The Polk County Soybean & Corn Growers are putting their checkoff dollars to good use by donating hams to food shelves in Fosston, Fertile, Crookston, and East Grand Forks.
“It is very important and helpful to those in need,” Board President Kevin Krueger said. “The area food shelves do tremendous work, and we are proud to help the families in our communities while also supporting soy and corn farmers.” Krueger noted that Minnesota’s soybean farmers play an important role in providing feed for the meat that ends up on the family table.
“Loaves and Fishes Food Shelf in Fosston is thankful to receive this generous donation,” Manager Dawn Bly said. “The quality and variety of the fresh ham are exceptional. Our mission is to provide two to three days’ worth of food to families in our service area who are food insecure. We typically serve over 130 families each month. This donation will be much appreciated by the families in need for the Easter holiday.”
Pork products such as ham and Minnesota soybeans go hand in hand. Soybean meal makes up 42% of the meal fed to livestock, and an estimated 1.25 million tons of soy meal is required to feed all of Minnesota’s pigs.
“We are so thankful for this gift of hams as it will help the families that are in need in our community, as food shelves are struggling as inflation keeps rising,” said FB Area Food Shelf co-manager Pam Reese. “The Food Shelf supplies all household needs for approximately 35 families a month.”
The Polk County Corn and Soybean Growers Association is affiliated with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which oversees the investment of soybean checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 26,000 farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program that requires all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. Checkoff dollars are used to promote, educate, and develop market opportunities for soybeans.
The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) is one of the largest grassroots farm organizations in the United States. Working in close partnership with the Minnesota Corn Research & Promotion Council, MCGA identifies and promotes opportunities for Minnesota’s 24,000 corn farmers while building connections with the non-farming.
For more information, contact Minnesota Soybean County Representative Lorri Ann Hartel at (218) 686-6144 or by emailing lhartel@prairieagcomm.com
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