With the use of soy checkoff funds, the Jackson County Corn & Soybean Growers Board donated to both the Heron Lake-Okabena and Jackson County Central FFA chapters and Jackson County 4-H to provide biodiesel used to transport students to various events throughout the school year including career and leadership development competitions, state FFA convention and national FFA convention.    

Through competitions, conventions and leadership events, students develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills while gaining a deeper understanding of agriculture’s impact on their communities. Investments from local farmers help make these experiences possible, providing students with exposure to agricultural career pathways while preparing future leaders with valuable, real-world skills.  

“We enjoy helping the FFA get to their state conventions, judging contests and national conventions by providing the necessary funds to cover the biodiesel costs to attend these events,” said Albert Henning, Jackson County Board treasurer. “Jackson County Corn and Soybean Growers Association is proud to stand behind our local FFA and 4-H chapters and look forward to continuing that support in the future.”    

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 myriad  career fields. Not only does FFA prepare students for their future; it also offers grants and scholarships to further their education.    

Minnesota 4-H is the largest youth development program in the state, serving over 40,000 young people every year. The program offers out-of-school, hands-on learning opportunities across Minnesota for youth in kindergarten through one year of post-high school. 

Minnesota is a national leader on the biodiesel stage. Over two decades ago, Minnesota became the first state to require biodiesel in diesel blends. In 2018, Minnesota made history again by becoming the first state to require B20 (20% biodiesel). Using B20 is the equivalent of removing about a quarter-million vehicles annually from state roads each year. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council also invests checkoff funds toward resources for biodiesel information and research. As a result of Minnesota Soybean’s advocacy and checkoff promotion, biodiesel raises demand for soybeans by 13%, adding about $1 to every bushel of soybeans, which generates over $400 million in farm-level impact each year.