Illinois Soybean Association

What Illinois Soybean Association does

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) is a private, farmer-led nonprofit commodity organization, founded in the mid-1960s, that represents more than 43,000 soybean farmers across Illinois, the #1 soybean-producing U.S. state. It is headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois with additional offices in Lombard and Springfield and an operational Agronomy Farm demonstration site near Heyworth. The organization operates two distinct programs: the federally mandated checkoff program, which collects a 0.5% assessment on the net market price of every bushel of soybeans sold in Illinois (with half retained at the state level and half passed to the United Soybean Board), and the voluntary Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) membership program, which funds separate government-relations and advocacy work via a 501(c)(3)-eligible Illinois Soybean Foundation and an associated political action committee.

ISA delivers its mandate through three functional pillars — Market Development, Soybean Production, and Government Relations — with execution spread across roughly 30–35 staff. Core offerings include Field Advisor (a checkoff-funded agronomic information platform with webinars, podcasts and on-farm research), the ISA Agronomy Farm demonstration site, the Soy Innovation Center and SpringBoard Challenge (new-product commercialization for soy-based solutions), the B20 Club partnership with the American Lung Association (biodiesel fleet adoption), the LEAD leadership program, the It's Sustainably Soy certification, the Yes Soy Can food-oil marketing program, and 20 Under 40 industry recognition. Market Development is measured against explicit targets: increasing Illinois soybean exports by 15% annually and maintaining 300 buyer touchpoints with existing international buyers and 25 with new buyers across 82 countries.

The business model is a transaction-fee checkoff assessment (0.5% of net market price, remitted quarterly via SPARC forms by first purchasers) layered with voluntary ISG membership dues and 501(c)(3) foundation contributions, rather than a traditional SaaS or product-margin model. Strategic priorities are global export expansion (existing and new buyer markets), on-farm yield improvement via agronomic research, biodiesel demand creation, conservation and sustainability practice adoption, and policy advocacy through ASA and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC. Operating reach spans domestic farmer services, agricultural advocacy and global export market development through partnerships with USSEC, USAPEEC, USMEF, Clean Fuels Alliance America and corporate partners including ADM, Beck's Hybrids, FMC and GROWMARK.

Name

Illinois Soybean Association

Legal name

Illinois Soybean Association

Website

https://ilsoy.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Illinois Soybean Association is a farmer-led nonprofit checkoff organization that represents more than 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers through a 0.5% federal checkoff assessment and a voluntary membership program, delivering agronomic research, market development across 82 export countries, biodiesel promotion, and government-relations advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Commodity Association

NAICS

Oilseed and Grain Farming (1111), Soybean Farming (11111), Regulation of Agricultural Marketing and Commodities (92614)

SIC

Agricultural Services (700), Agricultural Production-Crops (100), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Soybean Farming (AFAGABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Supply Chain, Marketing & Contracting Advisory (Grain/Livestock Marketing) (AFACAJAH), Farm Management & Decision Support Software (FMIS, ERP, Recordkeeping) (AFAGALAA), Sustainability & ESG / Carbon & Conservation Program Advisory (AFACAJAF)

Keywords

• Soybean checkoff program
• Agricultural commodity association
• Agronomic research services
• Agricultural market development
• Farmer advocacy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Bloomington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Soybean Checkoff Revenue: Illinois soybean farmers contribute 0.5% of the net market price for each bushel sold. Half of funds go to United Soybean Board, half retained by Illinois Soybean Board. Checkoff funds market development, soybean production research, issues analysis, communications and education. Checkoff cannot be used for policy/legislative work.
2. Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) Membership: Voluntary membership program that advocates for Illinois soybean farmers at local, state and national levels. Membership dollars fund government relations and advocacy efforts separate from checkoff.
3. Illinois Soybean Foundation Donations: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization cultivating grants, contributions and partnerships to augment ISA's mission. Donations are tax-deductible.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) administers the Illinois soybean checkoff program (a mandatory 0.5% assessment on the net market price of soybeans sold) and the Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) voluntary membership program. It delivers market development, agronomic research, government relations/advocacy, and education services on behalf of more than 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers, including operating the Field Advisor agronomic information platform, the Soy Innovation Center, biodiesel/B20 Club promotion, conservation programs, and the ISA Agronomy Farm.

