2005 Year in Review

Illinois Soybean Research Tour Showcases Checkoff Results

Source: Julie Toohill at (309) 663-7692

For more than 10 years, Illinois soybean farmers have learned how the latest university research affects their own soybean production during the annual Illinois Soybean Checkoff Research Tour.

During this year's two-day tour, July 13 and 14, farmers were able to walk through laboratories and view field research at the University of Illinois and talk with researchers at Southern Illinois University Agronomy Research Center in Carbondale. Some of the issues that they discussed over the two-day tour included soybean rust, weeds, soybean aphids, SCN, and SDS.

"Research has been and will continue to be vital to the soybean checkoff. Nearly 40 percent of our Illinois budget is devoted to research projects. During this tour, soybean farmers have the chance to interact with the individual researchers, ask questions and learn about current research projects," explained Ken Dalenberg, Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board Research Chairman from Mansfield. "The tour also provides farmers the opportunity to direct questions to Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board members about how checkoff dollars are being invested."

The Illinois Soybean Checkoff Board (ISCB) is made up of 18 volunteer farmer-leaders who direct the funding of programs that enhance demand and market viability of soybeans. Research is one such program area, and includes projects to find new uses for soybeans, to develop information tools for producers, to advance genetic improvements for soybeans, to improve soybean disease resistance and to optimize soybean yields. The ISCB administers one-half of national soybean checkoff funds collected in Illinois.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
July 18, 2005