By Blake Jackson
The annual Norborne Soybean Festival in Carroll County, Missouri, has solidified its position as a premier community event, culminating in a national victory.
This year's festival, held from August 1-3, drew a crowd of over 1,500 attendees, more than double the town's population, and earned the prestigious title of Best Fest in Cenex's Hometown Throwdown competition, securing a substantial $100,000 prize.
Central to the festival's success was the expanded presence of the University of Missouri Extension. A dedicated team of educators and volunteers offered a diverse range of interactive activities and informative presentations.
From youth-focused soybean sensory bins and nutrition-themed games to in-depth discussions on soybean plant growth and nutrition, Extension's efforts catered to a broad audience.
A standout feature of this year's festival was the live cooking demonstrations, highlighting the culinary versatility of soybeans.
By showcasing recipes like Beef and Veggie Stir Fry, Extension aimed to inspire healthier eating habits and promote soybean consumption within the community.
The festival's success extends beyond the celebration of soybeans. It serves as a platform to strengthen community bonds, showcase local agriculture, and promote economic growth. The event's ability to attract a large and enthusiastic crowd underscores its significance as a cultural touchstone for the region.
As Norborne continues to produce more soybeans per capita than any other location worldwide, the Soybean Festival remains a vital celebration of the area's agricultural heritage.
MU Extension Team:
- Nutrition: Amy Albertson, Carla Wayland-White, Christina Todd, Sue Robison
- 4-H Youth: Alex Heussner, Neva Frasier, Nash Frasier
- Horticulture: Kathi Mecham, Todd Higgins
- Livestock: Heather Conrow
- Human Development: Jessica Trussell
- Agronomy: Valerie Tate
- Extension: Ryan Minnick, Sarah Wood, Chelsea Corkins, Stacey Steffens
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Missouri, Business, Crops, Soybeans