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March 23, 2025 – The soybean is now the official state bean of Illinois, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Doris Turner.
“Decatur is the soybean capital of the world,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When designating state symbols, we have to recognize the impact the agriculture industry has on our economy and the number of jobs it creates.”
House Bill 4439 designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois. According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state in the country, with 15% of all U.S. soybeans being produced in Illinois.
“As the largest soybean-producing state, we commend Senator Doris Turner and the General Assembly in passing House Bill 4439 to recognize the importance of soybeans to Illinois agriculture,” said Illinois Soybean Association Chairman Ron Kindred.
House Bill 4439 was signed into law Friday.
