With the use of checkoff funds, the Brown County Corn & Soybean Growers donated to the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter to provide biodiesel used to transport students to the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo.  

The National Convention & Expo was held Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis. There were over 70,000 FFA members and guests in attendance from around the country.  

To compete at the national level, students had to qualify at local events, though students can still attend without competing at the national level. They can attend to participate during the National Days of Service, attend learning sessions, tours and the trade show.  

“We are proud to donate funds to the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter each year to pay for biodiesel for the chapter to travel to the National FFA Convention,” Brown County Chair Keith Lendt said.  

FFA is an organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership hosted by public schools. It allows students to meet challenges and develop skills, while exploring their interests. Members are future chemists, veterinarians, bankers, teachers and professionals in many career fields. Not only does FFA prepare students for their futures, but through the organization students can apply for grants and scholarships to further their education.  

“The board is always looking for ways to give back to the community and FFA is a way we can do that,” Brown County Treasurer Gary Hauser said. “FFA supports students in community involvement and furthering their futures in agriculture.” 

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is a national leader when it comes to biodiesel. Minnesota was the first state to require biodiesel in diesel blends and in 2018, Minnesota became the first state to require B20. Using B20 is the equivalent of removing about 250,000 vehicles annually from the roads around the state. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council also invests checkoff funds toward resources for biodiesel information and research. As a result of advocacy and promotion, biodiesel raises demand for soybeans by 13%.  

About the Brown County Corn and Soybean Growers Board   
Brown County is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, a 15-person, farmer-led board that oversees the investment of checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 25,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program requiring all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.