REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) returns to Farmfest this year with both exciting new attractions and old favorites in Booth 702. Located at the corner of Seed Road and Seventh Street, MCGA will be sharing the vital role corn farmers play in the growth of the state.
Last summer, MCGA launched the “MN Corn Grows MN” initiative to share the key role our state’s corn farmers play in building a sustainable future for all Minnesotans, reaching both candidates for elected office and the general public. Visitors to the booth will learn how corn farmers are promoting rural development, building relationships abroad, investing in conservation-minded research and much more.
MCGA’s agenda also includes highlighting Minnesota corn farmers’ continued investment in upgraded fuel infrastructure to bring more blends of ethanol to market and increase overall corn demand. A 2017 MINI Cooper Clubman, the first vehicle optimized for E25, will be featured in MCGA’s tent. The MINI showcases the future of fuels and highlights the importance of consumer accessibility to vehicles optimized for higher ethanol blends. Other attractions include:
· 2018 Minnesota Corn Research Directory unveiled: Learn about the innovative research funded by corn farmers through the corn check-off. Farmer-led projects completed with funding from the Innovation Grant Program are included in the directory. Farmers who would like to participate in the 2019 Innovation Grant Program can learn how to apply at the booth.
· Sweet corn ice cream and DDGS fortune cookies: Always a fan favorite at Farmfest, MCGA will be bringing back delicious sweet corn ice cream made at the University of Minnesota Dairy Store. Attendees can also learn their Farmfest future by trying a fortune cookie made with DDGS. The cookies are part of a South Dakota State University research project on food-grade DDGS funded by Minnesota’s corn farmers.
· Renew your MCGA membership or become a member: Become part of one of the largest grassroots organizations in the United States, and stand up and speak out for corn farming.
· WCCO News Radio live broadcast: The station will broadcast live from the MCGA tent on Wednesday, Aug. 8, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Come by and listen to the broadcast, which will be another great opportunity to promote the impact of Minnesota’s corn growers.
And don’t miss out on some of the great forums held throughout the week at Farmfest. Gubernatorial candidates, as well as U.S. Senate and House hopefuls, will be participating in forums focused on issues impacting the state’s ag sector. For those unable to attend, MCGA partnered with WCCO radio to broadcast the Minnesota Gubernatorial Forum live on its station statewide. The Farmfest Livestream, sponsored by MCGA, is also available for all forums at Farmfest.com for people watching from home.
Finally, Minnesota Corn will again be sponsoring a free sweet corn feed at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7, outside the Wick Building.
About the Minnesota Corn Growers Association
With nearly 7,000 members, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association’s mission is to identify and promote opportunities for the state’s 24,000 corn farmers, while building better connections with the non-farming public. MCGA works to accomplish this through 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. MCGA is committed to helping Minnesota corn farmers become the most sustainable and environmentally responsible corn farmers in the nation. To learn more about MCGA, go to www.mncorn.org.
— Minnesota Corn Growers Association
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