Product overview

The Illinois Soybean Association operates a portfolio of programs and services organized around market development, soybean production, and government relations. The core offerings include Field Advisor (agronomic information platform), the Soy Innovation Center (for soy-based product commercialization), and the LEAD leadership program. Supporting programs include the B20 Club (biodiesel fleet recognition), It's Sustainably Soy certification, Yes Soy Can marketing, 20 Under 40 awards, SpringBoard Challenge seed funding, and ISA Agronomy Farm demonstration site. The Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) membership program and Illinois Field & Bean magazine provide ongoing member services and communication.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Field Advisor: Agronomic information and on-farm research platform funded by ISA Checkoff Program providing education, resources, webinars, and success stories for Illinois soybean producers.
• Illinois Soybean Foundation
• B20 Club
• SpringBoard Challenge
• Yes Soy Can
• It's Sustainably Soy
• Soy Innovation Center
• LEAD Program
• 20 Under 40

Products and services

• Field Advisor Agronomic information platform funded by the ISA Checkoff Program that delivers the latest education, resources, webinars, on-farm research, and success stories from local experts to help Illinois soybean producers improve yield and profitability. Covers soybean, wheat, and corn crop conditions, pest and disease management, cover crops, soil health, fertility, weather outlooks, and ag technology.
• Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) Membership Voluntary membership program for Illinois soybean farmers that actively monitors issues, opportunities, and threats and advocates for pro-farmer legislation at local, state, and national levels through the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC. Membership dues fund government relations and advocacy separate from checkoff.
• Checkoff Remittance (SPARC) Online and downloadable SPARC form system used by soybean producers and first purchasers to remit the mandatory 0.5% Illinois soybean checkoff assessment to the Illinois Soybean Board on a quarterly basis.
• Biodiesel Program Program that promotes the use of biodiesel made from soybean oil, highlighting engine performance, economic, and environmental benefits for fleets, fuel retailers, farmers, and drivers.
• B20 Club Partnership between the ISA checkoff program and the American Lung Association that recognizes Illinois-based organizations committed to running fleets on B20 and higher biodiesel blends, providing a Clean Air Choice designation and member benefits.
• Soy Innovation Center (SIC) ISA initiative designed to break down barriers to commercial availability of soy-based or soy-infused products, expanding offerings of renewable alternatives to petroleum or other chemical compounds.
• SpringBoard Challenge Seed funding challenge that supports innovative ideas for soy-based or bio-derived products, connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, and ag industry leaders through a conference and competition hosted with Distillery Labs, PeoriaNext, Greater Peoria EDC, and the Illinois Innovation Network.
• It's Sustainably Soy Certification Program Certification program that recognizes organizations, companies, and executives for switching to sustainable soy-based solutions.
• LEAD Program Leadership, Education, Advocacy, and Development program for aspiring and seasoned leaders in agriculture, offering tailored opportunities for growth, collaboration, and impact across the soybean supply chain via Next Generation, Navigators, and Ambassadors tracks.
• ISA Agronomy Farm Research-driven demonstration site located in Heyworth, Illinois (about 20 miles south of Bloomington) that showcases cutting-edge soybean production techniques, cover crop demonstrations, soil health trials, and on-farm research for Illinois farmers.
• Illinois Field & Bean Magazine Magazine publication covering topics relevant to Illinois soybean farmers, including farm finance, succession planning, renewable fuels, and agricultural policy. Also available as online content.
• Educator Resources Educational materials and curriculum for teachers and students from elementary through high school, including lesson plans, activity books, coloring books, and the Behind the Bean video series about soybeans and agriculture careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Increase Illinois soybean bushels exported to existing and new markets by 15% annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• United Soybean Board (USB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1990National soybean checkoff administrator. Half of collected checkoff funds are retained and administered by USB for national research, market development and expansion activities.
• American Soybean Association (ASA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1960ISA works with ASA on state and national legislative and regulatory policy issues. ASA differs from USB (which focuses on checkoff activities) by working on policy advocacy.
• USSEC (U.S. Soybean Export Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorks to maximize export opportunities for U.S. soybeans and soy products through global marketing and technical support.
• American Lung AssociationflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for B20 Club program. ALA provides Clean Air Choice designation for biodiesel and co-manages the B20 Club recognizing fleets committed to biodiesel use.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for conservation programming including cover crop demonstrations, soil health, and nutrient management. NRCS provides technical assistance and funding program navigation.
• Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PFQF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for pollinator and wildlife habitat demonstrations at the Agronomy Farm, showing coexistence of habitat restoration with row crop production.
• Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrial cooperator for corn MRTN (Maximum Return to Nitrogen) plot at the Agronomy Farm, evaluating nitrogen rate recommendations.
• University of IllinoiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partner for soybean variety plots and wheat/double-crop soybean trials. Provides academic expertise and research validation.
• Cropsmith, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrial cooperator for wheat/double-crop soybean plots assessing double crop soybeans to optimize rotation and profitability.
• Precision Conservation Management (PCM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration for conservation training programs for retailers and growers focused on sustainable agricultural practices.
• Saving Tomorrow's Agriculture Resources (STAR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for training programs helping farmers implement sustainable agriculture practices.
