WORTHINGTON, Ohio-The 2013 Ohio State Fair begins today and Ohio soybean farmers invite everyone to experience the fun of driving a tractor, see soy-based products being made and find out why soybeans are one of the most versatile crops in the world.

The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) and soybean checkoff, an organization directed by soybean farmers from throughout the state, is one of six presenting sponsors of the 2013 Ohio State Fair.

“The fair is about fun and we are so excited to be able to give fairgoers the chance to have fun with some of the technology farmers use to grow their food,” said John Motter, OSC chairman and soybean farmer from Hancock County. “Soybeans are a versatile crop used for food, feed, fuel and more, yet many people don’t know much about them. We want to change that.”

Located in the Nationwide Donahey Ag & Hort building, fairgoers have the chance to try out the tractor simulator and get a feel for the technology and equipment that soybean farmers use on their farms to grow and harvest.

Visitors of all ages will also enjoy the soy product demonstrations where Ohio high school students will be making soy lip balm and soy soap for people to take home with them.

“Agriculture and science go hand-in-hand,” said Patrick Knouff, OSC vice chairman and soybean farmer from Shelby County. “Soybeans are used in thousands of different types of household and industrial products, making them more renewable and environmentally friendly. It’s also a great science education tool that we’re proud to highlight this year at the fair.”

OSC is also a presenting sponsor of the 2013 Junior Livestock Shows, the O’Neill Swine Building, Voinovich Livestock and Trade Center and Rabbit & Poultry Pavilion.

Soybean Day

On Saturday, August 3, OSC will host Soybean Day at the Ohio State Fair. Several Ohio soybean farmers will greet fairgoers at the Cardinal Gate entrance and answer their questions about soybeans, farming and what soybean farmers do to take great care of the environment around them.

“Farmers love to talk about what they do and we know that people are interested in knowing more,” said Motter. “We welcome any questions that people may have and look forward to highlighting soybeans and the benefits they offer all Ohioans.”

About Ohio Soybean Farmers: Sustaining Life, Respecting Nature

Made possible by the Ohio Soybean Council, the Ohio Soybean Farmers – Sustaining Life, Respecting Nature campaign is designed to help soybean farmers share their stories about farming and the work they do every day to sustain the life of people and animals, while taking great care of the environment around them.  To learn more or ask a question about soybean farming in Ohio, visit www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org.

About Ohio Soybean Council

Headquartered in Worthington, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program.  The program’s primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting research, education, promotion and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds (checkoff). To learn more visit soyohio.org.

Media Contact

Jennifer Coleman
Ohio Soybean Council
614.476.3100
jcoleman@soyohio.org