BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Directors of the Illinois Soybean Assoc. (ISA) board will host listening and roundtable discussion sessions for area soybean growers on Feb. 25-26. Both forums start at 9:30 a.m. and continue through lunch.<br>

On Feb. 25, C.W. Gaffner of Greenville and Ross Prough of Greenfield will host the forum in the Multi-Purpose Room at Lincoln Land Community College in Litchfield. On Feb. 26, Lyle Wessel of Waterloo and Dean Campbell of Coulterville will host a session at the L & B East End Restaurant, 1215 Spotsylvania Street in New Athens. All soybean growers are welcome to attend, and should reserve a seat for lunch at either forum by Feb. 19, by calling ISA at 888-826-4011.<br>

“As an ISA board member, I to want hear what soybean issues are important to area farmers,” Wessel said. “This roundtable format has proven successful as it allows farmers to hear their neighbors’ concerns, as well as voice their own.”<br>

Topics of discussion will be driven by the participants and likely will focus on biodiesel, research investments, production challenges or other area-specific topics.<br>

“This meeting is the farmers’ opportunity to ask questions and voice their opinions; it will be two full hours of open discussion,” Prough said.<br>

This is the third year for the forums, which are intended to generate discussion at the local level on topics that are of concern to area soybean growers. The forums also familiarize producers with ISA and its mission to serve Illinois soybean farmers.<br>

As director for ISA’s District 15, Wessel represents producers in Clinton, Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties.<br>

As director for ISA’s District 17, Campbell represents producers in Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph and Washington counties.
As director for ISA’s District 13, Gaffner represents producers in Bond, Fayette, Marion and Montgomery counties. Prough serves on the board as an at-large director.<br>

ISA is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean farmers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans, and administer legislation and membership programs.