Martin, Cottonwood, Jackson and Watonwan County Soybean & Corn Growers sponsored Salute to Agriculture Night at the Fairmont Raceway on June 24. The event celebrated the vital role agriculture plays in local communities while bringing together farmers and families from across south-central Minnesota for an evening of racing and recognition.

As part of the event, soybean and corn growers received free admission to the grandstands along with a burger basket and fries, creating an opportunity for farmers to connect and enjoy a night dedicated to the industry – agriculture – that drives the region’s economy.  

“Events like Salute to Agriculture Night are a great way to recognize the hard work and dedication of farmers while bringing our communities together,” said Stephan Melson, treasurer of the Martin County Corn & Soybean Growers board. “Agriculture is at the heart of southern Minnesota, and we’re proud to support opportunities that showcase the contributions farmers make every day while helping educate the public about the crops we grow.” 

Agriculture was highlighted throughout the evening, including at the concession stand, where high-oleic soybean oil was used in the deep fryers. Thanks in part to checkoff investments, high-oleic soybean oil offers an improved fat profile compared to many conventional cooking oils and is sustainably grown by Minnesota soybean farmers. 

Through partnerships like Salute to Agriculture, county corn and soybean organizations continue to promote agriculture, support local communities and increase awareness of the many ways soybeans contribute to everyday life.  

About the Martin, Cottonwood, Jackson & Watonwan County Corn and Soybean Growers Boards   
The Martin, Cottonwood, Jackson & Watonwan County Corn and Soybean Growers are 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 26,000 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.