Moore: ISA Sets Course for 2020

submitted by Jay Magnani | April 13, 2011 - 1:35 pm | 0 comments

Without my glasses, I do not have perfect vision. And without a plan, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) does not, either. That’s why the ISA board of directors spent nearly two years developing a new vision, mission, values and goals. And I have to say, I am very pleased with the teamwork and results. We can all feel confident as we move toward 2020.

ISA’s new vision is to enable Illinois soybean farmers to be the most knowledgeable and profitable around the world. Our mission is to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace.

Ambitious? Perhaps. But we have for the last several months already been working under those parameters. You can read more in this issue of the Illinois Soybean Review about soybean checkoff-funded activities that fit within this vision and mission.

One particular area I highlight is animal agriculture. The industry remains our number one priority and our number one customer. Feeding poultry, livestock and fish in Illinois and abroad remains the best, most profitable way for us to utilize Illinois soybeans. You can read more about some of our checkoff-funded poultry and meat efforts in overseas markets.

From the supply side, we have included a timely article about weed management for 2011. Most of us already know we can no longer spray glyphosate and ignore our crop. Aaron Hager, University of Illinois weed specialist, has some tips for the upcoming season and beyond.

These and other checkoff-funded projects will help us reach our goal for maximum profitability and global competitive positioning for Illinois soybean farmers. Specifically, we hope to utilize 600 million bushels of Illinois soybeans by 2020; develop the highest quality soybean, soybean oil and soybean meal products; implement best management practices to maximize profitability; and increase soybean production in a sustainable manner to meet global market needs.

We’ve set our course for 2020. ISA pledges to provide leadership to the Illinois soybean industry through commitment, perseverance and honor to achieve maximum profitability for each Illinois soybean farmer. We can be the most knowledgeable, profitable soybean farmers in the world.

Have a safe planting season.