One of the most anticipated events for Minnesota corn and soybean farmers is Ag Expo, which was held on January 22 -23 this year in Mankato. The conference and trade show brings together two of the largest organizations representing Minnesota farmers, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. The Clean Air Team from the American Lung Association were among the dozens of organizations exhibiting at the event.
Highlights of the two-day event included a visit by Governor Tim Walz, a former Mankato teacher, coach and congressman. In his remarks, Walz said Minnesota-made biofuels had reduced carbon emissions and helped to make the country more energy independent. “The innovation comes from the people in this room,” Walz pointed out.
The benefits of cleaner-burning biofuels such as ethanol was discussed at the American Lung Association booth as well, as many attendees stopped by to pick up information or to spin the wheel to win “fabulous prizes.” Robert Moffitt, a spokesperson for the Clean Air Team, was interviewed by KDHL-FM during Ag Expo. Moffitt explained how Minnesota leads the nation in E85 station, and how using ethanol blends helps to reduce both air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.