Soy Envoys selected for growing season

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Soybean Association has named its ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy class for the 2023 growing season.

The Soy Envoys commit to a one-year term to contribute actionable information, advice and in-season updates via the ILSoyAdvisor blog to support Illinois soybean farmers in their goals of increasing yields and profits while minimizing environmental impact.

“ISA is excited to welcome seven new Soy Envoys for this year’s program that runs the entire growing season, April through October or the end of harvest,” said Outreach Agronomist Stephanie Porter.

“ISA Soy Envoys work in fields with farmers daily. Our program is a networking opportunity to learn from other agronomic professionals and share soybean knowledge and information with not only each other but also farmers statewide.”

The Soy Envoys will write blogs, provide in-field video updates and share actionable soybean insight on social media. Follow the Soy Envoys on Twitter, Facebook and ILSoyAdvisor.com.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean checkoff program, the ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy program has expanded to include agronomy experts from across the state, including crop consultants, industry professionals and a research student who will be providing local recommendations throughout the season to Illinois farmers.

The 2023 Soy Envoys are:

• Karen Corrigan, of Goodfield, McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics co-owner and Heartland Community College adjunct instructor — specializes in weeds, herbicides and pest management.

• Kris Ehler, of Champaign, Ehler Brothers Co. sales agronomist and president — focuses on early planting, seed treatments, high yield strategies, planting populations and in-season management.

• Matt Herman, of Mt. Carmel, Burrus Seed Company account manager — focuses on high-management corn and soybean production, soil fertility and seed selection and is constantly testing and trying to learn new things to improve the grower’s return on investment.

• Michael Hicks, of Ursa, Ursa Farmers Coop sales manager — specializes in helping producers reach the next level and works closely with Benson Hill farmers growing specialty beans while focusing on utilizing cover crops and management to maximize return on every acre.

• Kelly Robertson, of Benton, Precision Crop Services LLC owner and lead agronomist — specializes in field observation, precision management, VR seeding and soil fertility, scouts beans for seed production and troubleshoots agronomic issues.

• Leonardo Rocha, of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University post-doctoral researcher — specializes in plant pathology topics, focusing on SCN management practices, and wants to write research summaries on the projects developed at SIU, which are sponsored by the ISA checkoff program.

• Crystal Williams, of West Brooklyn, Pioneer Seed, Corteva Agriscience field agronomist — specializes in fertility and weed management, field scouting and product positioning.