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MSGA hoped for the best at the beginning of the 2023 Legislative Session. Despite a legislature heavy on urban representation, MSGA dug deep to find common ground with lawmakers and delivered on its top policy priorities.
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Brownfield Ag News first hit the airwaves in a lo-fi manner 50 years ago. Today, the ag media juggernaut covers the industry far and wide and continues to increase its presence throughout Minnesota.
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Each year, MSR&PC invests checkoff resources toward one of its key strategic missions: funding research to give farmers the tools needed to improve yields and address agronomic challenges.
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Livestock is the biggest consumer of Minnesota soybeans. With a strong demand for U.S. beef and pork, MSR&PC’s investment in USMEF continues to help sustain and grow international markets.
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We don’t tend to brag (much), but have you heard the news? For the first time in its 21-year history, Soybean Business earned national agri-marketing honors.
ABOUT THE COVER
A pandemic, inflation, supply chain snaggles, workforce shortages – the Ag Innovation Campus took on all challenges and still emerged with a cutting-edge facility that is primed to transform the region’s ag economy. In a mere five years, the crush plant went from dream to reality. With Phase One having reached its completion, the AIC has only just begun to realize its potential as a research and educational hub. Photo by Mark Askelson.
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Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Officers and ASA Directors:
OFFICERS
Bob Worth
President
Lake Benton, MN
Lincoln County
Darin Johnson
Vice President Wells, MN Faribault County
Rose Wendinger
Secretary St. James, MN
Watonwan County
Ryan Mackenthun
Treasurer Brownton, MN McLeod County
ASA DIRECTORS
Jamie Beyer Wheaton, MN Traverse County
George Goblish Vesta, MN Redwood County
Adam Guetter Wabasso, MN Redwood County
Christopher Hill Brewster, MN Jackson County
Jim Kukowski Strathcona, MN Roseau/LOW Counties
Michael Petefish Claremont, MN
Dodge County
Joel Schreurs (term ends in Dec.)
Tyler, MN
Lincoln County
Jeff Sorenson (term begins in Dec.)
Morgan, MN Redwood County
ASA YOUNG LEADERS
Gary and Tina Schoenfeld
Waseca, MN
Waseca County
Paul Mesner and Mary Dybedahl-Mesner (2021-22 Class)
Chandler, MN Murray County
Trevore Brekken Crookston, MN Polk County
Mark Brown St. James, MN Watonwan County
Steve Brusven Cottonwood, MN Yellow Medicine County
Jason Cadieux Hallock, MN Kittson County
Brian Fruechte Verdi, MN Lincoln County
William Gordon Worthington, MN Nobles County
Tom Grundman Osakis, MN Douglas County
Corey Hanson Gary, MN Norman County
Matt Heers Owatonna, MN
Steele County
Ray Hewitt Le Sueur, MN Scott/Le Sueur Counties
Brad Hovel Cannon Falls, MN Goodhue County
Jim Jirava Ogema, MN Becker/Mahnomen Counties
Kyle Jore Thief River Falls, MN
Pennington/Red Lake Counties
Bob Lindemann Brownton, MN McLeod County
Bruce Nelsen
Rose Creek, MN Mower County
Keith Nelsen
Westbrook, MN Cottonwood County
Robert Nelsen Westbrook, MN Murray County
Tim Nelson New Richland, MN Waseca County
Lucas Peters Luverne, MN Rock County
Nathan Potucek Warren, MN Marshall County
Andy Pulk Wannaska, MN Roseau/LOW Counties
Matt Purfeerst Faribault, MN Dakota/Rice Counties
Tim Rasmussen Rothsay, MN
Otter Tail/Grant Counties
Justin Remus New Ulm, MN Brown County
Mike Skaug Beltrami, MN
Polk County
Cal Spronk Edgerton, MN Pipestone County
Jamie Seitzer St Peter, MN
Nicollet/Sibley Counties
Lawrence Sukalski Fairmont, MN Martin County
Jeremy Tischer Breckenridge, MN Clay/Wilkin Counties
Doug Toreen Bird Island, MN Renville County
Earl Ziegler
Good Thunder, MN Blue Earth County
EDITORIAL STAFF:
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Joe Smentek
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association 888-896-9678 jsmentek@mnsoybean.com
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Managing Editor Drew Lyon Sr. Manager of Communications Ag Management Solutions 888-896-9678 dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com
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The mission of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Our lobbying team can’t execute our policy strategies without clear direction from our Board of Directors. In turn, our policy priorities can’t be amplified without the hard work of our staff, led by Executive Director Joe Smentek.
Everyone at MSGA is on the same page, working toward a common goal: improving the farm economy for soybean farmers by grassroots advocacy through favorable policy.
Our teamwork was on display during this past legislative session in St. Paul. Despite a legislative body comprising a noticeable lack of rural representation, we made the most out of a difficult environment and emerged with several huge wins on behalf of our members. From saving millions of dollars in property tax relief to protecting treated seed, we delivered on behalf of our members. We can’t achieve our goals without everyone at MSGA pushing in the same direction.
As we reflect on this past session and begin to lay the groundwork for 2024, I’ve never been more optimistic about the future of this organization. I was humbled when my fellow directors reelected me president during our June meeting. But that wasn’t the highlight: In the boardroom, I saw the bright future of MSGA in living color. Thanks to projects like last summer’s Future of Soybeans retreat, which was cohosted by our friends and partners at the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, we welcomed nine new directors over the past year. One of those directors, Kyle Jore, even moved up to our Governing Board just a few months after becoming a director. As someone who’s served on this board for more than 20 years, I’m extremely excited and impressed watching these emerging leaders step up, sharpen their leadership skills and use their passion for agriculture to move MSGA to the next level. Our officer team – which includes Vice President Darin Johnson, Secretary Rose Wendinger and Treasurer Ryan Mackenthun – have experience, fresh perspectives and are primed to lead us into the future of advocacy and
farmer leadership.
Everyone in Minnesota agriculture – where the average farmer is in their mid-to-late 50s – is aware that many older farmers are beginning to transition their operations to the next generation. That’s why molding younger leaders has become one of our top priorities. Last year, we formed an internal committee dedicated toward promoting emerging leaders within both MSGA and our colleagues at MSR&PC. Adam Guetter, who currently serves as one of our ASA directors, is chairing this action team and has collaborated with staff to create programs that recruit and retain those emerging leaders who will be the next MSGA officers. Adam is currently working with our board, staff and industry partners on some exciting workshops that we hope to debut at next year’s MN AG EXPO in January. Stay tuned in the coming months for more information!
In August, many MSGA directors will be at Farmfest to break a sweat and visit with farmers to highlight the many ways in which joining MSGA can improve their operations and profitability. While this isn’t an election year, Farmest is always a unique venue to engage with lawmakers and regulatory leaders and discuss our policy priorities. We look forward to the opportunities Farmfest affords our emerging leaders to visit with our community. Please join us at Farmfest booth #620, become a member and see the future of MSGA in action. Take it from me: You’ll like what you see!
Sincerely,
Bob Worth, President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
Agriculture is the economic engine of Minnesota. Our 67,100 farms across the state generate $105.6 billion in sales and support more than 388,000 jobs. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is here to promote and assist the industry – marketing agriculture here and abroad. But did you know that the MDA does this with less than a half of a percent of the state’s overall budget?
Thanks to a historic budget surplus, the Minnesota Legislature made major investments in agriculture this past legislative session. We were able to secure funding in seven different bills for programs that will have a lasting impact on our farm families. This was accomplished with support from businesses and organizations like the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA). I’d like to highlight several of the funding initiatives.
First, the MDA will be establishing the state’s first Grain Indemnity Fund. A $10 million, one-time appropriation will protect producers who have unpaid grain sales when grain buyers or warehouses become financially insolvent. It’s the best way to provide farmers a legitimate safety net when these failures happen, and the unfortunate reality is that we know they will happen in the future. The current bonding structure does not provide adequate protection to farmers, with some receiving pennies on the dollar. It also does not provide any incentives, such as adequate financial screening processes, for license holders. The Grain Indemnity Fund will solve both issues. If needed, the fund will then be replenished through fees associated with sales of grain.
