What to expect from Minnesota Corn at 2021 Farmfest
Above: Minnesota Corn grower-leaders pose for a picture with former Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson, who chaired the House Agriculture Committee in 2019 and 2020, during Farmfest in 2019.
Farmfest returns to Gilfillan Estate near Morgan from Tuesday, Aug. 3, through Thursday, Aug. 5, and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) will again be a can’t-miss stop in Tent 702.
MCGA is excited to share the many ways our corn growers are building a sustainable future for the state’s ag sector and all Minnesotans. From exciting research developments to important advocacy efforts, the last year has been a busy one in the world of corn. Stop by the MCGA tent located at the corner of Seed Row and Seventh Street to catch up on the latest by chatting with an MCGA grower-leader.
Here’s a rundown of what you can expect from MCGA at the event.
In the MCGA tent
Learn more about MCGA’s Better Fuel Initiative and its mission to further increase awareness, understanding and usage of biofuels in Minnesota. Be sure to stop by the MCGA tent on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. for a meet and greet with Chris Hawkey, co-host of “The Power Trip” morning show on KFAN and an Unleaded 88 FAN!
See how your Minnesota corn check-off investment is at work through research, promotion and outreach efforts that aim to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability on the farm. Learn how corn farmers and their families are promoting rural development, building relationships abroad, investing in conservation-minded research and much more.
Join MCGA! Renew your membership or become a member of MCGA at Farmfest, and receive a custom MCGA-branded five-gallon bucket as a thank-you gift.
Grow with us. MCGA offers a Young Adult membership for people 16-24 years old. The membership is perfect for anyone interested in education and leadership opportunities in agriculture as well as exclusive scholarship opportunities.
New this year, MCGA will have an air-conditioned photo booth in Tent 702 in which visitors can take pictures and show their support of farmers and ethanol. And who could forget the annual fan favorite, sweet-corn ice cream? Produced by the University of Minnesota, this sweet treat is the perfect remedy for the August heat!
WCCO partnership
Once again, MCGA is partnering with WCCO News Radio to raise awareness about the issues impacting Minnesota agriculture.
The station will broadcast updates and interviews live from the MCGA tent throughout Wednesday. It is a great opportunity to highlight Minnesota’s agriculture sector, as hosts will have opportunities to interview MCGA grower-leaders and other agriculture stakeholders throughout the day.
Also on Wednesday, WCCO’s Blois Olson will moderate the “Rural Resiliency” forum scheduled for 1:10 p.m. in the Wick Building. MCGA President Tim Waibel is a panelist. The forum is sponsored by MCGA and will be rebroadcast later that evening on WCCO’s statewide radio network.
Forums
In addition to Waibel, several other corn growers will be featured in forums in the Wick Building.
On Tuesday, MCGA member Brian Ryberg, who farms in Buffalo Lake, will be a panelist in a forum on agriculture’s role in carbon sequestration.
On Wednesday, MCGA board member Tom Haag, the incoming National Corn Growers Association first vice president, will participate in a forum about the twice-a-decade federal farm bill, which is set to expire in 2023.
Look for coverage of the Farmfest forums at mncorn.org/blog.
To stay connected with Minnesota Corn, follow us on Twitter (@mncorn), Facebook (‘Minnesota Corn’) and Instagram (‘Minnesota Corn’). Or visit our website at mncorn.org.
