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According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Illinois
farmers produced 688 million bushels of soybeans in 2024,
surpassing the state’s previous record of 666.75 million
bushels, set in 2018.
“Checkoff investments in research and production have equipped
farmers with the tools to unlock soybean yield potential, while
the policy work by Illinois Soybean Growers has provided the
framework for the success we enjoy here in Illinois," said Ron
Kindred, chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA).
“Together, we continue to set the standard for soybean
production.”
The statewide average yield reached 64 bushels per acre, a
slight increase from the 2023 average of 63 bushels per acre.
Additionally, Illinois farmers harvested 10.75 million acres of
soybeans in 2024, up from 10.3 million acres the year before.
Kindred said the bounty may help other industries to flourish.
“If we crush soybeans for the oil side to use as a feedstock for
fuels, then we have all this soybean meal to go to the livestock
industry,” said Kindred. “I think there is a potential to expand
the livestock industry here in Illinois.”
The production numbers solidify Illinois’ ranking as the top
soybean producing state in the country.
“Illinois continues to lead the way in soybean farming, setting
the bar higher year after year,” said Bryan Severs, ISA Soybean
Production Committee Chairman.
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