Second, legislation will help the MDA expand our international trade support. New, ongoing funding will support a full-time international trade representative based at the MDA for trade missions and international marketing support. Exports contribute over one-third of the state’s total agricultural sales, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Minnesota is the fourth-biggest agricultural exporter among all 50 states. Demand for our international trade services have outgrown our current capacity; however, this funding will help continue our work promoting
Minnesota agriculture around the world. We understand that good soil health is important to productive agriculture. Thanks to a $1.25 million investment in the next fiscal year and $639,000 ongoing after that, the MDA will be building on the new Soil Health Financial Assistance Program that began as a pilot in 2022. The Soil Health Equipment Grant will award funds to access specialized equipment and machinery, helping farmers adopt soil health practices.
Finally, good data is key to farming. The Legislature gave the MDA $3 million to expand the MN Ag Weather Network. Currently, there are 14 stations in the network that provide access to local ag weather data, including precipitation, temperature, wind speed, humidity, dew point and soil temperature. This funding will be used to install 40 new stations and hire staff to maintain them and support data management and programming. We will also be working with partners to identify interested landowners where stations can be located.
This is a small sample of the many important items that have come out of this session. Again, thank you to MSGA for their lobbying efforts and continued support of the MDA and Minnesota agriculture.
Thom Petersen, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Democrats took full advantage of their complete, yet slim, control of the Minnesota Legislature in 2023. After regaining the majority for the first time in nearly a decade, the DFL checked off nearly all of its campaign pledges, from cannabis legislation to paid family medical leave.
With a dearth of DFL rural representation, farm groups braced for the worst at the outset. And while the 2023 session started at a brisk pace and rarely let up, when the dust settled after lawmakers adjourned on May 22, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) helped secure long-lasting policy wins across several committees for its members and the state’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers.
“I’m very proud of our team for making the most of a difficult
session,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “Advocating for – and against – legislation is never easy, and it especially wasn’t in this environment. But at the end of the day, we got the job done for our farmers. Did we get everything we wanted? No, but we found compromise where we could and appreciate legislative leaders working together to pass the ag bill in a timely manner.”
The state’s $72 billion budget included a $2.6 billion infrastructure package, along with the state’s largest ever bonding bill. MSGA’s biggest win may have come out of the Tax Committee, which included legislation that raises the agricultural homestead tax credit to $3.5 million for assessment year 2024. In 2022, MSGA Secretary Ryan Mackenthun was the only farmer to testify in
support of the credit. Minnesota Pork also helped push the legislation across the finish line.
“By easing the tax burden of people like myself who actually farm the land, this legislation helps keep family farms around longer for the next generation,” Mackenthun told lawmakers.
This bipartisan bill was first debated during MSGA’s Pre-Resolution meeting in late 2021 and brought to the floor during MSGA’s Annual Meeting in January 2022.
“That’s what is great about how we go about our business,” Worth said. “The push for this homestead credit began with discussions at the county level and moved all the way to the governor’s desk. That’s exactly how grassroots advocacy is supposed to work.”
The legislation, introduced by Sen. Bill Weber, will reduce farmers’ tax
burden by millions of dollars and aims to assist the next generation of farmers in land transition.
“With ag land values going up due to inflation and demand for solar, this was a top priority for MSGA, and we were thrilled to see it included in the budget,” Mackenthun said. “The tax relief for farmers is significant, and we thank Senators Weber and Ann Rest for their leadership.”
The tax bill also included a partial rollback of Social Security taxes. MSGA was also pleased that ag land sales were excluded from increases to capital gains taxes. MSGA supported the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, which increases the credit amount for eligible sales of agricultural assets (farmland, machinery, etc.) to 12% for sales to socially disadvantaged farmers and 8% for sales to other beginning
farmers. In addition, the bill boosts the maximum credit amount to $50,000 for eligible sales and expands eligibility to include the sale of assets between family members.
“In the tax bill, Minnesota agriculture did about as well as it possibly could,” MSGA lobbyist Cory Bennett said.
Before the session wrapped, Gov. Tim Walz signed the Omnibus Agriculture Appropriations Bill, which increases General Fund spending for agriculture programs and personnel by $148 million in the next biennium. MSGA was disappointed that the new target left many challenges and demands on agriculture – the state’s second largest industry – unfunded. However, the organization was encouraged that lawmakers included several MSGA priorities in the ag budget.
“Agriculture is central to our state’s identity, and this bipartisan law will empower Minnesota’s farmers, ranchers and producers to succeed for years in the future,” Gov. Walz said. “This budget provides security for our farmers and producers and ensures we can continue growing and innovating in our nation-leading agriculture industry.”
Highlights from the agriculture omnibus bill include:
The amendment, supported by MSGA (albeit at a fully funded $15 million), includes $10 million to establish the state’s first grain indemnity fund, providing protections and security for producers who have unpaid grain sales when grain buyers or warehouses become financially insolvent. Since 2015, the state averages about one grain elevator failure per year. Farmers choosing to participate in the program pay premiums only if the fund dips below $8 million.
“Along with Minnesota Farmers Union, we helped set up the safety net and ensuring there’s not a ‘blink on’ at $8 million,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said.
“That was a huge win for us and our industry.”
MSGA successfully introduced a bill that increases funding for MDA’s international trade staff by $300,000 to support International Trade Manager Jeffrey Phillips and grow markets for Minnesota agricultural products. Smentek, who has accompanied MDA on several trade missions, said increased funding puts Minnesota on par with other states’ export
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promotional budgets. Soybeans are the state’s top export, valued at more than $2 billion each year.
The bill includes $100 million to expand high-speed broadband and help achieve the state’s goal of ensuring Greater Minnesota has better access to high-speed broadband.
The bill provides $1.25 million to build on the new Soil Health Financial Assistance Program that began as a pilot program in 2022. These grants help farmers implement soil health management practices by awarding funds to access specialized equipment and machinery.
Funding includes $1.6 million toward noxious weed grants to combat invasive species, such as Palmer amaranth, and protect Minnesota crops.
Funding is provided for farm safety outreach and equipment cost-share payments to farmers; stress and mental health outreach, promotion and support to farmers and others in the agricultural community; and a pass-through grant to the Minnesota FFA Foundation to engage FFA chapters in creating innovative education, training or outreach projects that respond to community needs to mitigate stress and promote mental health.
Funds of $1 million for fiscal year 2024 to replenish MDA’s Ag Emergency Account to address ag-related emergencies in a timely manner.
The Northern Crops Institute also received $120,000 in state funding. Additionally, a fertilizer inspection fee will be set by MDA, rather than the legislature, with a minimum of 39 cents and maximum of 70 cents per ton. Use of PFAS substances in pesticides and fertilizer would be phased out. Pesticides and fertilizers with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances would be prohibited after Jan. 1, 2032.
Often, what’s excluded from a bill matters as much as what’s included. To that end, MSGA helped prevent House provisions that would have regulated pesticide-treated seeds; Smentek twice testified to Committee members against the regulation.
“The language remained problematic for us,” Smentek said. “We felt this would distract from important work MDA has to do and most of this language was redundant.”
In the environmental bill, a provision allowed cities of the first class to prohibit the use of pollinator-lethal pesticides within their borders. However, MSGA’s advocacy prevented authority from extending to agriculture land or MDA’s noxious weed laws. MSGA also pushed back against low carbon fuel standards legislation that would have punished agriculture.
“Some of the bills were really coming after biofuels hard,” Smentek
said, “but we protected the biggest attacks on agriculture from making it into the biofuels bills.”
Worth said MSGA’s successes are a testament to the organization’s teamwork. Farmers set the direction, while Smentek, staff and lobbyists Bennett and A.J. Duerr promote and execute MSGA’s priorities through multiple channels.
Membership is the foundation of MSGA, and Worth encouraged his fellow farmers to join the nation’s longest-running state soybean advocacy group. Currently, less than 10% of the state’s soybean farmers are active MSGA members.
“It takes a lot of resources to keep boots on the ground throughout the session, and we can’t do this work without members to sustain it,” Worth said. “We have a great board, staff and lobbyists, but we need those members to continue pulling our weight at the Capitol.”
During the session, MSGA stepped out of the legislative realm and into the judicial arena by joining a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota for its adoption of California’s “zeroemission vehicle” mandate. The lawsuit is ongoing.
“Governor Walz has been a strong champion of biofuels, both as a governor and a D.C. congressman, and we certainly appreciate that support,” Smentek said, “However, we believe this rule doesn’t factor in that biodiesel has already played a big role in reducing carbon emissions right here in Minnesota for the past two decades.”
The Minnesota Legislature reconvenes on Feb. 12, 2024.
