Paul and Sandy, Minnesota Soybean’s augmented reality future farmers, are making their way to Fargo, N.D., for the Big Iron Farm Show Sept. 12-14 to highlight the myriad ways the Council invests soybean checkoff dollars.

Following last year’s acclaimed Game of Soy-themed booth, Minnesota Soybean is continuing to showcase how soybean checkoff investments benefit farmers across generations by using augmented reality, which debuted at Farmfest.

Using smartphones (iPads will also be available), visitors to Minnesota Soybean’s booth can scan, view and listen to a “future farmer” and learn how the checkoff is “planting for the future” and making investments that benefit tomorrow’s farmers.

“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.

Many checkoff activities are implemented to succeed not overnight, but over the long term. Value-added products can take years of research and development to reach commercialization, and tapping into emerging markets, such as Uzbekistan, requires relationship-building and infrastructure.

Council farmer-leaders, including Chair Tom Frisch, will also be stationed in the booth. Bob Worth, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, is attending to highlight MSGA’s legislative priorities and the importance of joining the organization.

Established in 1980 and held at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds, Big Iron boasts over 900 exhibit booths, training sessions and demonstrations. Visit Minnesota Soybean at booth C9/10 to witness firsthand how MSR&PC is planting for the future and ensuring that today’s investments benefit tomorrow’s farmers.