April 18, 2024

ISA celebrates Soybean Month in Iowa

By Katie Johnson
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Iowa Soybean Association members and staff attended the Governor's signing of an official proclamation July 30. Pictured behind Governor Kim Reynolds, from left, are Grant Kimberley, Karey Claghorn, Katie Johnson, Mark Jackson, Jeff Frank, Blake Rabe and Randy Miller. (Contributed photo)

The Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) joined Governor Kim Reynolds on in July to once again proclaim August as Soybean Month. ISA celebrates Soybean Month through continuing its commitment to soybean farmers and their industry.

The proclamation acknowledges the 42,000 soybean farmers in the state of Iowa and the more than 565 million bushels they harvested in 2018, earning the nation’s No. 2 ranking in soybean production.

With an annual soybean crop valued at more than $5 billion, there’s plenty of reasons to celebrate Soybean Month in Iowa:

• Iowa produces more than 14% of the nation’s annual soybean production.

• Soybean products are found in everyday household items such as vegetable oil, ranch dressing and peanut butter.

• Iowa soybean farmers haev invested more than $40 million in research and conservation efforts

• Iowa soybean farmers provide a primary feed ingredient for livestock and poultry farmers

“That the Governor signs this proclamation year after year shows the importance of and dedication to Iowa’s soybean farmers,” said Jeff Frank, ISA district 4 director and farmer from Auburn. “As we look ahead to another harvest, August is a great reminder to celebrate how soybeans feed and fuel a growing population.”

While ISA celebrates soybeans year-round, August is a timely reminder to invite others to celebrate. One million fairgoers have the opportunity to see just how big soybeans are in Iowa during this year’s Iowa State Fair.

Attendees have seen the presence of soybeans and soybean farmers through several interactive activities on fairgrounds.

Ag Building and Animal Learning Center

ISA sponsored activities at the Ag Building and Animal Learning Center – two popular Iowa State Fair destinations. Soybean farmers will be in the Ag Building 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to share insights about the soybean industry and answer questions about production, environmental stewardships and trade. Visitors can test their agricultural knowledge and win a special prize.

ISA also helps to sponsor the popular “Thank a Farmer” magic show which happens several times each day on the state at the Animal Learning Center.

Biodiesel Powering the Fair

ISA and Iowa’s home-grown biodiesel powered the state fair trams, raising awareness on the importance of this biofuel. Biodiesel is America’s first Advanced Biofuel. It’s renewable, clean-burning and reduces America’s dependence on imported diesel.

Farm to Fair

On Friday, Aug. 16, nearly 100 farmers will welcome 400 guests as they gather around the largest dinner table ever set at the Iowa State Fair. This event encourages farm and city fellowship. The ISA is proud to help sponsor this unique event where farmers will share how food is grown and makes its way from the farm to the fair.

Iowa Food & Family Project

The 2019 Iowa Food & Family Project (Iowa FFP) Iowa State Fair showcases the artwork in agriculture and celebrate the collaboration, color and creativity of farming. More than 250,000 fairgoers are expected to visit the booth and gain perspective on modern agriculture in Iowa.

Located in the Southeast Atrium of the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the Iowa FFP display features an interactive paint-by-numbers mural (there are 23,000 spaces to fill in!) that will be brought into full color using soy-based paint.

Iowa FFP is an initiative of the Iowa Soybean Association and networks with nearly 35 food, farm and healthy living organizations.