By Drew Lyon
Lincoln County farmer Bob Worth was reelected president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) by his farmer peers during the organization’s June board meeting.
“I greatly enjoyed this past year and look forward to another year as president,” Worth said. “I love working with this board and appreciate all the hard work they put in for Minnesota soybean farmers.”
With his reelection, Worth is set to become MSGA’s first president to serve multiple two-year terms. Only John Evans, MSGA’s “Founding Father” who presided from 1962-1967, served as president longer than Worth.
“It’s exciting for me to see where we’ve been and where we’re going,” Worth said. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the coming year.”
Worth has farmed for more than 50 years on his family farm in southwest Minnesota. Worth started farming with his father and now grows soybeans and corn in Lake Benton alongside his wife, Gail, and their son, Jon, and his family. He has volunteered as an MSGA director since 2002, serving in various capacities, including vice president, secretary and treasurer. He also remains active on his county board and has become a national advocate for rural mental health.
Wells farmer Darin Johnson was reelected vice president, Rose Wendinger of St. James moved to
secretary and Brownton farmer Ryan Mackenthun returns as treasurer.
“I’m honored to once again have the support of my fellow farmers on MSGA,” Johnson said. “It’s been a great experience the past year, and I’m excited to learn more under Bob’s leadership and mentor some of our newer directors.”
Worth has prioritized mentoring younger farmers and is optimistic about the emerging leaders on the officer team, in addition to the nine new directors who have joined MSGA in the past year.
“MSGA is a fantastic organization that is going to be great for years to come,” Worth said. “I really like the new and upcoming leaders that are coming into the mix with new ideas to move this organization to a higher scale.”
Worth said MSGA will look to build on its 2023 legislative successes in 2024.
“We need some of our politicians to understand how important ag is to our state,” Worth said. “We’ve got to keep them educated – the more we can get them on our farms to talk agriculture, the better.”
Redwood County farmer Jeff Sorenson was elected to represent Minnesota on the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) Board of Directors to replace Joel Schreurs, whose third and final ASA term expires in December.
“MSGA has a strong state presence, and I felt that, after being on the board for a few years, I wanted to step up and be an advocate for Minnesota farmers in Washington, D.C.,” Sorenson said.
Directors also elected members for MSGA’s governing board. Beyond the elections, directors honored past ASA President Bill Gordon, received a national policy update from ASA and looked ahead to the policy outlook in 2024.
“We’re getting things done in St. Paul and D.C. that are improving farmer profitability,” Worth said. “We’re doing our part in taking care of farmers. That’s what it’s all about.”
In July, Worth and his fellow directors joined Minnesota’s directors on ASA for a visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers. MSGA also plans to return to the nation’s capital in September for Hill Visits.
A voice for radio – that’s what some listeners might say about Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) President Bob Worth’s booming voice heard each week on Pipestone’s KLOH Radio.
At first, Worth was a bit nervous to host a radio program, but after eight years, he said he’s gotten comfortable serving as a literal voice for farmers on the airwaves.
“I really enjoy telling our story because people aren’t doing that anymore,” Worth said.
Beginning his radio show, listeners will hear Worth’s theme song, Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth,” (also the name of Worth’s show) followed by a discussion of current farm issues in Minnesota and nationally.
Worth also invites guests to join in the conversation, including local, state and federal politicians and Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen.
“Congresswoman (Michelle) Fischbach says she loves going on the show because we always have a good time,” Worth said. “We have a good laugh and enjoy talking about what we’re doing and try to give listeners good information that they can use.”
Worth credits his involvement with MSGA in adding to his radio conversations.
“Being involved with MSGA has enabled me to stay in tune to get information quicker, and I love to tell listeners what’s going on and to try to help them with their farming operation,” Worth said.
Just a few counties east of Worth, MSGA Vice President Darin Johnson co-hosts his own radio program, “Growing with Johnson Seeds,” with his agronomist on KBEW out of Blue Earth.
In his office, listeners would see a makeshift studio similar to a podcast-type setup. From here, Johnson typically broadcasts the radio show, but sometimes his day job forces him to record remotely.
“We talk about anything that’s going on with agriculture and give agronomic insights of what we’re seeing live out in the fields at the time,” Johnson said. “Sometimes we do remote call ins from the tractor, while I am up on the Hill out in Washington, D.C., or when I was down at Commodity Classic.”
Johnson enjoys the weekly dialogue and civil disagreements.
“We have a lot of fun,” Johnson said. “We banter back and forth about some topics because we don’t always necessarily agree on them either, so we sometimes have that conversation on the radio, which keeps it pretty interesting.”
Johnson, who owns his own seed company, said the agronomic discussions are his favorite. His platform also allows him a chance to promote membership in MSGA.
“For us, it’s good that we can be proactive and help listeners and to be their eyes and ears,” Johnson said. “We like to be widespread and have those listeners come to you and say thank you for reminding me.”
Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) enjoy higher profits than non-certified farms, according to a recent study by the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. This marks the fourth year of data highlighting improved financial outcomes.
The “Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability” study examined financial and crop production information from farmers enrolled in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management education program. The 101 MAWQCP farms in the study saw 2022 net farm income an average of more than $23,500 or 7.5% higher than non-certified farms. Looking at four years of data, the average income for MAWQCP farms was $16,000 - $40,000 higher. Other key financial metrics are also better for those enrolled in the MAWQCP, such as debt-to-asset ratios and operating expense ratios.
The four years of data serve as an indicator of a positive return on investment for whole-farm conservation management that farmers implement to become certified.
“For four years now, we see that farm operations in the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program
have, on average, better economic outcomes on top of the known environmental benefits,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “There are many advantages to the MAWQCP, and I encourage all farmers and landowners to look into certifying their land and contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.”
To find details on the economic study, visit: https://www. agcentric.org/farm-business-management/annual-fbm-reports/.
“Minnesota Farm Business Management is proud to support farmers who are water quality certified and continue to demonstrate profitability compared to their peers,” said Keith Olander, executive director of AgCentric and Agricultural Partnerships. “The water quality certified cohort sets a standard for other environmental enhancements to be implemented on-farm through a data supported process as farmers continue to improve their soil health while protecting their economic viability.”
The MAWQCP connects growers with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality on a field-by-field basis. Producers going through the certification process have priority access to financial assistance. After being certified, each farm is deemed in compliance with new water quality laws and regulations for 10 years, along with, an official MAWQCP sign to display on their farm and other benefits developed by local MAWQCP providers.
Since the program’s statewide launch in 2016, 1,333 farms totaling over 970,000 acres have been certified across Minnesota. Farms have added over 2,623 new conservation practices, which protect Minnesota’s waters. Those new practices help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50,000 metric tons each year.
“This program works on every level,” Gov. Tim Walz said, “and it works because producers are at the center of it, producers help write it and producers help execute it.”
Farmers and landowners interested in becoming water quality certified can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit MyLandMyLegacy.com.
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program rewards farmers like you for what you do best, taking care of your land and its natural resources.
To get started and learn more, contact your local soil and water conservation district or go to:
MyLandMyLegacy.com
The original vision behind Brownfield Ag News can be traced back to academia. Over a half-century ago, while studying at the Missouri School of Journalism, Clyde Lear dedicated his master’s thesis toward starting an agriculture radio network.
“Clyde always had this dream,” said Cyndi Young, longtime director of Brownfield News & Ag Operations. “That dream came true.”
But first, Lear had to put his plan into action. While toiling in the newsroom at KLIK in his native Jefferson City, Mo., Lear struck up a friendship with Farm Director Derry Brownfield. The two journalists combined their names to create Learfield Communications and launched after recruiting four angel investors and partnering with nine radio affiliates. In January 1973, Lear fulfilled his dream of broadcasting his own ag radio network when the Brownfield Network hit the airwaves, helping to give a voice to American’s heartland, which Lear felt had been neglected by national media. But it wasn’t exactly an auspicious start for the operation; “good, not fancy” was the company’s motto. Lear signed affiliates, hustled to sell ads, oversaw audio engineering; Derry Brownfield, meanwhile, dictated his broadcasts over a telephone line.
Fifty years later, Brownfield Ag News, a division of Learfield, has grown into an agriculture media powerhouse. Today, a dozen farm broadcasters work with nearly 600 affiliate radio stations across 12 states and multiple media platforms to deliver relevant agriculture news to listeners. Learfield has also diversified by securing multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions. And throughout 2023, the company is
celebrating its milestone anniversary with listeners and state affiliates.
