The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) set its eye on the future during this year’s Minnesota Farmfest August 1-3.

Using augmented reality, two future farmers – Paul and Sandy – highlighted the infinite ways that the Council invests soybean checkoff dollars in new uses, research and developing markets to impact farm operations and the soybean industry. By continually thinking ahead, the Council is building a strong foundation for tomorrow’s soybean growers.

“From opening new markets to finding new ways to use soybean meal, Council directors push each other to direct those checkoff funds toward projects that are bold and will have a lasting impact,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “And Farmfest, of course, was the ideal audience to show where we’ve been and where we’re headed.” 

After visiting the different areas throughout the booth and answering the questions on the card they received when they entered, attendees left with a tractor-shaped, logoed multi tool or Minnesoyta-branded sunglasses.

With his first Farmfest under his belt, MSR&PC Chair Tom Frisch kept busy giving radio interviews, chatting with attendees and checking out all that Farmfest has to offer.

“I really enjoyed the chance to visit with my fellow farmers and their families to show how the checkoff is improving their bottom lines,” Frisch said. “There was a lot of engagement, and that’s what you hope to get out of farm shows like Farmfest.”

Along with new uses, new markets and research, the Ag Innovation Campus (AIC) was highlighted in the booth. As AIC’s Grand Opening on Sept. 14 approaches, soybean growers throughout the state are getting excited for this first-of-its-kind facility and Farmfest was the perfect place to spread the word.

“This first-of-its-kind facility is just about ready to debut, and it was exciting to tell the AIC story at Farmfest,” Slunecka said.