Illinois Soybean Association releases new app

The Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) will launch IL Soy Bids, its new app for mobile devices, at the 2011 Farm Progress Show, Aug. 30 - Sept. 1 in Decatur, Ill. Fully funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff, IL Soy Bids will provide local elevator and soybean futures prices quickly and easily from any Web-enabled phone.

Current, easily-accessible commodity market information that helps maximize profit is in high demand among growers, says farmer and ISA Production Committee Chair Dan Farney. "This app combines dependable market price information with location-based capabilities, helping farmers easily find current prices at the nearest elevators simply by entering their Zip code."

IL Soy Bids provides futures prices and current cash prices at the five elevators closest to the farmer's Zip code, as well as a listing of additional apps soybean farmers may find useful in managing their operations. Some farmers get this information through text messages, but this app puts all of the local cash prices in one place, Farney adds.

Farney foresees the tool being especially helpful during harvest, when soybean producers must quickly make decisions about where to sell their soybeans. "IL Soy Bids can assist producers in making selling and transportation decisions that improve efficiency and profit," he says.

IL Soy Bids will be free for Web-enabled mobile phones, including iPhones, Blackberries and Androids. Starting Tuesday, Aug. 30, simply visit ILSoyBids.mobi and bookmark the site to the phone's home screen. Farmers can also visit the ISA booth at the 2011 Farm Progress Show for more information and for help in downloading the mobile app.

ISA is the statewide organization for Illinois soybean growers. The farmers on its board administer soybean checkoff funds to support research, promotions and educational programs designed to increase demand for Illinois soybeans, and administer legislation and membership programs. For more information visit www.ilsoy.org.

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