“Fifty years is a big deal,” Young said, “and it’s grown way beyond what Clyde originally envisioned. We are more than Brownfield now.”
Lear, now retired but a frequent visitor to the company’s headquarters in Jefferson City, developed an eye for honing talent both on-air and behind the scenes.
“Clyde believed in the people,” said Young, a former National Farm Broadcaster of the Year who’s been with the company for 25 years. “He was a big believer in finding the people who had the passion, and taking good care of the people, taking good care of our affiliate partners and taking good care of our advertisers and public relations people, as well as our listeners.”
Lear also cultivated a corporate culture that brings people together.
“For 50 years, it’s been a feeling of family,” Young said. “With Brownfield, it’s about who you are, not just what you can bring, and I think that’s served us well.”
The network has adapted to shifts in how agriculture professionals consume news, while maintaining its journalistic ethics. Those values, Young said, spur legislative leaders and the USDA to contact Brownfield to share their messaging.
“Just as tech has changed the tools in agriculture, tech has changed our tools,” Young said. “The most important thing is, content is king. People go to a lot of places to get information today, but what they really want with their news and information is sources that they can trust.”
Mark Dorenkamp, a Brownfield reporter covering Minnesota and Iowa, can attest to the company’s
familial atmosphere. When Brownfield first broke into the Minnesota market in early 2015, Young brought Dorenkamp, an aspiring sports broadcaster working his “dream job” as a farm director at WHO Radio in Des Moines, down to Jefferson City for an interview. Young also insisted Dorenkamp bring his wife, Melissa.
“That spoke volumes to me, and was influential in my decision to take the job,” Dorenkamp said. “Cyndi knew this was a family decision.”
The Brownfield team, scattered across the nation’s heartland down into the southern Delta, is built for today’s digital communications world. Each weekday, Dorenkamp, after sending his three sons off to school, logs on to his computer around 8 a.m. and corresponds with his fellow broadcasters to cull the day’s news agenda.
“About 90 percent of our communications is (through) email,” said Dorenkamp, who lives in Iowa. Throughout the news day, Dorenkamp and his colleagues post stories to brownfieldagnews.com;
day around 5 p.m., Dorenkamp has already recorded and edited clips to air the following morning. Through building connections with growers and farm groups like Minnesota Soybean – along with a dedication to accuracy –Brownfield draws from a bottomless well of timely information to distribute to outlets.
“Those relationships are necessary for us to be effective at what we do,” Young said. “Partnerships are everything.”
When he joined Brownfield, Dorenkamp fully immersed himself in Minnesota’s tightknit agriculture community. He attended events, developed contacts and introduced Brownfield to the state’s farming industry.
“Mark is humble but fearless in getting the story right,” Young said. “He has such good connections with people, and I can’t tell you how much I respect him.”
Dorenkamp has become a fixture at farm-related events across the state, from the State Fair to MN AG EXPO.
“I’ve tried to be face to face with people and explain what we’re about,”
looking at the big picture.”
Dorenkamp has established a rapport with farmer leaders representing both the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, which partners with Brownfield on checkoff-supported promotions, including the 2022 Stepping Up campaign. Dorenkamp also cited MSGA President Bob Worth as one of many Minnesota farmer-directors
he’s bonded with during his eight years at Brownfield.
“I’ve so enjoyed getting to know Bob,” Dorenkamp said. “He was the first person I talked to in ag circles who was really open about mental health. Bob moved the needle, not only in Minnesota, but nationally.”
Worth, in turn, heralded Dorenkamp and Brownfield for engaging with farmers and staying abreast of current events.
“We have a fantastic ag media
Brownfield has joined the broadcasting industry in advocating against the removal of AM radio access from electric cars. Currently, many of the nation’s 20 car manufacturers have removed AM from electric cars. Yet, over 80 million American listen to AM radio every month.
“In rural communities, we are still listening to local radio,” Young said. “It may be all Spotify in Chicago, but out here, we need that source of important information. It’s vital in rural America.”
In May, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation in the Senate that would mandate automakers maintain AM radio in new vehicles. Removing AM radio would deprive listeners of a critical communication outlet in the event of an emergency, said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who co-sponsored the legislation.
“Minnesotans turn to AM radio for everything from emergency alerts and local news to critical updates from our farm broadcasters and entertainment,” Sen. Klobuchar said. “We can’t let this vital communication tool get phased out by automakers.”
in Minnesota, and Brownfield has done a great job of making a name for themselves,” Worth said. “Mark, specifically, is fantastic and always asks great questions and gives soybean farmers an audience to speak our message, both on the policy and checkoff sides.”
Dorenkamp will continue relying on Minnesota Soybean for insights on policy issues and the latest ag news of the day.
“If I see news happening with the legislative session, I know I can reach out to MSGA and they’ll have someone who can speak to that issue,” he said. “Minnesota Soybean is a huge resource that I can continue to tap into to make sure Brownfield is on top of what’s happening in agriculture.”
By staying nimble and knowing their audience, Learfield and Brownfield are built to last.
“It’s been hard work, but very rewarding,” Young said. “Local radio isn’t going anywhere.”
For our fourth annual Photo Contest, we looked beyond the horizon to the next generation.
Using an online contest, we sought photos of the next generation of Minnesota farmers, the little boys and girls who make our hearts swoon and hopeful for the future. We are proud to share our favorites.
“Picking
By Tanner Lehman
“Farming rocks”
“Little FarmHER Cora wants to make sure the soybean depth is right”
By Dana Schmiesing
rocks with Rocky”
The game is changing.
Following last year’s acclaimed Game of Soy-themed booth, Minnesota Soybean is switching it up at this year’s Farmfest, which runs Aug. 1-3, while continuing to showcase soybean checkoff investments. Minnesota Soybean will again be stationed in booth #620.
The Council plans to use augmented reality today’s checkoff investments impact farm operations and the soybean industry. Visitors to the booth can scan, view and listen to a “future farmer” through augmented reality.
“From opening new markets to finding new ways to use soybean meal, Council directors push each other to direct those checkoff funds toward projects that are bold and boost profitability,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC). “And Farmfest, of course, is the ideal audience to show where we’ve been and where we’re headed.”
Many checkoff activities are implemented to succeed over the long term. Value-added products can take years of research and development to reach commercialization, and tapping into developing markets, such as Uzbekistan, requires relationship-building and infrastructure.
“But the payoff for those investments, as we’ve seen countless times over the years, can be substantial,” Slunecka said. “The checkoff looks toward to the future.”
Tom Frisch, the newest MSR&PC chair, is attending his first Farmfest. The Traverse County farmer said he’s excited to explain the areas where the Council directs checkoff dollars.
“I’m looking forward to the chance to introduce myself, visit with my fellow farmers and show the ways in which the checkoff adds value to our operations,” Frisch said.
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) will also retain a presence in its booth. Although 2023 isn’t an election year, state and national legislative leaders and 2024 candidates are expected to attend Farmfest and visit with farmer-leaders to get a ground-level read on the issues facing Minnesota agriculture. MSGA will also participate in policy panels during the three-day farm show.
“Farmfest is a chance for policy leaders and candidates to visit our booth, have a conversation with our farmers and learn more about the importance of agriculture to Minnesota’s economy,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said.
Membership is a cornerstone of MSGA, and Farmfest is the perfect venue for prospective members to learn about MSGA’s policy wins in past years and its legislative priorities for 2024. Active members will also be eligible to win a prize by visiting MSGA’s booth. Not a member? No problem – joining onsite only takes a few minutes, and membership levels start at just $20 for students.
“Meeting with members and future members is one of my favorite parts of Farmfest,” MSGA President Bob Worth said. “It’s one of the few opportunities we get during the growing season to talk to producers and either thank them for being a member, or explain to them why it’s important to join MSGA.”
Held at the Gilfillan Estate in Morgan and established over 50 years ago, Farmfest is the state’s premier outdoor farm event and covers 50 acres of land to promote products, services and technologies featuring over 500 exhibitors and vendors.
“As a farmer, everyone in Minnesota’s heard of Farmfest,” Frisch said. “I’m ready to check it out for myself.”
FOR WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.
II CORINTHIANS 5 : 7
Five years ago, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) CEO Tom Slunecka had an epiphany. Slunecka envisioned a farmer-led collaboration with industry partners that would solve a recurring problem in product research and development by constructing a site that would host soybean innovation
soybean farmers capture the added value of the crush plant by reducing basis charges and increasing the profitability of livestock production in the area.
