The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has named six agronomic professionals to its 2025 IL Soy Envoy class. These experts will serve from April through October, providing actionable information, crop reports, and in-field updates via FieldAdvisor.org to help Illinois soybean farmers improve yields and profitability.  

 “The IL Soy Envoy program is a prime example of checkoff dollars in action—connecting farmers with agronomic experts who bring real-world solutions to the field,” said Kelsey Litchfield, ISA Agronomic Outreach Manager. “These six professionals bring hands-on agronomic expertise to the field, delivering timely information and analysis to help farmers improve yields, overcome agronomic challenges, and adapt to emerging issues. Their work ensures that Illinois soybean growers have the latest on-farm data and recommendations at their fingertips throughout the growing season.” 

 Throughout the season, IL Soy Envoys will share agronomic blogs, in-field video updates, and crop reports on FieldAdvisor.org and the Field Advisor podcast. Follow their updates on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and subscribe for notifications at FieldAdvisor.org. 

 Meet the 2025 IL Soy Envoys: 

• Haley Brokate, CCA – Paxton, IL | Key Account Manager, Illini FS
  Expertise: Fertility recommendations, weed control, seed placement, scouting 

• Torey Colburn, CCA – Mendota, IL | Midwest Conservation Agronomist, American Farmland Trust
  Expertise: Conservation, cover crops, soil health, crop scouting 

• Byron Hendrix, CCA – Kewanee, IL | Agronomist/Owner, Agronomy 1st, LLC
  Expertise: Weed resistance, adjuvants, integrated pest management, plant health, fertility 

• Matt Montgomery, CCA – Chatham, IL | Agronomy Education Lead, Beck’s Hybrids
  Expertise: Entomology, resistance management, chemical mode of action, red crown rot, soybean cyst nematode 

• Seth Wiley – Ottawa, IL | Farm Manager, Babson Farms
  Expertise: Ag retail, seed selection, weed management, high-yield strategies 

• Mike Wilson, CCA – Allendale, IL | Specialty Products Marketing Manager, Wabash Valley Service Company
  Expertise: Soil and water conservation, nutrient management, pest management, precision agriculture 

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, the IL Soy Envoy program brings together agronomic experts, including crop consultants, Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs), and industry professionals, to provide localized, research-based recommendations to Illinois farmers throughout the growing season. 

 For more information about the IL Soy Envoy program, visit FieldAdvisor.org.