Illinois Soybean Association

New interactive attraction teaches kids about Illinois' agriculture industry at Illinois State Fair - August 13-23

The 2010 Illinois State Fair, "Cream of the Crop," will be held August 13 - 23 at the State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL.  Thanks to the Illinois Soybean Association and other sponsors, a new attraction will be added. "Farmer's Little Helpers" is an interactive, children's education exhibit that will teach kids about Illinois' premier agriculture industry. The mock farm, which will be located near Gate 2, consists of a series of miniature barns, a corn crib, harvest and seed gardens, a farmers' market and a grocery store. Each building provides hands-on activities related to the agricultural process.  

"The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to be involved with the new 'Farmer's Little Helpers' exhibit at the Illinois State Fair.  We feel this is a great opportunity to show visitors the connection between soybeans grown by Illinois farmers, livestock raised throughout our state and the food people eat," Illinois Soybean Association Secretary Doug Winter, a farmer from Mill Shoals, added. 

In addition to Farmer's Little Helpers', the Illinois Soybean Association is also sponsoring a Soy Foods Cooking Competition held at the Hobby, Arts and Crafts. The competition will demonstrate the diversity and nutritional value soy adds to any recipe. To qualify, dishes must be prepared with soy as a dominant ingredient, which can include tofu, whole soybeans, soy flour, textured vegetable protein, and soy protein isolate or soy protein. Judging criteria for the entries will be based on taste, ease of preparation, nutrition, presentation and ingenuity.A cooking demonstration will cap off the competition at 4:15 p.m. 

Also new this year, ISA will help sponsor the Master Showmanship Contest, partner with the Illinois Beef Association and Illinois Pork Producers Association to give out soy cookies on Ag Day, and sponsor biodiesel fuel in the Tram.

Visit our new SoyCam website

The Illinois Soybean Association recently launched SoyCam.com to educate people interested in learning more about soybean production from start to finish. Funded by the soybean checkoff, SoyCam.com features digital photos from both soybean growers in Illinois and members of APROSOJA, the Mato Grosso Soybean Producers Association in Brazil.

Participating growers will capture everything from the beginning of the planting process to the end of the harvest, including sprayer operations and managing pest, weed and disease infestations. Growers also will upload background information on crop management practices and the justification for making certain farming decisions. Visit SoyCam.com now.

ISA Annual Meeting July 31 10:30am-12:00 noon Embassy Suites Peoria, IL Ag Day at the State Fair August 17 State Fair Grounds Springfield, IL	Soy Foods Contest August 18 State Fair Grounds Springfield, IL View All Events >>

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© Illinois Soybean Association | 1605 Commerce Parkway | Bloomington, IL 61704 | (309) 663-7692 phone | (309) 663-6981 fax | www.ilsoy.org | Directors

"Illinois Soybean Association" (ISA) is a "doing-business-as" (d/b/a) trade name for the coordinated operations
of the Illinois Soybean Program Operating Board and the Land of Lincoln Soybean Association. Funded in part by the soybean checkoff.