The annual Big Iron Farm and Construction Show in West Fargo, N.D., brings out the latest and greatest in agricultural advancements. From drones to combines to seed dealers, Big Iron is the perfect venue to kick tires and talk shop during the brief lull before fall harvest kicks into full gear.
It’s also the perfect opportunity for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) to discuss research and talk crops one-on-one with growers themselves.
“I always appreciate the opportunity to talk with the farmers and hear their concerns such as pests and disease,” said David Kee, MSR&PC director of research. “Then I can show them the projects the Council is helping fund in regards to those issues and what we’re learning.”
As Big Iron draws in an audience from hundreds of miles around to the heart of the Red River Valley, Kee heard crop reports from growers hailing from Morris to Middle River as they near the end of the growing season.
“From talking with growers, there’s a lot of variability in crops,” Kee said, “but there’s some optimism that if we stay warm here for the next couple weeks, that the soybeans could pick up a couple extra bushels before harvest.”
Kee also provided farmers with handouts with information on soybean aphid management as well as soybean cyst nematode sample kits. He was joined in the booth throughout the three days of Big Iron by University of Minnesota Extension Educator Angie Peltier and Council Directors Corey Hanson and Bill Zurn.
Farmer leaders were eager to share details with attendees on how checkoff-supported projects such as soy-based roof sealants and soy-based firefighting foam are improving demand.
“As a soybean farmer, I’m really excited about all the new uses for soy, and I just wanted to share those innovations with the rest of the farmers here at Big Iron,” Zurn said. “I wanted to make sure they understand how Minnesota is investing their checkoff dollars.”
Directors from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) also attended to discuss MSGA’s 2024 policy wins and its top issues for 2025. Growers also signed up members – including North Dakota farmer Josh Gackle, president of the American Soybean Association (ASA) – to the nation’s longest-running state soybean advocacy group.
“Josh and I have worked together on a lot over the years. We’re in different states but both fighting the same battle, and he understands the importance of membership,” said MSGA and ASA Director Jim Kukowski. “We want to convey that message to all the farmers here at Big Iron too. Each membership means another voice is being heard.”
