SILVER SPRINGS, N.Y. — On Labor Day, the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association created the first ever Human Corn at The Great New York State Fair. The massive corn formation was comprised of several hundred people wearing green and yellow T-shirts and was organized by NYCSGA Executive Director Colleen Klein. Patty’s People Pictures of Buffalo, famous for their Buffalove brand and aerial photography work, arranged the photograph. The event was sponsored by Howlett Farms, Community Bank and the Country Folks.

Human Corn was the grand finale to the New York Corn & Soybean Growers first year as an exhibitor at the fair. For the past four years the NYCSGA-Soybean Checkoff has been a proud sponsor of the Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the NYS Fair. This wildly successful exhibit touches more than 380,000 fairgoers each year by welcoming dairy calves into the world. This year the corn and soybean growers highlighted their partnership with the NY Animal Agriculture Coalition by introducing the NYCSGA Cow Garden outside the birthing center to offer visitors the opportunity to learn about field crops in addition to an already incredible experience in the birthing center.

Proceeds from Human Corn will go to fund a new scholarship being offered by the NYCSGA beginning in the fall of 2017. The Bill Jenkins Growing the Next Generation Scholarship honors the life and work of Bill Jenkins, a longtime director and founder of the Association who passed away in July. Bill provided years and years of experience, enthusiastic volunteering and comic relief to the Association. He exemplified what it means to serve and was passionate that we continue to grow and promote the industry. The scholarship will be awarded to an agronomy student who possesses the same passion and drive for agriculture that was exhibited by Bill.

To donate to the scholarship fund, visit www.growingthenextgeneration.eventbrite.com. Donations will be accepted until Sept. 30.

— NY Corn & Soybean Growers Association