The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) are laying out the blueprints for innovation throughout the state. The dual organizations will be highlighting their product developments and various successes in booth #620 during the 2019 Farmfest Aug. 6-8 at Gilfillan Estates in Morgan.

“We wanted to highlight the many uses of soybeans, and you can literally walk on one of these when you enter our tent,” said Minnesota Soybean CEO Tom Slunecka, referencing the asphalt road protectant RePLAY.

A pad of asphalt with a RePLAY sealant was added to the booth last year, giving attendees the chance to see the 88 percent biobased road protectant firsthand.

“RePLAY not only helps keep the roads in ideal condition but also adds value to the soybeans grown here in Minnesota,” said Mike Youngerberg, MSR&PC senior director of product development and commercialization. “By having the farmers in Minnesota being so open to innovation and new uses, we are setting our farming community apart from other areas of the United States and the world.”

MSR&PC will also be displaying a variety of soybeans pests farmers should be keeping an eye out for this season, including soybean gall midge and Palmer amaranth, as well as a Cummins Jeep, a refurbished jeep showing the advancements in new engine technologies and its impact on reducing emissions.

Checkoff-paying soybean farmers will also receive a free hitch pins while supplies last.

Soy Innovation Campus

As a joint effort between MSR&PC and MSGA, blueprints for the Soy Innovation Campus, a soybean crush and biodiesel facility in Crookston, will also be displayed. The campus is due to break ground in summer 2020.

“The Soy Innovation Campus is a perfect example on how Minnesota soybean farmers, as well as our organization, thinks outside the box,” Slunecka said. “We are excited to show farmers and stakeholders what this facility has to offer.”

A one-stop shop

“This year has been a busy one for MSGA, board members and lobbyists, and it will not be slowing down anytime soon,” said Joe Smentek, MSGA executive director.

MSGA advocates for soybean farmers throughout the year, and is pegged as the “one-stop shop” for legislative news and updates for members and producers.

MSGA will also have a presence in booth #620, ready to talk about the importance of investing in the nation’s largest soybean membership organization.

MSGA members will receive a coupon good toward a corn dog, cheese curds or mini donuts, all cooked in high oleic soybean oil on the Farmfest grounds.

“It’s more important than ever that farmers stick together and make sure our voices are heard in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.,” said MSGA President Jamie Beyer. “When Minnesota farmers invest in our organization, our voice and message only becomes stronger. Farmfest is a great platform for us to have these conversations with other farmers.”