Your voice matters: Illinois soybean farmers can help shape conservation efforts

Association seeks farmers’ “honest input,” and paying out $100 for 45 minutes of virtual time

The Illinois Soybean Association is working to better connect farmers with conservation programs and resources—but they say they need to hear from farmers first.

Among the questions they are seeking feedback on:

• What are the biggest challenges on your farm right now?
• What would you improve if you had the time, resources, and know-how?
• And what would it take to make you explore conservation programs—or what’s keeping you from doing so?

The upcoming virtual conversation is ISA’s way of better understanding what farmers need so that the “right” resources can be built.

The event takes place starting at 8 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025.

As a virtual event taking no more than 45 minutes of a participant’s time, the Illinois Soybean Association will pay out $100 digital gift cards to those who give of their time and successfully participate. Seating is limited, however, so farmers who are willing to provide insights are encouraged to register today and secure a spot.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT – REGISTER NOW

[This registration link is being provided on behalf of Illinois Soybean Association by its trusted research partner, Paulsen. The Paulsen team ([email protected]) will add the session to your calendar after you register. Be sure to keep an eye on your junk folder in case the invitation goes there.]

 

What makes this FOCUS session different (and actually interesting)

This isn’t your typical survey or boring Zoom meeting. Here’s what farmers love about FOCUS sessions:

✓ Participate live with farmers from across Illinois—anonymously. See what other producers are thinking in real time, without anyone knowing who said what. No judgment, just honest farmer perspectives.

✓ No video, no talking, no awkward silences. Just type your answers. The quietest voice in the room gets heard just as much as the loudest. Everyone contributes equally.

✓ See everyone’s responses instantly. As farmers answer each question, you’ll watch responses appear on screen live. It’s fascinating to see how similar (or different) your challenges and opinions are from others around the state.

✓ Fast-paced and engaging. This moves quickly—no dragging conversations or one person dominating the discussion. We’ve run these with farmers across the Midwest, and they consistently rate the experience 4.5-4.7 out of 5.

✓ Completely confidential. Your individual responses stay private. Only the aggregate insights are shared with Illinois Soybean Association.

✓ Easy to participate. Log in from the comfort of your kitchen table, office, or wherever you have internet access.

Whether you’ve worked with conservation programs before or never considered them, your perspective matters. Your feedback will directly shape how the Illinois Soybean Association helps Illinois farmers.