The ILSoyAdvisor.com Soybean Summits will bring valuable management resources to local farmers this winter.  Funded in part by the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff program, the 2017 Soybean Summits will be held Feb. 3, 2017, in Effingham at the Thelma Keller Convention Center and Feb. 16, 2017, in Peoria at the Peoria Civic Center, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These free events will update soybean farmers and other production industry participants about the latest management techniques that can lead to higher soybean yields and greater profitability, while also protecting the environment through sustainable practices. Topics include:

• Developing habits to break down yield barriers
• Discovering new trends and techniques to help boost yield potential
• Finding new ways to overcome production challenges
• Learning how to meet growing global demand

“If you grow soybeans—especially if you want bigger yields and better profits—you need to attend the 2017 ILSoyAdvisor.com Soybean Summits,” says Daryl Cates, soybean farmer from Columbia, Ill., and ISA chairman. “We’re extending our ILSoyAdvisor.com platform into these regions to share valuable insights that will boost yields and improve bottom lines.”

Learning Opportunities

The agendas for each event are packed with valuable learning and networking opportunities.  The events include on-site trade shows, enabling participants to network and exchange ideas with producers, consultants and other industry leaders.

Key sessions and speakers for the Feb. 3 Effingham Summit include:

• How Do You Win in Tough Times? – Mike Boehlje, Purdue University
• Accelerating Soybean Genetic Gain with Cutting Edge Technologies and Management – Kirk Reese, DuPont Pioneer
• Double-cropping: Challenges and Viable Solutions – Roundtable discussion and Q&A led by CCA (Certified Crop Adviser) Soy Envoys

Key sessions and speakers for the Feb. 16 Peoria Summit include:

• Innovation in Agriculture – Robb Fraley, Monsanto
• Ag Outlook 2020: Short-term Bearish and Long-term Bullish – Steve Johnson, Iowa State University
• Challenges and Viable Solutions in Soybean Production – Roundtable discussion and Q&A led by CCA Soy Envoys

Each event also will feature four unique breakout sessions exploring topics such as nutrient management, double-crop beans, herbicide resistance and management strategies for high-yield soybeans.  Full agendas for the Effingham Summit and the Peoria Summit are available on the Illinois Soybean Association website.

How to Register

The ILSoyAdvisor.com Soybean Summits are free to Illinois farmers, agronomists and others in the soybean production industry. Seating at each location is limited, so register online today at ilsoy.org/summit or call 888-826-4011. The registration deadline for Effingham is Jan. 20 and for Peoria is Feb. 2. On-site registration opens at 7 a.m. with a light breakfast.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois through the state soybean checkoff and membership efforts. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, promotion, issues management and analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.