Bill Names Soybeans as State's Official Bean – Kane County Fields Part of the Harvest

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On January 6, 2025, the Illinois Legislature passed HB 4439, designating the soybean as Illinois’ official state bean. As the nation’s top soybean producer, Illinois cultivates over 10 million acres annually, accounting for 16% of U.S. soybean production and supporting 43,000 farmers statewide.

Kane County contributes to this success, with 192 farms producing 57,349 acres of soybeans and yielding over 3.5 million bushels annually, according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. 

An Illinois Soybean Association spokesperson praised the measure, for helping to raise awareness of the importance of soybeans to Illinois' economy and agricultural sector.

HB 4439 now heads to Governor JB Pritzker’s desk for final approval.

Soybeans: Planted Acreage by County
Soybeans: Harvested Acreage by County
Soybeans: Yield per Harvested Acre by County
Soybeans: Production by County

Learn more about Kane County's Farmland Protection program by clicking here​​. ​