Kindred gives soybean update

BLOOMINGTON – Ron Kindred, who farms in Logan, Tazewell and McLean counties, is looking for above-average yields this fall.

The vice chairman of the Illinois Soybean Association feels he is in a pretty good spot. He has noticed many four bean pods which he says will bode well for yields. Kindred planted all of his beans before corn this year for the first time ever.

“We are looking forward to harvesting our soybeans to see what they make this year,” Kindred said.

After pulling some corn ears, Kindred feels kernel depth is good even though his farms took in plenty of water over the summer.

“We had one event where we had eight inches in two and a half days,” recalled Kindred.

The flooding was fairly severe on one of Kindred’s farms as nearby creeks and streams rose out of their banks.

Kindred is second in charge for the Illinois Soybean Association and travels around with the chairman, trying to learn all he can as he moves toward that role in the future. Kindred helps represent all of the soybean farmers in the state trying to represent them in the best possible way he knows how.

Top ISA issues lately have dealt with B20 bio-diesel legislation, to make it a standard in the state. Exports are also important as 60 percent of our soybeans are exported to foreign markets.

“Trade is of utmost importance,” said Kindred. “It is always an issue that we are on top of.”

ISA has a partnership with the United States Soybean Export Council where they are sponsoring a project in Egypt to bring awareness about soybeans. Kindred thinks Illinois soybeans can play a big role in that market.