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Optimistic outlook for soybean sustainability

The chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association says he’s excited about several new demand opportunities for soybeans.

Bryan Severs, who farms in Vermilion County, says soy crush facilities across the country are increasing production to meet higher biodiesel requirements in the updated Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs).

“With all of their new expansions that they had, it’s helped basis in my area.”  He says, “I live about 40 miles from one. So that’s helping basis, so that’s helping us as farmers.”

He tells Brownfield that the checkoff funded Soy Innovation Center is also exploring new domestic uses like soy-based lubricants.

“We’ve had a lot of interest in that from universities as well as other people, coming up with some new ideas for soybeans because that’s what we need to do.”  He says, “It’ll help move the pile.”

In Illinois, Severs says a recently signed memorandum of understanding between state leaders and Indonesian officials also bodes well.

“To hopefully get some more commodities moving, especially soybeans, to Indonesia.”  He says, “What we talked to them about was soybean meal, because they use whole soybeans for their food and their protein use for all their people that live there. We said, ‘Wait, what about soybean meal?’ And they’re like, ‘Wow, we never thought about that a lot.’ So, we’re going to keep pushing on that and see if we can get some soybean meal moved there too.”

Severs says finding more and diversified markets is vital for ensuring sustainability for soybean farmers.

Brownfield spoke with Severs at the 2026 Illinois State Fair.

AUDIO: Bryan Severs – Illinois Soybean Association