With the use of checkoff funds, the Waseca County Corn & Soybean Growers donated $100 each to the New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva (NRHEG) FFA Alumni breakfast and Waseca FFA Chapter breakfast.
“The Waseca County Corn and Soybean Growers Association is proud to support and promote youth programs that help students connect to and understand agriculture,” Waseca County Chair Craig Baxter said. “Programs like FFA not only help build character in youth that participate in the program, but help those youth explore various agriculture topics and careers, including corn and soybeans, which are an integral part of the broader Waseca County and Minnesota economies.”
Attendees of both breakfasts got to see how soy ends up on the breakfast table more than they might realize.
Pancake mix can contain soy ingredients such as soy flour, which is a great option that is high in protein and gluten free. Soy-based feed is used to feed livestock, providing them with essential proteins and other nutrients to support their health.
“We had around 100 people attend, excited to support high school agricultural education and celebrate National FFA Week,” Waseca FFA Advisor Hannah Eckblad said. “The donation really helped offset costs so that we were able to have this community building event.”
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 many career fields. Not only does FFA prepare students for their futures, but through the organization students can apply for grants and scholarships to further their education.
Waseca County is 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.
