ISA announces 2025 IL Soy Envoy class

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The Illinois Soybean Association has named six agronomic professionals to its 2025 IL Soy Envoy class.

These experts will serve from April through October, providing actionable information, crop reports and in-field updates via FieldAdvisor.org to help Illinois soybean farmers improve yields and profitability.

“The IL Soy Envoy program is a prime example of checkoff dollars in action — connecting farmers with agronomic experts who bring real-world solutions to the field,” said Kelsey Litchfield, ISA agronomic outreach manager.

“These six professionals bring hands-on agronomic expertise to the field, delivering timely information and analysis to help farmers improve yields, overcome agronomic challenges and adapt to emerging issues. Their work ensures that Illinois soybean growers have the latest on-farm data and recommendations at their fingertips throughout the growing season.”

The 2025 IL Soy Envoys are all certified crop advisers.

Throughout the season, IL Soy Envoys will share agronomic blogs, in-field video updates and crop reports on FieldAdvisor.org and the Field Advisor podcast.

Follow their updates on X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and subscribe for notifications at FieldAdvisor.org.

New Envoys

• Haley Brokate, of Paxton, key account manager, Illini FS — fertility recommendations, weed control, seed placement and scouting.

• Torey Colburn, of Mendota, Midwest conservation agronomist, American Farmland Trust — conservation, cover crops, soil health and crop scouting.

• Byron Hendrix, of Kewanee, agronomist and owner, Agronomy 1st LLC — weed resistance, adjuvants, integrated pest management, plant health and fertility.

• Matt Montgomery, of Chatham, agronomy education lead, Beck’s Hybrids — entomology, resistance management, chemical mode of action, red crown rot and soybean cyst nematode.

• Seth Wiley, of Ottawa, farm manager, Babson Farms — ag retail, seed selection, weed management and high-yield strategies.

• Mike Wilson, of Allendale, specialty products marketing manager, Wabash Valley Service Company — soil and water conservation, nutrient management, pest management and precision agriculture.

Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, the IL Soy Envoy program brings together agronomic experts, including crop consultants, CCAs and industry professionals, to provide localized, research-based recommendations to Illinois farmers throughout the growing season.