SOYLEIC Plots on the University of Illinois Campus (Source – Illinois Soybean Association)

Illinois soybean farmers can capitalize on the demand for high oleic, low linolenic (HOLL) soybean oil. Through ongoing breeding efforts, the goal is to offer varieties that combine competitive yields with the value-added SOYLEIC™ trait. This means farmers can expect access to new varieties each year that not only meet market demands but also deliver strong performance in the field.

Dr. Eliana Monteverde recently shared an update on the progress of the breeding project, which is already delivering results. Here’s a quick summary:

2024 Harvest Update

After processing the data from the 2024 growing season, the team concluded a successful round of commercial trials. These trials included 34 elite soybean lines ranging from maturity groups II to IV. Out of these, nine lines showed yields comparable to or even higher than the industry standard Pioneer checks. These selected lines will be used for commercial increase in 2025, providing even more options for farmers.

What’s Next?

The team is preparing for the 2025 planting season. A total of 36 high-yielding experimental lines will be included in commercial trials across multiple locations in Illinois. Additionally, 347 lines will undergo preliminary and advanced yield trials, all aiming to discover the best-performing varieties for the coming years.

In total, approximately 630 HOLL lines are set to be planted, further expanding the breeding pipeline. Thanks to the success of this project, Illinois farmers now have access to 10 SOYLEIC varieties, with even more in the pipeline for the future.

What’s the Takeaway for Farmers?

This Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded project is creating a steady flow of improved soybean varieties that not only enhance the marketability of Illinois-grown soybeans but also provide the yield reliability that farmers depend on. The ongoing release of new lines provides Illinois soybean farmers with valuable opportunities in the high oleic oil market.

To learn more about this Illinois Soybean Checkoff-funded research and its benefits for farmers, visit its project page in the Field Advisor Research Hub.

Stay tuned for more updates and continued on-farm research in soybean breeding.