ROCHESTER, Minn. — Members of the Olmsted-South Wabasha Corn and Soybean Growers are returning to the Agri News Farm Show this year and they’re bringing a doughnut machine.
"This year we’ve got a new doughnut machine … it’s supposed to be a high-speed machine," said Dan Brandt of Eyota, president of the Olmsted-South Wabasha Corn and Soybean Growers. "We’re expecting good things."
Last year, the Olmsted-South Wabasha Corn and Soybean Growers brought doughnuts fried in soyoil back to the show after a several year absence. Unfortunately, the doughnut machine had some issues, turning out mutant doughnuts at a slower-than-desired pace, but Brandt said they were pleased with the demand.
"We used more batter that we expected to," he said. "We sold more doughnuts than we expected to."
This year, the corn and soybean growers have two booths in a better location and they hope to attract crowds of show-goers hungry for doughnuts fried in soybean oil.
ADVERTISEMENT
"The smell will bring them in," Brandt said.
The Olmsted-South Wabasha Corn and Soybean Growers hope to get their name out and to promote the many uses of corn and soybeans while raising funds for their organization. They can also questions about ethanol and other biofuels and there will be several brochures and handouts.
Members are keeping busy now attending meetings about groundwater and other water issues, Brandt said. The members of the Olmsted-South Wabasha Corn and Soybean Growers want to be sure farmers aren’t blamed for all the pollution that’s out there. They are also talking to their neighbors about the issues.
"To a farmer, every day is Earth Day," Brandt said.
The corn and soybean growers aren’t forgetting about the show’s smaller visitors. They have coloring books especially for younger show-goers.
Show-goers of all ages may want to visit with Colonel Corn. Colonel Corn will make an appearance at the show each day.
The combined Olmsted-South Wabasha Corn and Soybean Growers organization formed in summer 2008. The Olmsted County Corn Growers recently held their 27th annual meeting. South Wabasha County is anything south of the Zumbro River.
