March 29, 2024

Iowa Soybean Association sponsors new events and long-time favorites at state fair

ANKENY — The Iowa State Fair is right around the corner and the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) will ensure that fairgoers have fun while learning about agriculture and the role soybean farmers play in helping feed and fuel Iowa, the nation and world.

The association, based in Ankeny and committed to improving the competitiveness of Iowa’s 37,000 soybean farmers, is partnering with the fair and other organizations to bring some old favorites and a few new events to the list of must-see stops:

Biodiesel powering the trams — It’s easy and safe for fairgoers to get from one end of the grounds to the other thanks to the ISA sponsorship of not only the tram tractors and carts, but also the biodiesel that fuels this popular transportation.

•Ag magic at your fingertips —Spectators will delight at Rhonda Renee’s Thank A Farmer show featuring storytelling, juggling and music. Renee’s performance illustrates that nearly everything people touch, consume and wear has a direct connection to agriculture and a farmer. Thirty-minute shows will be held each day in the Christensen Farms Animal Learning Center at 10 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., and 4 p.m. Also in the Animal Learning Center, visitors can see livestock that eat Iowa grown soybeans and check out the 'Soy- House' to learn more about all the household products made from soy.

•Focus on water — Visitors to the Ag Building can see firsthand how Iowa farmers are committed to clean water. Meander through Farmville, learn about the many conservation practices being used to protect soil and water quality and sign up to win a patio set and grill package. ISA representatives will be on hand Aug. 13 and 20.

•Beat the heat, watch a free movie —"Farmland" follows the lives of farmers exploring the risks and rewards associated with farming and the passion that is passed down from generation to generation. It will be shown in the Maytag Family Theaters 1 p.m. daily with a farmer panel immediately following the featured presentation. Admission is free.

•Be conversational about conservation — Iowa soybean farmers excelling in environmental stewardship will be recognized at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 at the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award ceremony held at the Penningroth Center.

•Planting seeds of farming knowledge — Fun for children of all ages, Little Hands on Farm located just north of the Animal Learning Center is a place for children to learn how food is grown by participating in a variety of hands-on activities. They can also package soybeans to help feed Iowa’s pork and poultry industries.

•Eat and enjoy —The Soyfoods Council will present two chances to experience soyfoods at the fair on Aug. 17. The Annual Soy Salad Dressing Professional Chef Contest will be held 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Ag Building — stop by to test the chef’s creations. The second opportunity is a cooking demonstration and soyfoods contest judging at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Elwell Building.

•Iowa Food & Family Project exhibit – Again this year, the ISA is partnering with the Iowa Food & Family Project to feed people’s curiosity about how food is grown and the dedicated farmers who grow it. The must-see exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in the southeast atrium of the Varied Industries Building and will feature a must-see sculpture created from more than 50 tons of sand. Win Casey’s pizza for a year, grab your copy of the Iowa Food & Family Cookbook and test your knowledge of agriculture to win great prizes.

To learn more about ISA, go to www.iasoybeans.com.