SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - (January 9, 2025) - On January 6, 2025, the Illinois Legislature passed HB 4439 which designates the soybean as Illinois' official state bean.

HB 4439 recognizes the importance of soybeans to the state's economy and agricultural heritage.
Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state in the nation with over 10 million acres of soybeans planted each year, accounting for 16 percent of the total U.S. soy production. HB 4439 acknowledges the contribution of the 43,000 hardworking soybean farmers across the state who feed and fuel the world.

"I would like to extend our gratitude to Representative Matt Hanson and the Illinois General Assembly for officially designating the soybean as the state bean of Illinois. This bill helps raise awareness of the importance of soybeans to our state's economy and agricultural sector," said Andrew Larson, Director of Government Relations & Strategy at the Illinois Soybean Association. "We thank Representative Hanson for his work highlighting the importance Illinois farmers play in our state."

HB 4439 will be sent to the Governor's office to await his signature.

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The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and government relations efforts, while the membership program, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) and the Illinois Soybean Growers PAC actively advocates for positive and impactful legislation for farmers at local, state and national levels. ISA upholds the interests of Illinois soybean farmers through promotion, advocacy, research and education with the vision of becoming a trusted partner of Illinois soybean farmers to ensure their profitability now and for future generations.