Bloomington, Ill. – March 15, 2023 – The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has named its ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy class for the 2023 growing season.

The Soy Envoys commit to a one-year term to contribute actionable information, advice and in-season updates via the ILSoyAdvisor blog to support Illinois soybean farmers in their goals of increasing yields and profits while minimizing environmental impact.

“ISA is excited to welcome seven new Soy Envoys for this year’s program that runs the entire growing season, April through October or the end of harvest,” said Outreach Agronomist, Stephanie Porter. “ISA Soy Envoys work in fields with farmers daily. Our program is a networking opportunity to learn from other agronomic professionals and share soybean knowledge and information with not only each other but also farmers statewide.”

The Soy Envoys will write blogs, provide in-field video updates, and share actionable soybean insight on social media. Follow the Soy Envoys on Twitter, Facebook and ILSoyAdvisor.com. Click HERE to learn more about the Soy Envoy program.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean checkoff program, the ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy program has expanded to include agronomy experts from across the state, including crop consultants, industry professionals, and a research student who will be providing local recommendations throughout the season to Illinois farmers.

The 2023 Soy Envoys are:

Crystal Williams of West Brooklyn, IL – Pioneer Seed – CORTEVA Agriscience, Field Agronomist, CCA – Specializes in fertility and weed management, field scouting, and product positioning.

Karen Corrigan of Goodfield, IL – McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics, Co-Owner, CCA, Heartland Community College, Adjunct Instructor – Specializes in weeds, herbicides and pest management.

Kelly Robertson of Benton, IL – Precision Crop Services LLC, Owner, Lead Agronomist, CCA – Specializes in field observation, precision management, VR seeding and soil fertility. Robertson also scouts beans for seed production and troubleshoots agronomic issues.

Kris Ehler of Champaign, IL – Ehler Brothers Co., Sales Agronomist/President, CCA – Focuses on early planting, seed treatments, high yield strategies, planting populations and in-season management.

Leonardo Rocha of Carbondale, IL – Southern Illinois University, Post-Doctoral Researcher – Specializes in plant pathology topics, focusing on SCN management practices. Rocha also wants to write research summaries on the projects developed at SIU, which are sponsored by the ISA checkoff program.

Matt Herman of Mt. Carmel, IL – Burrus Seed Company, Account Manager (DSM), CCA – Focuses on high-management corn and soybean production, soil fertility, and seed selection. Herman is constantly testing and trying to learn new things to improve the grower’s ROI.

Michael Hicks of Ursa, IL – Ursa Farmers Coop, Sales Manager – Specializes in helping producers reach the next level. Hicks works closely with Benson Hill farmers growing specialty beans while focusing on utilizing cover crops and management to maximize return on every acre.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.