(Photo: United States Department of Agriculture)
Equip yourself with the tools to succeed
August 8, 2024 | Kriss Nelson
Could on-farm trials lower your costs of production in 2025? Are you curious about cost-share opportunities in your area? How is the Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) building demand and preference for U.S. soy? Join ISA during the 2024 Farm Progress Show on Aug. 27-29 near Boone to learn about these areas and more.
Farmers are encouraged to visit with ISA staff in the Varied Industries Tent at booth 9200 regarding soybean research, programming, membership, demand and advocacy.
While you are there, learn how Agriculture’s Clean Water Alliance and the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance can help support your efforts on the farm through various cost-share and financial programs.
“The presence of the Iowa Soybean Association at the Farm Progress Show will provide Iowa farmers with a great opportunity to learn more about how their checkoff dollars are invested and various programs that will benefit them,” says Suzanne Shirbroun, ISA president and soybean farmer from Farmersburg. “ISA offers many great resources for every farmer to keep in their toolbox with their plethora of different opportunities available.”
Soy takes the stage
From harvesting, spraying, tillage and more, field demos are a highlight of the Farm Progress Show.
Throughout the duration of the Farm Progress Show, ISA will sponsor the biodiesel used in both the field demonstrations and the shuttle trams that traverse the expo grounds.
“Iowa is the nation’s leading producer of biodiesel and the second-leading producer of soybeans,” says Grant Kimberley, ISA senior director of market development. “The Farm Progress Show is an excellent venue to promote and encourage more farmers to use our homegrown fuel. Biodiesel increases the value of soybeans by 13 percent, resulting in higher profits for soybean producers.”
Soy-based asphalt enhancements
ISA, in partnership with Iowa State University (ISU) and the Farm Progress Show, announced the completion of an enhanced soy-based asphalt project at the heart of the Central Iowa Expo Grounds near Boone. Sponsored by ISA, the 42,560 square foot asphalt base is a continuation of an initial project unveiled at the 2022 Farm Progress Show.
According to Farm Progress Show, this project builds on the technology introduced in Iowa two years ago, taking it to the next level. This addition is crucial as it completes a two-step process of layered asphalt, similar to what was successfully implemented in Illinois.
This advancement ensures the surface is not only smoother but indistinguishable from the original asphalt in both look and feel. Additionally, this technology is designed to both boost the longevity of the road surface and advance sustainable pavement solutions. This is accomplished by increasing the amount of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), which ultimately extends its life by an additional 10-15 years.
After show event
On Aug. 27, join ISA and fellow farmers offsite for a farmer meet-up event. Attendees will hear from industry stakeholders and learn how ISA programs can benefit your operation.
In partnership with Meals from the Heartland, attendees can also volunteer to package soy-based meals to help families in communities across Iowa and beyond.
Assorted appetizers and refreshments will be available, along with entertainment from country music band and biodiesel advocate Big Time Grain Co.
The event will be held Tuesday, Aug. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Blomgren Seed, 1927 250th Street, Boone, Iowa 50036.
Register here by Aug. 13 to attend.
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