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BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Soybean Association checkoff program is sharing its “Good to be Soy” message with Fighting Illini fans in their fall and winter sports lineup.
On Nov. 12, ISA hosted a “Good to be Soy” tailgate within the Grange Grove quadrant next to Memorial Stadium before kickoff between the Fighting Illini versus the Purdue Boilermakers.
“Our message to the Fighting Illini nation is that from food to fuel, Illinois soybean farmers are committed to growing our domestic resources, supporting global food security and meeting challenges with homegrown solutions,” said Jim Martin of Pontiac, ISA District 6 director.
By sharing the “Good to be Soy” story, Illini fans will have a better understanding of:
• Biodiesel — Illinois soybean farmers are growing sustainable, domestic fuels right here in Illinois fields. Biodiesel is made using Illinois soybeans, which makes it a renewable energy solution that we’re producing here at home.
• The Power of Soy Protein — Soy protein is the only plant-based protein carrying the Food and Drug Administration’s heart health claim confirming it may reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s deliciously versatile as an ingredient and, best of all, it’s sustainably grown by local Illinois farmers using innovative conservation practices.
• Sustainability — Illinois soybean farmers are the caretakers of our natural resources, including soil and water and work to make agricultural production more sustainable.
• Economic Impact — Illinois produces more soybeans than any other state in the United States. The 43,000 Illinois soybean farmers who deliver high-quality products year after year are driving the economy, growing new market opportunities around the world, raising the bar for conservation and innovation and bringing dollars back to Illinois.
“While ISA is rooting for the Fighting Illini, we know that Illinois soybean farmers are Illinois’ true home-field advantage,” Martin said.
Later in the winter athletic season, ISA will be sponsoring the Fighting Illini versus Northwestern Wildcats basketball game on Feb. 23. More details will be available at www.ilsoy.org.