(The Center Square) – It was a banner year for soybean farmers in Illinois.
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Illinois farmers produced 688 million bushels of soybeans in 2024, surpassing the state’s previous record of 666.75 million bushels, set in 2018.
“Checkoff investments in research and production have equipped farmers with the tools to unlock soybean yield potential, while the policy work by Illinois Soybean Growers has provided the framework for the success we enjoy here in Illinois,” said Ron Kindred, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA). “Together, we continue to set the standard for soybean production.”
The statewide average yield reached 64 bushels per acre, a slight increase from the 2023 average of 63 bushels per acre. Additionally, Illinois farmers harvested 10.75 million acres of soybeans in 2024, up from 10.3 million acres the year before.
Kindred said the bounty may help other industries to flourish.
“If we crush soybeans for the oil side to use as a feedstock for fuels, then we have all this soybean meal to go to the livestock industry,” said Kindred. “I think there is a potential to expand the livestock industry here in Illinois.”
The production numbers solidify Illinois’ ranking as the top soybean producing state in the country.
“Illinois continues to lead the way in soybean farming, setting the bar higher year after year,” said Bryan Severs, ISA Soybean Production Committee Chairman.
This article was originally published at www.thecentersquare.com
