Polk County Soybean /Corn Growers helping support the Future Farmers of Polk County

The Polk County Soybean/Corn Growers recently donated $ 1,920.00 toward the purchase of biofuels and registration for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Polk County to attend the national convention being held in Indianapolis, IN.

Minnesota is a national leader in the production and use of biofuels, made primarily from soybean and corn oil. Minnesota requires a 20 percent blend (B20) of biodiesel with diesel during the summer months (April 1 – September 30) and B5 blend in the winter months. 

Consumers will now have year-round access to E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline), providing Minnesotans and beyond another option at the pump and helping grow demand for the nation’s corn farmers. E15 has lower evaporative emissions than E10 and, therefore, less impact on ground-level ozone, as well as lower tailpipe emissions.  E15 is a higher-octane fuel available in 28 states at retail fueling stations.

The goal of the endeavor is to show the value of agriculture.“These students have been working extremely hard, and I am honored to be their advisor,” said Whitney Rupprecht, Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at Fertile-Beltrami School.  She noted she is always amazed at how much students grow from this experience. The empowerment and self-confidence are shown and passes through our entire FFA Chapter.  

Britton Fuglseth, Chapter Reporter said. “"FFA is my favorite. I have been able to learn and develop so much.  Next year, my plan is to attend UMC for Agricultural Education and be an Ag Ed Teacher in our area.”   

"I am so excited to attend and see all of the career opportunities in agriculture, “ noted Solveig Sirjord, Chapter Student Advisor.

“We’re committed to helping support the next generation of leaders as well as promoting the use of our own products,” said Kevin Kruger, chair of the Polk County Soybean and Corn Growers Association. “What better way to tie the two together than to help provide some of the fuel these young leaders need to get to the FFA State Convention.”

To learn more about biodiesel and Minnesota’s soybean farmers, visit www.mnsoybean.org.  

To learn more about ethanol and Minnesota’s corn farmers, visit www.mncorn.org

Brought to you by the Polk County Soybean - Corn Growers and the soybean checkoff. 

The Polk County Soybean - Corn Growers is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of approximately 25,000 farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.

With nearly 7,000 members, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is one of the largest grassroots farm organizations in the United States. Working in close partnership with the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, MCGA identifies and promotes opportunities for Minnesota’s 24,000 corn farmers while building connections with the non-farming public. We accomplish this by investing in third-party research that focuses on water quality and soil health, targeted consumer outreach, developing new uses for corn and working to add value to every bushel of corn grown in Minnesota.