The Ag Innovation Campus evolved out of that vision.
“With many groups working together to advance value-added soybeans, while also helping to advance new processing technologies, this facility will create new options for profitability to the farm gate and bring new renewable options for consumers,” said Slunecka, acting AIC CEO. “To see this all come together within a handful of years has been enormously gratifying –and challenging.”
For years, soybean checkoff programs have invested in new ideas and value-added products. As is typical of new ideas, many turned successful bench top research into a viable product and reached the “valley of death” – the place where many great ideas and startup companies fall short of reaching the marketplace. This happens for myriad reasons, namely the expenses needed to locate and build a facility that operates at volumes large enough to grab the attention of companies or investors. Farmer checkoff leaders across the country have all seen promising checkoff projects hit roadblocks on the path to commercialization, but the AIC aims to avoid this pitfall.
“The idea behind AIC occurred after running into these typical barriers head-on,” Slunecka said. “We ran into these barriers with great checkoff-funded projects like RePlay, TruSoya and Plasma Blue, just to name a few. Good ideas need an affordable place for trial and error – that’s what drove creation of the facility.”
Once the vision was crafted, the Council took the concept out of the pages of Slunecka’s notebook and helped bring it to reality. The Council provided $1 million in checkoff resources for the feasibility study. The study placed Crookston, Minn., located in the heart of Polk County, as the ideal location with access to major
highways, railways and infrastructure. Polk County is also one of the top soybean-producing counties in the state, and northwest Minnesota produces some of the best quality soybeans.
Like all checkoff concepts, all roads lead back to the producer.
“Ultimately, it’s the farmers and their vision and their ability to ride along on this journey,” Slunecka said. “They were the core investment of this, and they’ll continue to be the leaders. We can’t do it without them.”
Beltrami farmer Mike Skaug, who serves as AIC chair, is excited about the impact the AIC will have on farmer profitability and the regional economy.
“Not only are we going to bring high-quality jobs to the area,” he said, “we’re going to give growers a chance to contract with AIC for both specialty and commercial soybean varieties. Our local growers, our local community, but also the state and entire soybean industry are all going to benefit from the AIC.”
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association was also instrumental in securing funding for the AIC. Farmers lobbied eagerly and aggressively in the legislature and acquired a $5.75 million grant from the state in 2019 and 2020, allowing AIC to begin construction. The official groundbreaking occurred in October 2020, and dirt began moving the following summer.
“This is exciting; there are opportunities here,” Gov. Tim Walz said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “(The Ag Innovation Campus) speaks volumes for what we can do. … This is bold; there’s no place in the world that has something like this.”
Breaking ground was the easy part. Then came the process of securing the parts, pieces, equipment and experts to build this one-of-a-kind crushing facility. To boot, the AIC contended with a tight budget during a time of historic inflation spikes and workforce shortage caused by the pandemic.
Slunecka credited a talented roster of professionals –from engineers to construction firms – with keeping the AIC on track, along with steadfast support from the city of Crookston and legislative leaders, including Sen. Mark Johnson and Rep. Deb Kiel.
“We have a great team in place to tackle challenges headon,” Slunecka said. “Brian Ruschy has been overseeing the construction, Seg Niebuhr has been a rock star with the ins and outs of the industrial processing equipment and Bill Paulsen of Energy Management Solutions is helping oversee the day-to-day operations and putting together the rest of the AIC team.”
Because of the limited budget, the AIC will be built in phases. Phase I, which begins operations this summer, features the 16,000-square foot facility with three independent crushing lines. The facility will produce an average of 240 tons of soybean meal daily. In turn, the profits from the crushing lines will fund the next two phases of AIC.
Included in that will be laboratory space, meeting space, an innovative “Crushwalk” above the facility for tours and educational opportunities and office space for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI).
“AURI has had a long history in Crookston as one of our main office sites,” AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlect said, “but as we looked towards the future we were really interested in AIC, not just because of the value-added agriculture but also to reestablish our laboratory presence in northwest Minnesota.”
Schlect hopes that by having office and laboratory space, combined with the AIC’s smaller scale processing capabilities, AURI will be able to fuel innovation in the region.
“It’s a natural synergy for us in terms of being available to
provide the technical and business assistance to entrepreneurs and startup businesses that would be utilizing those innovation bays and advancing their food and agricultural ideas,” he said. “We look forward to contributing to the overall goals and mission of the Ag Innovation Campus efforts.”
MSR&PC Chair and AIC Treasurer Tom Frisch is anticipating those first beans to hit the crush line. Frisch will also have a direct connection to the first crush.
“Last year I grew High Oleic TruSoya soybeans on my farm in Traverse County,” Frisch said. “Those beans will be some of the first beans to go through the crushing line at AIC. It’s neat to see it come full circle.”
To learn more about the AIC and its myriad partnership opportunities, visit www. aginnovationcampus.org.
“This facility is going to be the first-of-itskind,” Slunecka said. “We’re going to develop and process products that consumers want today and tomorrow, not yesterday.”
Who’s the No. 1 protein source in chicken feed? YOU are. That’s right. You’re winning.
Moving
Find out how ASA/WISHH’s soy checkoff-supported work with Edesia Nutrition led to the company developing a product that contains 25% more soy flour than earlier formulations. Adding more soy allows Edesia to reach more people throughout the world.
Trade. Development. Food Security.
Top photo courtesy of SNI Global
ASA/WISHH is helping explore opportunities for soy-based feeds to grow aquaculture in 8 sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania
Connect with WISHH wishh.org
By Bailey Grubish
Would you make a large purchase without researching the best price? Would you move somewhere without researching the location?
Just as you would research for the best options, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) sponsors research on behalf of the soybean checkoff that brings on-farm value to soybean growers.
MSR&PC values research conducted by public and private researchers to help improve yield, practices,
pest management, climate adaption, genetics and breeding. All projects funded by the Council help growers across the state make the best decisions for their farms and to keep Minnesota growers informed – all while improving profitability.
In fiscal year 2022, the Council funded 23 research projects in these various areas, and we pulled together highlights from eight of the funded projects. To view a complete list of Minnesota checkoff-funded investments, visit mnsoybean.org/msrpc or the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database.
Project: Soybean stem and root diseases: Filling the gaps for management
Researcher: Dean Malvick, Department of Plant Pathology, U of M
Brown Stem Rot (BSR) is a common disease that growers in southern and central Minnesota need to manage. It’s known that crop rotation helps reduce the risk by suppressing the pathogens of BSR in the soil, but it’s a guess on how effective this is. BSR is evaluated by taking soil samples from fields with various crop rotation histories; the soil was tested with a PCR assay to find the quantity of the BSR pathogen in the soil. Another method used to test for BSR is evaluating soybean breeding lines and varieties for resistance to the disease. The data revealed various levels of susceptibility/resistance among the soybean entries evaluated to types A and B of the BSR pathogen.
A new method was tested for BSR detection in soybeans before the symptoms of BSR develop in the plants. Though this new method was tried, additional studies are needed to determine the feasibility of this new method.
Key ThereTakeaways is new technology and methods to test for BSR, but without further research these methods are inconclusive for finding results. Crop rotation is still the best way to mitigate problems with BSR.
Project: Advancing varietal resistance to soybean cyst nematode in Minnesota
Researcher: Aaron Lorenz, Professor, U of M
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) is the No. 1 pest of soybeans, causing large yield reductions. The best management resource against SCN is a resistant variety of soybeans. The creation of varieties with strong resistance to SCN is not simple because resistance screening is costly and laborious. The most common source of soybean resistance has been used for decades, causing resistance breakdown.
Lorenz and his team recently released two new public Peking-type varieties with strong resistance to evolving populations of SCN. One variety is a 0.8 RM, which will be useful for northwestern Minnesota, as very few non-88788 SCN resistant varieties are commercially available.
Key ThereTakeaways is a need to develop new resistant varieties of soybeans to keep fighting against SCN. There is extensive research being done to continue testing the various varieties. The incorporation of new sources of resistance into elite varieties adapted to Minnesota is an ongoing long- term project.
Project: FY22 management of herbicide-resistant waterhemp in Minnesota soybeans
Researcher: Debalin Sarangi, Assistant Professor and Extension weed Scientist, U of M.
