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 economic well-being 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, as well as the general public. This year, visitors to the MCGA Farmfest tent 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 higher blends of ethanol to market and increase overall corn demand. A 2017 MINI Cooper Clubman, the first vehicle that sports an engine 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 investigating 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 agricultural 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.

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.