Jesse gives oats a licking

St. Paul, Minn. – Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura sampled Oatscream and checked out an array of ag-based products while visiting AURI’s display at the Minnesota State Fair’s Agri-Land. Ventura was among tens of thousands who visited AURI’s display, which featured the oat-based soft serve dessert along with other innovations such as SoySoft hand lotion, made with soy oil.

“It's always fun to see how people react when you tell them these products come from soybeans or corn or oats,” says Dan Lemke, AURI communications director. “People from the city aren't the only ones who are surprised. A lot of people who are from farms are amazed at what is being done to develop new ag-based products."

Beside the samples, AURI's exhibit included a Minnesota ag IQ test, an AURI video and examples of ag-based food and industrial products. AURI was featured by several radio and television broadcasters during the 12-day fair.

Laleman joins AURI

A new voice is greeting callers at AURI's Marshall office. In August, Becky Laleman joined the staff as Southwest Office secretary/receptionist. Laleman, who grew up in Lake Benton, Minn., is a 1997 graduate of Southwest State University in office administration. She was formerly employed by Schwan's Sales Enterprises in the purchasing and marketing departments.