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ISA Director of Ag Innovations & Tech Transfer Linda Kull, Ph.D., says Wells will represent the ISA checkoff program, focusing on producer and retailer relationships, outreach and program influence for the ISA Yield Challenge throughout the state. Wells will encourage on-farm trials using new and diversified management practices aimed at increasing yield and profit.

“We are excited to have Bob as a trusted contractor working on behalf of Illinois soybean farmers,” says Kull. “The ISA Yield Challenge began in 2010 to promote adoption of better management practices and technologies that lead to higher yields and profitability. We believe participation inspires other producers to try new technologies and share their results – which may encourage on-farm testing and reveal strategies and opportunities to increase yields.”

Wells was raised on a family farm near Farmer City, Ill., which is now operated by his brother, Kurt, with the help of their parents, Bill and Joyce Wells. Bob currently lives with his wife, Peggy, in Bement, Ill., and has four adult children and families living nearby. He currently is a business development consultant to AgCall USA and comes to ISA with more than 40 years of experience in agriculture. He was one of the first 100 Certified Crop Advisers (CCA) in the state and recently achieved his resistance management specialty (RMS); one of about 12 in Illinois.

Wells graduated from Western Illinois University in 1978 with a degree in agriculture sciences and has admitted to having an insatiable appetite for learning. “I’m fascinated by crop production and the challenges that come into play year after year,” he says. “I believe there is so much potential for growth and development, looking at the crop genetics available at our fingertips, I think we are at the tip of the iceberg in terms of productivity.”

Wells is focused on continued growth and improvement of the ISA Yield Challenge competition with producers’ best interests in mind. “I’m looking forward to learning from the producers I interact with this year. I hope to learn what motivates them to compete in the Yield Challenge,” Wells says. “I also hope to see a greater level of participation across the state in years to come and look forward to sharing the information learned from participants with the rest of Illinois soybean producers in the hopes of also improving their operations and success.”

With fall on the horizon, most Illinois soybean producers are preparing to harvest their Yield Challenge soybean plots. Those participating in the Yield Challenge or entering the 100-Bushel Challenge should contact Wells at 217-649-0925 or bwells@ilsoy.org to ask questions and schedule harvest verifications. Visit www.SoyYieldChallenge.com to learn more about the Yield Challenge, access the Harvest Entry Forms and more.

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) checkoff and membership programs represent more than 43,000 soybean farmers in Illinois. The checkoff funds market development, soybean production and profitability research, issues analysis, communications and education. Membership and advocacy efforts support Illinois soybean farmer interests in local areas, Springfield and Washington, D.C., through the Illinois Soybean Growers. ISA programs are designed to ensure Illinois soy is the highest quality, most dependable, sustainable and competitive in the global marketplace. For more information, visit the website www.ilsoy.org.