These focused on soybean aphids, soybean
exports, aquaculture, soy biodiesel, and the connection between
soybeans and livestock.
Social Media Tools Expand Communication Capabilities
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff, new social media initiatives
were launched in 2010 to support issues and programs that are
important to soybean farmers and other key audiences. New videos
were developed and posted on the ISA YouTube channels (ilsoybean
and TheSoyYieldChallenge). A new Facebook page offered videos,
images and news about agriculture and soybeans, while similar
information was tweeted on the ISA Twitter page (@ilsoy_news).
Annual Illinois Commodity Conference Focuses on Dispelling
Myths about Farming
Funded in part by the Illinois soybean checkoff, the Illinois
Commodity Conference was held in November in Bloomington.
The conference promoted leadership and cooperation among several
commodity groups.
In 2010, non-farmer communications became more prevalent
to ISA outreach efforts, as non-farmer audiences continue
to influence policy decisions that affect Illinois soybean and
animal agriculture competitiveness. Last summer, a coalition
of farm organizations – including ISA – conducted research
that offered revealing information: Illinois consumers
really care about who produces their food, but they are
misinformed about the family farmers who grow and raise
the majority of food produced in Illinois. The coalition then
began implementing a media campaign to provide vital
information about Illinois farms.
Findings from the research, which
was partially funded by the
Illinois soybean checkoff, are
now being used to shape a
new Farmers Opening Our
Doors (FOOD) movement.
The movement will provide opportunities for Illinois farm
families to listen and share with consumers what really
happens on farms and answer questions about how food
is raised. The program is in its early planning stages,
but will include training so that farmers can give urban
consumers, especially moms, the opportunity to interact
with them one on one.
The Illinois Soybean Association is the statewide organization for
Illinois soybean farmers. The farmers on its board administer soybean
checkoff funds to support research, promotion, and educational
programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans and
administer legislative and membership programs.
Funded by the Illinois soybean checkoff.
www.ilsoy.org
www.soycam.com
www.soyyieldchallenge.com
www.getb11.info
ISAAR03114.9M
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AUGUST 31, 2010
AUGUST 31, 2009
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$108,746
$175,066
11,707,204
11,370,980
Accounts Receivable
64,897
93,945
Accrued Interest Receivable
37,877
0
Prepaid Insurance & Expenses
10,604
32,769
Short-Term Investments
Less: Accumulated Depreciation
Net Furniture and Equipment
Land
Net Property, Plant and Equipment
Checkoff Received
Less: Out-of-State Checkoff Forwarded
$22,971,203
$23,403,840
2,022,283
1,557,078
10,469,907
10,923,381
1,562,275
1,261,712
618,608
564,532
TOTAL CHECKOFF RECEIPTS
10,479,013
10,923,381
Less: Collection Expenses
19,867
52,825
10,459,146
10,870,556
36,526
111,096
6,245
11,843
10,501,917
10,993,495
Soybean Research Funding
4,502,632
4,173,557
International Market Development Funding
1,296,702
1,358,436
Information and Education Funding
1,816,620
1,555,510
Domestic Marketing Funding
2,802,828
1,112,874
701,009
594,949
943,667
697,180
239,015
239,015
NET CHECKOFF RECEIPTS
1,182,682
936,195
Interest Income
$13,112,010
$12,608,955
Miscellaneous Income
TOTAL ASSETS
AUGUST 31, 2009
REVENUES AND GAINS
National Checkoff to United Soybean Board
Property, Plant and Equipment
Building and Equipment
AUGUST 31, 2010
CHANGES IN UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS
ASSETS
Total Unrestricted Revenues and Gains
LIABILITIES
Funding Payables
4,008,670
3,975,021
Expenses Payable
1,380,757
367,490
343,313
269,337
58,156
58,119
Accrued Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation
Funds Held in Trust
Total Liabilities
5,790,896
4,669,967
7,321,114
7,938,988
NET ASSETS
Unrestricted Net Assets
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
NET ASSETS
EXPENSES
Management and Clerical Costs
Total Expenses
$13,112,010
$12,608,955
11,119,791
8,795,326
CHANGE IN UNRESTRICTED NET
(617,874)
2,198,169
Unrestricted Net Assets - Beginning of Year
7,938,988
5,740,819
UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR
$7,321,114
$7,938,988