SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon have an official state bean starting Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner.

“Our state’s symbols highlight the important pieces that make Illinois what it is,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The soybean powers our farms, fuels our economy and feeds our future.”

Turner’s law designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois.

According to the Illinois Soybean Association, as of 2021, Illinois is the top soybean producing state with an average yield of 64 bushels per acre, totaling over 672 million bushels. Illinois soybeans are exported to 82 countries and are used for a variety of products.

“Illinois is the largest soybean producing state, and that deserves recognition,” said Turner. “Without our soybean farmers, we wouldn’t have the food supply, sustainable biodiesel and more. Their hard work does not go unnoticed.”

House Bill 4439 takes effect Jan. 1.