Illinois Soybean Association Podcasts

Stephanie Porter speaks about Better Beans and Soybean Summit with KICD Radio in Spencer, Iowa.

In the latest episode of the By Association Podcast, ISA communicators Claire Weinzierl and Betsy Osman are checking in with Lindsay Mitchell, Director of Marketing and Communications for IL Corn, about the partnering organizations’ shared booth at this year’s Farm Progress Show. They’ll talk about the many ways Illinois farmers’ checkoff dollars are “Fueling Progress” for Illinois agriculture, as well as the organizations’ dedication to the use of biodiesel, ethanol, and other shared priorities. Join the conversation!

In the latest episode of the By Association Podcast, Claire and Betsy are checking in with Gracie Pierson, Consumer Engagement Manager for the Illinois Farm Bureau to learn more about the Farm Bureau’s role in consumer-facing initiatives, including the most recent “We Are the 96%” campaign, and the ways ISA and Illinois Farm Bureau are working together to advance awareness and appreciation for Illinois agriculture.

In the latest episode of the By Association Podcast, Rachel and Betsy are checking in with Jack Marck, Managing Director of the Illinois AgTech Accelerator. Recently, Jack has been working to create new systems for establishing ag data standards, and sharing that information across industry stakeholders, in an effort to increase collaboration around ag data collection, security, and management. Join their conversation!

"Reliving the ISA Egypt Mission Trip"

In this episode of the By Association Podcast, Rachel and Betsy are checking in with ISA Board Director and Market Development Committee Chairman, Scott Gaffner, and ISA Trade & Exports Manager, Eileen Urish, to relive their recent mission trip Egypt. Scott, Eileen, and Rachel were joined by other ISA leadership who were able to meet Egyptian farmers, and see firsthand aquaculture and poultry industry professionals being trained in modern production methods. The group was given the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the poultry demands of Egypt, and how aquaculture markets and poultry markets are helping to meet those affordable protein demands. Join their conversation and step inside modern-day Egyptian living!

In the latest By Association Podcast, Rachel and Betsy are checking in with Dr. Andrew Margenot, soil scientist and faculty member at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and presenter at this year’s Soybean Summit. After his Ph.D. research on soil fertility at UC Davis, Andrew joined the Illinois agricultural scene in 2017, where he leads a research team that evaluates soil fertility and nutrient cycling in our state and the greater North Central US region. Join their conversation to learn more about Andrew’s research on nitrogen and phosphorus management, soil health, and carbon crediting, with the goal of supporting efficient use of nutrients for profitable crop production while ensuring environmental quality.

In the latest By Association podcast episode, Rachel and Betsy are checking in with Roberta Simpson-Dolbeare, Illinois soybean farmer and Chair of the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health Program (WISHH) which is dedicated to connecting trade and development across global market systems. Tune in to learn more about Roberta’s recent trade mission in Nairobi, Kenya, and Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the good work happening for, and because of, Illinois soy.

In the latest episode of the By Association Podcast, Rachel and Betsy check in with Tara Smith, Executive Vice President of Michael Torrey Associates (MTA). The MTA team is a group of government relations strategists that stay ahead of the issues that challenge agriculture, food and financial services organizations. Tara focuses on developing and implementing legislative and regulatory strategies, building coalitions and informing policymakers on client priorities. But one of our favorite things about Tara is that she’s a farm girl, born and raised on a corn and soybean farm in central Illinois.

The United States is the world’s 2nd largest producer and exporter of soybeans, and the world’s largest producer and exporter of turkey. And today, the turkey industry is thriving thanks to the availability and economic benefits of high-protein soybean meal. In the latest episode of By Association, Beth Breeding, Vice President of Communications and Marketing at the National Turkey Federation, talks with us to share more about her role in managing industry response to issues ranging from food safety to holiday preparations. Beth also coordinates the federation’s turkey marketing and promotion initiatives including Turkey Smoke, an exciting new barbecue outreach program raising consumer awareness of turkey in smoking and grilling.

Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Board Director, Jeff O’Connor recalls his experience on May 11, 2022 when the President of the United States, Joe Biden, along with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited OC Farms.