Waterhemp is the most difficult-to-manage weed among row crops in Minnesota.
This research was conducted to study the extent, profile and patterns of herbicide resistance in waterhemp, as well as to evaluate a multi-tactic management approach in a soybean-sugar beet crop rotation. A total of 90 herbicide-resistant waterhemp populations collected from 47 counties were screened against eight corn and soybean pre- and post-emergent herbicides for resistance. All waterhemp populations tested were resistant to Raptor and 89% of all the populations were resistant to Roundup PowerMAX. This research also found populations resistant to Enlist One, Xtendimax, Aatrex, Fomesafen and Callisto.
Project: Cold hardiness of soybean gall midge: Foundations for pest forecasting and cultural control
Researcher: Robert Koch, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, U of M
Soybean gall midge is a newer pest moving into the Midwest. This research sought to find the hardiness – an organism’s ability to survive exposure to cold temperatures.
The larvae were subjected to four different acclimation regimes where fall/winter was simulated with temperatures of three or 13 degrees Celsius with short day lengths for one or two months. The cold hardiness was tested through the freezing points and deadly temperatures of the larvae. On average across regimes, the freezing points were around -25 degrees Celsius.
Key MultipleTakeawaysherbicide-resistant waterhemp populations are a documented threat to the growers as they substantially reduce herbicide options to control this weed. A high management program worked best for herbicide-resistant waterhemp control throughout this project.
Project: Managing IDC with agronomics and economics (Year 2/2)
Researcher: Seth Naeve, Extension Soybean Agronomist and Associate Professor of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, U of M
Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) is a soil borne nutritional disorder caused by a lack of soluble iron Ferric, a form of iron, to the plants. Iron deficiency can limit plant growth and yield. Plants can recover from IDC. It is not always fatal to the plant, but yield may be lower than if IDC had not occurred.
Growers have adopted several agronomic practices to mitigate yield losses from IDC. Among the most of used are growing a tolerant variety, increasing seeding rates and applying iron chelates. This study examines the impact of these practices and interactions.
Key WhenTakeaways exposed to short term extreme cold the larvae’s survival decreased greatly between -20 and -25 degrees Celsius. The research showed it to be very unlikely that soil temperatures would reach the critical temperatures needed, suggesting winter temperatures might not impact the survival of the pest.
Key Takeaways
From this research, it was found that using an IDC tolerant soybean variety was the best practice for growers. Applying an iron chelate or increasing the seed population are other useful methods of fighting against IDC or a combination of these management practices.
Project: Enhancing sclerotinia stem rot research capacity and exploring new avenues of disease management through soybean canopy architecture traits
Researcher: Megan McCaghey, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, U of M
The purpose of this work was to develop tools for white mold resistance breeding and research in Minnesota. This work aimed to characterize Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum isolates (the type of white mold), collected throughout Minnesota. A secondary part of the research compared techniques for infesting fields with white mold to study management under more consistent disease pressure because there is currently no place to conduct field experiments. This project also aims to define relationships between canopy architecture and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum development.
Apothecia production is influenced by moisture and light (quality and quantity). Consequently, the final objective is to better understand the interaction between light and plant architecture so that it might be used as a breeding consideration to reduce infection.
The isolates found will help create better resistance in soybean varieties. Plant architecture was found to impact white mold infestation in soybeans. The research continues through 2024 to develop better methods of infesting research fields completely and how to best understand the development of the disease.
Project: 2022 Weed control and plant health multi-company demonstration grant
Researcher: Andrew Lueck, Owner of Next Gen Ag LLC
Successful research is contingent on communicating to growers. Efforts in the past have noticed a declining attendance at plot tours. To increase the efficiency of learning, Lueck designed and developed a virtual plot tour for a variety of plant health treatments. The plot tour is located at nxtgenag.com/.
In the ever-changing world, there are increasing ways to consume information; the same is true of a traditional plot day. Lueck adapted the plot tour of his research into an online format where anyone interested in his research can take a virtual plot tour.
Project: Managing volunteer corn in growth regulator tolerant soybeans
Researcher: Ryan Miller, Extension Educator, U of M
This research tested soybean varieties tolerance to Enlist, glyphosate and glufosinate that all struggle to rid fields of volunteer corn. The trial had 20 treatments and included 16 tank mixes, two sequential applications, one weed-free check and one weedy check. Glyphosatetolerant corn was planted perpendicular to soybean rows at 25,000 plants per acre. An initial pre-emergence treatment of Dual II Magnum was applied to all plots to reduce weed pressure without injuring the volunteer corn. All other treatments were applied post-emergence and results were calculated at the end of the season by yields. These results will be more finalized after another year of testing.
For the best control of volunteer corn, the study suggests using higher rates of volunteer corn herbicides when used in a tank mix with Enlist. Another option is to do sequential applications of Assure II treatments, which were equally effective to the higher rate grass herbicide in tank-mixes.
Across the globe, demand for United States beef and pork continues growing.
A record value of beef and pork exports brought big returns to the U.S. soybean and corn industries in 2022, according to an independent study conducted by World Perspectives, Inc. and released by the United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
U.S. pork and beef exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 15% per bushel to the value of corn and 13% per bushel to soybeans in 2022, according to the study.
“For every bushel of soybeans (marketed in 2022), pork exports contributed $1.94 per bushel,” USMEF Chair Dean Meyer said. “Pork and beef exports bring critical support to our bottom lines.”
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), along with other Qualified State Soybean Boards and the United Soybean Board, supports USMEF’s efforts to increase global red meat consumption. This past year, the Council invested $200,000 toward USMEF’s efforts in growing the Japanese market. Brad Hovel, a livestock farmer and director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, represents MSR&PC on USMEF.
“I recently attended my first USMEF conference and am very eager to represent our farmers by promoting investments that increase exports,” Hovel said. “These markets are critical to our bottom lines.”
Key findings from the study, which used 2022 statistics provided by USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and data analysis by World Perspectives, include:
Exporting soybeans through U.S. pork
Pork exports accounted for 89.7 million bushels of U.S. soybean usage, which equated to a market value of $1.33 billion (at an average price of $14.83 per bushel).
Exporting corn through U.S. beef and pork
• Beef and pork exports accounted for 503.4 million bushels of U.S. corn usage, which equated to a market value of $3.4 billion (at an average corn price of $6.75 per bushel).
• Beef and pork exports accounted for 3.42 million tons of DDGS usage, equating to $834 million (at an average price of $244 per ton).
• Beef and pork exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 15%, or $1.01, of bushel value in 2022 at an average price of $6.75 per bushel.
“We are a major exporter of corn and soybeans, but this study reminds us of the value of our indirect exports of corn and soybeans through pork and beef,” said Dave Juday, senior analyst for World Perspectives. “The contributions of pork and beef exports to the per-bushel value of U.S. corn and soybeans in 2022 were the highest estimates we’ve seen to date.”
Pork exports contributed an estimated total economic impact of 13% of bushel value, or $1.94, in 2022 at an average price of $14.83 per bushel. And global demand for U.S. meat shows no signs of slowing down: March 2023 exports of U.S. pork were the largest in nearly two years.
“It’s great to see U.S. pork exports continue to expand in many of our Western Hemisphere markets, but there is also notable momentum in the Asia Pacific,” USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom said. “With consumer activity in the region rebounding toward pre-COVID levels and U.S. pork very competitively priced compared to European product, 2023 holds excellent potential for broad-based growth.”
In 2022 the market value of pork export to Minnesota soybeans = $114.96 million (soybeans consumed by pork exports at average annual soybean price) 8 million bushels x $13.13 per bushel
27.5% of U.S. pork and pork variety meat was exported
For the estimated total economic impact: In 2022 pork exports contributed 13% of bushel value = $1.94 at an average price of $14.83 per bushel
in 2022 pork exports accounted for 7.75 million bushels of Minnesota soybean usage
Pork volume equated to 47lbs. per head slaughtered, 9.3 lbs. of which were pork variety meats (export volume divided by 2022 commercial hog slaughter)
$ $
Pork production increased by 10% from 2015, while pork exports increased by 25% (including variety meats) during the same time period
For the estimated total economic impact: million
In 2021 pork exports contributed 12.6% of bushel value = $1.65 at an average price of $13.13 per bushel
U.S. pork exports contributed
U.S. pork exports contributed $97.00 per Minnesota soybean acre at $1.94/bushel at the yield of 50 bushels/acre in 2022
$77.55 per Minnesota soybean acre at $1.65/bushel at a yield of 47 bushels/acre in 2021
Exported
Pork export value equated to $61.26 per head slaughtered (export value divided by 2022 commercial hog slaughter)
Per head slaughters in 2022
Bushels of Corn
Lbs. of Dried Distillers Grains
Lbs. of Soybean Meal
Soybeans and livestock – they just go together. More than 70% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are used for animal feed. In 2022, hogs consumed 17% of U.S. soybean meal, equating to approximately 275 million bushels. To begin an ongoing series in which we profile the leaders of Minnesota’s top livestock groups, we reached out to Minnesota Pork CEO Jill Resler to learn more about her career and the pork industry.
