ISA Names 2026 IL Soy Envoy Class to Deliver In-Season Agronomic Updates

Bloomington, Ill. - March 25, 2026 -Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) has selected six agronomic professionals to serve as the 2026 IL Soy Envoy class. These individuals will provide timely, data-driven information to soybean farmers across Illinois throughout the growing season.

"The IL Soy Envoy program puts real time, field level information directly in farmers' hands," said Kelsey Litchfield, ISA Agronomic Outreach Manager and Editor of Field Advisor. "These Envoys are in the field every day, sharing what they are seeing and turning it into practical recommendations farmers can use to improve performance and respond to challenges as they arise."

Serving from April through October, IL Soy Envoys will deliver crop reports, agronomic updates and local recommendations through FieldAdvisor.org and the Field Advisor podcast. Their updates give farmers a clear view of field conditions and issues developing across the state.

What to expect from the 2026 IL Soy Envoy class:
• In-season crop reports from across Illinois
• Local agronomic recommendations
• Regular updates on FieldAdvisor.org and the Field Advisor podcast
• Observations from the field throughout the growing season

This year's class represents a range of experience across Illinois agriculture, including research, retail agronomy and farming operations:

• Matt Montgomery, CCA, Chatham, Agronomy Education Lead, Beck's Hybrids
• Marissa Scott, Newark, Farmer, Friestad Farm
• Scott Krone, Rantoul, Product Development Agronomist, GDM Seeds
• Brandon Hall, CCA, CCS, Wataga, Location Operations Manager, West Central FS
• Jamie Horton, Woodlawn, Agronomist, Pitchford Elevator
• Tim Laatsch, CCA, Altamont, Owner and President, Field Hawk Ag Research, LLC

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, the IL Soy Envoy program connects farmers with agronomic professionals who provide research based, locally relevant recommendations throughout the season.

Follow IL Soy Envoy updates on FieldAdvisor.org, the Field Advisor podcast and across social media, or subscribe to receive updates during the growing season.

For more information about the IL Soy Envoy program, visit FieldAdvisor.org.

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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. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org and www.ilsoygrowers.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Betsy Osman
Illinois Soybean Association
[email protected]