Illinois now has an official state bean

On Monday, the Illinois Legislature passed House Bill 4439, which designates the soybean as Illinois' official state bean. 

The bill recognizes the importance of soybeans to the state's economy and agricultural heritage. Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state in the nation with over 10 million acres of soybeans planted each year, accounting for 16 percent of the total U.S. soy production. 

The vote acknowledges the contribution of the 43,000 soybean farmers across the state.

 HB 4439 will be sent to the Governor's office to await his signature.