Jill Resler: Change is constant. As the pork industry changes, it is imperative it continues to evolve – we must listen to our stakeholders, be relevant and provide value. The pace of change is faster than ever – major challenges like the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF) are ever present yet, there are also tremendous opportunities especially in areas like sustainability.
It’s our job as an organization to address both the opportunities and challenges facing our stakeholders in a deliberate manner that aligns with producer priorities and our strategic plan.
Jill Resler: With experience comes wisdom. During the past 13 years, I have either been in proximity to or lead nearly all aspects of our organization – that awareness has helped me transition into the role as CEO. I believe it is important to honor the legacy of where we have been as an organization, while forging a new path forward. I also have a deep belief in the people I work for and with – they make me a better leader and person.
Who is a person in your life that has had the biggest impact on you and why?
Jill Resler: I have had the privilege of being mentored by some incredible leaders – their unwavering belief, counsel, coaching and accountability have been imperative along my professional journey.
I also owe a lot of credit to my parents – they have been a powerful example of integrity, faith and hard work.
What has been your industry’s biggest obstacle?
Jill Resler: The number one threat to the pork industry is the introduction of a foreign animal disease into the United States, specifically African Swine Fever. For the first time since the 1980’s, ASF is in the Western Hemisphere – if ASF were to enter the United States it would be catastrophic for the U.S. pork industry. Today, approximately one-third of the pork produced in the United States is exported. If we were to have ASF in this country, that number would go to zero overnight.
How do you continue to grow your knowledge to be the best leader you can be?
Jill Resler: I have a curious mind – ask great questions and listen with the intent to understand and learn. I am delberate about being in proximity to people that are farther on the journey than I am – their counsel and wisdom is priceless.
I spend at least an hour consuming leadership and professional development content each day – a couple of my favorite authors are John Maxwell and Patrick Lencioni. I invest in the next generation of leaders whenever I can – they are our future.
What do you hope to accomplish as CEO and what does your vision look for the future of the organization?
Jill Resler: I’m grateful for our producer leaders. They have invested their money into our organization and entrusted our board and staff to invest it well. I have a deep sense of obligation to deliver the greatest return on their investment as possible.
The work I do is highly relational: It’s about trust, listening, discernment, vision and execution. Everything we do must be grounded in the belief that our purpose as an organization is to move the industry forward as a whole and lead well, regardless of circumstances.
•Resler was raised in southwest Minnesota on her family’s beef cow/calf, feedlot and row crop farm. She remains active in her family operation with husband, Steve, and daughters Ava, Adison and Josie.
•Was involved in 4-H and FFA growing up, showed beef cattle and served as a region and state FFA Officer.
“I always knew I wanted to be involved in agriculture when I grew up,” Resler said. “Both my parents farm full time, so all through my youth I had an example of hard work, faith, perseverance and integrity.”
•Attended South Dakota State University and began working with Minnesota Pork in 2009. She has served multiple roles, most recently serving as the COO prior to accepting the CEO position.
“Agriculture is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle and I knew I wanted that for me and my family,” she said.
Minnesota Soybean received a closer look at the burgeoning shipping opportunities at the Port of Duluth-Superior during a spring visit with four Moroccan buyers as part of a trade mission led by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC). The trip was a direct result of a fall 2022 trade mission to Morocco with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) Executive Director Joe Smentek.
“This was a great opportunity to visit with Moroccan leaders and see how we can get U.S. soybean meal and soybeans over to Morocco,” Smentek said.
As part of the tour, Smentek and Kim Nill, director of market development with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), visited the Hansen-Mueller Elevator in Duluth.
“You’re seeing history here,” Facility Manager Jeff Blaskowski said of Hansen-Mueller, which acquired the facility in 2022 after several years of vacancies. “This is a cool, old elevator.”
The Hansen-Mueller facility can store 3.5 million bushels of grain and stands 195 feet above the bar. The site also supports nine legs and has a nearly 2,000-foot dock and on-dock rail service from BNSF Railway. The facility was built in the late 1800s – “You’re not going to see a lot of automation here – yet,” Blaskowski said – and can export small grains, plus soybeans and meal, from the United States and Canada to both domestic and international customers.
“It was interesting to visit this terminal and learn more about the investments that Hansen-Mueller is making here in Minnesota to increase our ag exports,” said Andrea Vaubel, MDA’s deputy commissioner.
Following the Hansen-Mueller visit, the delegation, which included buyers from Morocco’s feed milling industry, toured the Port of Duluth-Superior.
“Morocco is of special interest because their ports are smaller than the huge ports in other nations, so they would benefit
from having shipments directly from Duluth in seaway max vessels, which are ideal to import Minnesota soy,” Nill said.
Though the port still ships about a million tons of grain annually –wheat and beet pulp pellets are some of the top exported commodities – iron ore is far and away the most popular material exported from the Port of Duluth-Superior, which first opened for commercial shipping over 150 years ago. The port is the continent’s furthest inland seaport and the highest-ranking port on the Great Lakes, attracting about 900 vessels each year. Shippers prefer shipping via Duluth-Superior partly because traffic is uncongested; traffic on the Seaway could double and ships and barges would still flow freely.
“The great thing about the Great Lakes is we can offer a diversified supply chain for many of these shippers utilizing the coast,” said Kate Ferguson, director of trade and business development with the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. “So many companies want to diversify their risks, and we know the Great Lakes can be a reliable chain.”
Grain shipments at the port dipped by 20% in 2022, the port’s smallest grain throughput since 1890. The port hasn’t moved soybeans in about
five years, and overall grain exports could drop again in 2023.
“We’re all trying to support agriculture throughout our region to get products to market,” Ferguson said.
MSGA and MSR&PC are eager to continue promoting the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System through checkoff projects and legislative activities.
“This system could be a big deal for our farmers,” Smentek said. “We just need Hansen-Mueller to keep going and build excitement so eventually we can connect the Port of Duluth with buyers in Europe, North Africa and Central Asia.”
Morocco is Africa’s fourth-largest economy, with a growing population (37 million) that continues prioritizing animal agriculture. All U.S. imports to Morocco are dutyfree following the United StatesMorocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Morocco is the largest importer of soybean meal in the Middle East and North Africa and one of the top 15 importers of U.S. soybean meal. Because Morocco has no crushing facilities, feed mills import all ingredients, including soymeal. According to Soy Stats, Morocco imported $182 million of U.S. soymeal in 2022, making it the ninth largest market. It has the
largest compound feed production in Maghreb markets, and U.S. soy farmers have collaborated with Morocco since 1995.
“With opportunities to now ship from Duluth, we heard lots of excitement about sourcing ingredients from Minnesota,” Smentek said. “The majority of their soymeal comes from the U.S., but all three (feed mills) in the country are growing and looking to diversify their supply chains.”
Smentek also explained how the expansion of soybean crush plants throughout Minnesota, the Midwest and U.S. makes Minnesota soybeans an attractive, affordable option for international customers.
“Hansen-Mueller will transload from any of these facilities,” he said. “It should be relatively easy on the rail system to get soybeans.”
Khalid Benabdeljelil, USSEC’s representative in Morocco, said his group was impressed by the reliability and magnitude of the Port of Duluth.
“This is the first time we’ve gotten to do something like this,” said Benabdeljelil, who graduated from the University of Minnesota. “They’re really trying to diversify here, and we see possibilities for shipping soy meal from (Duluth). It’s been a very positive experience.”
During their final day in Minnesota, the Moroccan team visited Cargill and CHS’ facilities before meeting with MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen in St. Paul. Petersen told buyers how MDA addresses and prevents animal diseases, and promotes soil health practices through the popular Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. MDA hopes to continue to build the relationship with Morocco by returning with a trade team in early 2024.