• Soil and Water Outcomes Fund (SWOF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing farmers with payments for implementing conservation practices that generate environmental outcomes.
• Illinois NRECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIllinois Nutrient Research & Education Council partnership for research addressing nutrient management and water quality.
• USAPEEC (U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership promoting U.S. poultry and egg exports internationally.
• US Meat Export Federation (USMEF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership promoting U.S. beef, pork, and lamb exports. ISA is a supporter representing soybean farmer interests in livestock nutrition.
• Soy Aquaculture AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership promoting soy use in aquaculture feed, connecting land and water through soybean-based fish nutrition.
• Illinois Soybean Growers PACcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolitical action committee actively advocating for pro-agriculture, pro-farmer legislative candidates across Illinois.
• Illinois Innovation NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for SpringBoard Challenge innovation competition, connecting researchers and entrepreneurs with soybean-based product development.
• Distillery LabscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation hub hosting SpringBoard Conference and seed funding challenge for soy-based product development.
• PeoriaNextcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation organization supporting SpringBoard Challenge conference and entrepreneurship in Central Illinois.
• Greater Peoria EDCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization supporting innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives including SpringBoard Challenge.
• Illinois Farm BureaucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in farmer outreach and agricultural advocacy across Illinois.
• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMajor soybean processor and exporter, participant in Soy Partner Pledge and B20 Club. Supports ISA market development efforts.
• Beck's HybridscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner collaborating with ISA to broaden reach to Illinois soybean farmers through the Corporate Partner Program.
• FMCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term Corporate Partner creating beneficial learning and engagement experiences for Illinois growers with creative approaches.
• Clean Fuels Alliance AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry coordinating entity for technical, environmental and quality assurance programs for biodiesel. ISA promotes membership and resources.
• GROWMARK FScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAgricultural supply company incorporated biodiesel into fleet vehicles, supporting Illinois soybean growers through B20 Club Associate Membership.
• Renewable Energy GroupcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBQ-9000 certified biodiesel producer operating five facilities in Illinois. Associate Member of B20 Club.
• Incobrasa IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBQ-9000 certified biodiesel producer with 50+ years experience in oilseed products. Associate Member of B20 Club.
• Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation (IL-ACT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit coalition affiliated with U.S. DOE Clean Cities program promoting environmentally friendly vehicles and cleaner air throughout Illinois.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• United Soybean Board: National soybean checkoff administrator that receives half of every state checkoff dollar (including ISA's) and funds nationwide research, market development, and promotion. USB and ISA operate as a coordinated two-tier checkoff system and serve overlapping soybean-farmer constituencies.
• Indiana Soybean Alliance: Indiana's state soybean checkoff and membership organization, operating the same dual checkoff/membership model as ISA across agronomy, market development, and government relations for a comparable Midwest soybean-farmer base.
• Ohio Soybean Council: Qualified State Soybean Board for Ohio administering checkoff-funded research, education, and promotion programs for Ohio soybean farmers. Operates the same farmer-funded checkoff structure and offers a directly comparable mix of agronomic research, market development, and biodiesel/end-use programs.
• Clean Fuels Alliance America: National trade association coordinating technical, environmental, and quality-assurance programs for the biodiesel and renewable diesel industry—an explicit ISA partner that ISA promotes to members. Comparable mission of expanding demand for soybean-based fuels.
• Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council: Minnesota's state soybean checkoff organization funding research, market development, and consumer education for Minnesota soybean farmers. Operates with the same checkoff mechanics and program portfolio categories as ISA (research, promotion, market development).
• Iowa Soybean Association: State-level soybean checkoff and advocacy organization for Iowa—structurally identical to ISA with the same checkoff model, agronomy research, market development, and government relations mandate. Iowa is a top-tier soybean producer and the closest one-to-one analog to ISA.
• U.S. Soybean Export Council: Core international marketing partner that ISA explicitly collaborates with to maximize export opportunities for U.S. soybeans. Operates in the same soybean demand-development space and shares the soybean-farmer-funded mission to grow overseas demand.
• National Corn Growers Association: Parallel U.S. commodity checkoff organization for corn growers, with the same dual structure of checkoff-funded research/promotion plus a membership advocacy arm. Highly comparable operating model and program mix, differing only in commodity focus.

Broad incumbents

• American Soybean Association: National policy and trade advocacy organization for U.S. soybean growers. ASA complements USB's checkoff role by handling legislative and regulatory advocacy that checkoff funds cannot support—mirroring the relationship between ISA and Illinois Soybean Growers at the national level.
• Illinois Farm Bureau: Statewide general agricultural membership and advocacy organization for Illinois farmers. ISA explicitly partners with Farm Bureau on farmer outreach and ag advocacy, and the two serve overlapping farmer constituencies with complementary (commodity-specific vs. broad) mandates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ilsoybean
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@FieldAdvisor_ILSoybean
• Facebookfacebook.com/ilsoy
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/illinois-soybean-association

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Illinois Soybean Association