Farmfest to take place Aug. 7-9 near Redwood Falls

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) have decided to take a new avenue this year at Farmfest. Literally.

Not only has the Minnesota Soybean booth moved to booth #620, but MSR&PC will be highlighting the unique uses of soybean oil throughout the booth.

From cooking oil to road sealant, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is pounding the pavement to Farmfest this year, and taking soybeans to the next level.

“The Council is always focused on underscoring the value of the checkoff. It’s one of our chief responsibilities, and we believe the products and varieties we’re showcasing this year are an ideal way to promote the many uses of soybeans,” MSR&PC Chair Patrick O’Leary says. “This year at Farmfest, we’re focused on promoting the wide range of uses of soybean oil, which is changing the way folks think about soybeans.”

MSR&PC will be displaying high oleic soybean oil. The Food and Drug Administration recently reported soybean oil may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The American Heart Association also concluded that polyunsaturated fats, like those found in soybean oil, may lower the incidence. High oleic oil has zero grams of trans fat, and 30 percent less saturated fat than commodity soybean oil.

A non-GMO high oleic variety, TruSoya, will be on display for the first time. TruSoya, which isn’t commercially available, is currently debuting throughout test plots this growing season in Minnesota.

The Council will also be showcasing RePLAY Agricultural Oil Asphalt Seal, which will be laid out for use in the booth. RePLAY is a soybean oil-based product that preserves asphalt roads. The city of Hutchinson, Minn., has been using RePLAY for more than five years; city officials estimate RePLAY saves the city 30 percent on its annual road maintenance budget.

MSR&PC will once champion the use of soybean oil in biodiesel. In May 2018, Minnesota moved to a B20 (20 percent biodiesel) blend in the summer months. A can’t-miss biodiesel truck built by the DieselSellerz, stars of Discovery’s “Diesel Brothers,” will be unveiled at Farmfest. Visitors to the Minnesota Soybean booth will be eligible to win $500 worth of biodiesel.

“MSR&PC doesn’t rest on its laurels. Through research and innovation, we’re continuously looking at ways to increase the profitability of the approximately 28,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota,” O’Leary says. “Soybean oil is a key ingredient in reaching those goals.”

Election fever

MSGA will also have a large presence at Farmfest. 2018 is a crucial election cycle, with tight races and new faces joining the political scene.

This year, MSGA has invited over 200 candidates to the booth. Candidates had the opportunity to select a time throughout the three days to visit with soybean farmers in a small group discussion.

“Farmfest in a great way for MSGA to showcase all the work we are doing on behalf of Minnesota soybean farmers, as well as begin to develop a relationship with these candidates,” says MSGA President Michael Petefish. “Inviting candidates to our booth allows them to hear firsthand what is affecting our ability to farm. As farmers, we need to take every opportunity to get in front of these politicians and start the conversation before the upcoming election. At Farmfest, MSGA is doing just that.”