The Polk County Soybean/Corn Growers recently donated $ 1,920.00 toward the purchase of biofuels and registration for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) in Polk County to attend the national convention being held in Indianapolis, IN.
Minnesota is a national leader in the production and use of biofuels, made primarily from soybean and corn oil. Minnesota requires a 20 percent blend (B20) of biodiesel with diesel during the summer months (April 1 – September 30) and B5 blend in the winter months.
Consumers will now have year-round access to E15 (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline), providing Minnesotans and beyond another option at the pump and helping grow demand for the nation’s corn farmers. E15 has lower evaporative emissions than E10 and, therefore, less impact on ground-level ozone, as well as lower tailpipe emissions. E15 is a higher-octane fuel available in 28 states at retail fueling stations.
The goal of the endeavor is to show the value of agriculture. “These students have been working extremely hard, and I am honored to be their advisor,” said Whitney Rupprecht, Agricultural Education Instructor and FFA Advisor at Fertile-Beltrami School. She noted she is always amazed at how much students grow from this experience. The empowerment and self-confidence are shown and passes through our entire FFA Chapter.
Britton Fuglseth, Chapter Reporter said. “FFA is my favorite. I have been able to learn and develop so much. Next year, my plan is to attend UMC for Agricultural Education and be an Ag Ed Teacher in our area.” “I am so excited to attend and see all of the career opportunities in agriculture,” noted Solveig Sirjord, Chapter Student Advisor.
“We’re committed to helping support the next generation of leaders as well as promoting the use of our own products,” said Kevin Kruger, chair of the Polk County Soybean and Corn Growers Association. “What better way to tie the two together than to help provide some of the fuel these young leaders need to get to the FFA State Convention.”
Brought to you by the Polk County Soybean – Corn Growers and the soybean checkoff. To learn more about biodiesel and Minnesota’s soybean farmers, visit www.mnsoybean.org. To learn more about ethanol and Minnesota’s corn farmers, visit www.mncorn.org.
Pictured – Polk County Soybean/Corn Growers President Kevin Kruger from East Grand Forks and John Swanson, Polk County Soybean/Corn Growers Director from Fertile.
FFA Students: Front Row (left to right): Emma Erickson, Catie Erickson, Tatianna Enget Back Row (left to right): Carter Olson, Caidyn Johnson, Britton Fuglseth
