Nothing says election year like the political traffic at Farmfest. 

As the agriculture industry flocked to Gilfillan Estate in Morgan Aug. 6-8, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) had boots on the ground to welcome a revolving door of legislators and legislative candidates to Minnesota Soybean’s booth, which featured a five-hole MiniSoyta golf course made from soy-based SYNLawn. Throughout the course there were trivia questions and fun facts explaining the difference between MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. 

“I think the biggest takeaway is that the kids are having a fantastic time, and it brings a ton of people in here, and they’re all in a good mood because everyone is laughing and having a good time,” said Director Bob Worth, past MSGA president. “When people have a good time, they seem more willing to learn more about the organization.” 

With a chaotic conclusion to the contentious 2024 Minnesota legislative session, Farmfest was the perfect backdrop for MSGA to chat one-on-one with state policymakers, which included Rep. Samantha Vang, who chairs the Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, Rep. Paul Torkelson and Sen. Gene Dornink. 

“Farmfest is a central location on our turf and it’s a comfortable place to be able to sit down and have a good conversation in the center of agriculture in the state,” MSGA President Darin Johnson said. 

The Farm Bill is top of mind for many Minnesota soybean growers, so naturally it topped the list of priorities while MSGA visited with federal legislators who turned out to play a round on the MiniSoyta golf course. 

“It’s all about the American – and Minnesotan – farmer being able to keep producing a high-quality crop,” Johnson said. “Another big Farm Bill topic is about making sure that for the next five years it’ll provide us with the opportunity to purchase crop insurance at a reasonable rate.” 

On Wednesday, Aug. 7, George Goblish, MSGA director and American Soybean Association board member, made his way to the Wick building where he participated in the “Farm Bill Fatigue: Will Congress Pass a Farm Bill?” panel discussion. Stemming from his experience in Minnesota Soybean’s booth, Goblish highlighted the importance of including investments towards the promotion and identification of new soybean market opportunities. 

“A lot of people don’t know that we have a ton of things that are made with bioproducts, like soybeans, and what we really need are incentives in the Farm Bill to get those on the market,” said Goblish. 

As Farmfest attendees wrapped up their round of golf on the MiniSoyta course, they had the opportunity to take strokes off their scorecard if they invested in MSGA by renewing or purchasing a new membership.  

“There is power in numbers,” Johnson said. “The more members that we have, the more power that we have and the larger and more powerful our voice is. Right now, that is so important with where the Farm Bill is at. We’re working hard to get that bill to the finish line.” 

Soon, Minnesota soybean growers will be setting their sights on harvesting the crop they’ve spent all summer growing. While they’re in the field, MSGA will be focused on securing ag-friendly policy at the capital.  

“People are really interested in what MSGA is doing about policy in St. Paul and policy in Washington, D.C., so it’s been fun to sit down and explain to them what MSGA is doing for them and their farm,” Worth said.