“We’re really glad you took time to visit Minnesota,” MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “We’re very interested in the Port of Duluth and the opportunities there.”
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) tabbed Traverse County farmer Tom Frisch as its chair during the organization’s June board meeting. Frisch replaces Bird Island farmer Joe Serbus, who stepped down after two years as chair.
“I’m looking forward to continuing working with an amazing group of directors. I know every one of them has the best interests of soybeans at heart,” Frisch said. “I’ve learned a lot serving as vice chair under the leadership of Joe Serbus, and those are some big shoes to fill.”
During his term directing the state’s soybean checkoff program, Serbus, who’s served on the Council since 2016, helped oversee the Council’s Driving Soy and Stepping Up campaigns. The statewide promotions received national recognition by promoting the value of soy-based products through charitable donations to Minnesota sheriff’s departments and frontline health care workers.
“It’s been a great run. I want to thank everyone for the past two years and wish Tom all the best as chair,” said Serbus, who will remain on the board and represents the Council on both the Soy Transportation Coalition and the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute. “The Council is in great hands under his leadership.”
Frisch, who was first elected to MSR&PC in 2019, is a fourth-generation farmer and partner in the farming operation alongside his father, two first cousins and his cousin’s son. The family raises soybeans, corn, sunflowers and grapes in Dumont. In addition to working with the family farming operation, Frisch started his own crop consulting business after graduating from North Dakota
State University in 2000 with a degree in agriculture economics. Frisch has been a firefighter with the Dumont Volunteer Firefighter Department for more than 20 years, serving as fire chief from 2005-2009. Tom and his wife, Dr. Jane Vangsness Frisch, live two miles north of the original Felix Frisch and Son homestead.
“My grandfather prided himself in serving the community that had provided so much for him,” said Frisch, who also sits on the United Soybean Board. “I try to follow the same philosophy.”
Faribault farmer Gail Donkers was elected MSR&PC vice chair. The Council selected Ben Storm as treasurer, while longtime Director Pat Sullivan will again serve as secretary.
“By showing up and being the voice of Minnesota’s soybean farmers, I hope to make a difference for not only our farm, but for all the soybean growers in Minnesota,” said Donkers, who previously served as treasurer.
Earlier this spring, Directors Bill Zurn (District 1, 2 &. 3), Patrick O’Leary (District 4), Sullivan (District 5 & 6), Ron Obermoller (District 7) and Rochelle Krusemark (District 8) were all reelected.
Council directors serve three-year terms, which begin July 1. The Council is charged with directing state soybean checkoff resources toward research, establishing markets and developing value-added uses for soy. During the board meeting, which was held in Baxter, directors received updates from the Ag Innovation Campus, United Soybean Board directors and discussed goals and checkoff projects for the summer and the 2024 fiscal year.
“We have a really solid group of directors who ask the right questions and are helping to ensure the soybean checkoff continues to improve the outlook for Minnesota farmers,” CEO Tom Slunecka said.
Are you ready to accept the challenge to be a better-thanaverage soybean farmer?
Research is one the primary buckets funded through state and national soybean checkoff dollars. As a checkoff organization representative, I often get asked how our checkoff money is spent and whether it generates return on investment. Unequivocally, I know SRIN is worth every dime. ”
SRIN is a website that was created to share with farmers results from research that is housed in the National Soybean Checkoff Research Database for every state. SRIN representatives read through the research reports and boil down the information for farmers to understand and easily implement on their operations. The site highlights state soybean research programs, profiles key soybean researchers, hosts a YouTube channel of educational videos and farmer perspectives on production challenges, as well as shares diagnostic tools, agronomic tips and pest control recommendations by state and region. Content is constantly added to keep the site fresh and relevant and is supplemented by a timely social media presence and monthly e-newsletter.
Cole Trebesch, farmer from Springfield, Minnesota
Minnesota Soybean continues to make a splash on the national stage. At this year’s National Agri-Marketing Awards (NAMA) awards, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) were both recognized for marketing and communications projects across several categories. In total, MSR&PC and MSGA combined to win five awards, an organization record. NAMA honors the best in agricultural marketing communications and received nearly 1,000 submissions this year.
“I enjoy watching this team learn, grow and evolve,” Council CEO Tom Slunecka said. “We’re really hitting our stride as a company, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Staff was also spotlighted. Director of Marketing Kristeena Thisius was honored with the Next Gen NAMA award, which is awarded to up to four individuals under age 35 and are recognized as the next generation of marketing leaders with a bright future in the industry.
“Being nominated, awarded and recognized as the Next Gen NAMA award recipient is truly humbling,” Thisius said. “But this award goes beyond just me. We have a great team who continue to want to learn and grow. I am honored to celebrate this success with them.”
The Council nabbed first-place honors for the Stepping Up: From Farm to Frontline campaign and the 2022 “Future of Soybeans” retreat, which brought together farmer directors, emerging leaders and checkoffsupported researchers and focused on forging connections, addressing challenges and finding new ideas.
Soybean Business, MSGA’s official magazine, earned the merit award in the “Company and Association Magazines – External” category. Three issues from 2022 were entered for consideration. The bimonthly magazine reaches 23,000 farmers, industry professionals and legislators. Since 2019, Soybean Business has earned several regional awards, but this year marked the magazine’s first national award since its publishing debut in 2002.
“We’ve been knocking on the door for a long time with Soybean Business,” said Art Director Doug Monson, who’s contributed to Soybean Business as a designer, editor and staff writer for 10 years. “To finally break through among our peers was a great honor.”
The Council also earned merit awards for Minneline, a weekly e-newsletter co-published with MSGA that is distributed to over 4,000 subscribers, and the checkoff group’s 2021 Annual Report.
Both MSR&PC and MSGA’s daily operations are overseen by Ag Management Solutions, a Mankato-based association management company that helps small and medium-sized companies with limited staff have a meaningful impact. AMS is owned by MSR&PC and MSGA.
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is dedicating checkoff funds to reimburse younger farmers who complete the Minnesota Private Pesticide Applicators certification. Reimbursement is available to the first 200 Minnesota farmers between the ages of 18-35 who apply for the $75 through MSR&PC. The certification lasts for three years.
The form to apply for reimbursement can be found online at mnsoybean.org/msrpc. The form can be completed online, and emailed or printed out and mailed in. Once the form and applicator identification number are received, the check for reimbursement will be mailed out to the applicant.
Information to take the exam can be found on the University of Minnesota Extension’s website.
By offering reimbursement, the Council seeks to have more farmers take control over the pesticides they’re using, when they’re applied and give farmers the knowledge and confidence to use the proper pesticides.
Industry experts representing Northern Soy Marketing, a group supported by MSR&PC, continued conversations earlier this spring in Southeast Asia touting the benefits of northern U.S.-grown soy.
Robert Swick, poultry nutrition consultant, toured Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at the U.S. Soybean Export Council’s (USSEC) Feed Technology and Animal Nutrition Conference. He presented two papers showcasing the higher value of U.S. soybean meal versus competitor’s soybean meal and the value of critical amino acids. Swick then visited members of Vietnam’s feed industry, one that is in strong recovery from a bout of African Swine Fever, the No. 1 pig producer in Southeast Asia and second in broiler and layer poultry production. Vietnam is now the top feed producer in Southeast Asia and among the top 10 globally, with a production of 27 MMT in 2022.
Swick traveled with local USSEC Technical Representative Nguyen Tien Thinh. They visited Greenfeed and ANT feed mills to discuss benefits of soybean meal produced from northern-grown soybeans and give recommendations for feed management of sows and laying hens.
Greenfeed produces 1.1 MT of feed per year and has swine farms, layers farms and feed mills in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. ANT Company produces 1,000,000 MT of feed per year for swine and broilers. Swick and Thinh also toured Sunjin Feed Mill in Hung Yen province and Mavin feed mill in Hai Duong province.
$15 million in loans for meat and poultry processors now available through MDA
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Rural Finance Authority (RFA) has opened applications for a new revolving loan program to support Minnesota’s small and medium-sized meat and poultry processors.
The Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILP) offers $15 million in low-interest loans for the start-up, expansion, or operation of slaughter and value-added processing. MPILP is funded by a grant from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development.
Loans of up to $7 million will be available at a 3% fixed interest rate with a term of up to 10 years. Funds can be used to purchase land or equipment, cover start-up costs and make other business investments. Returned funds will be made available to new borrowers.
Minnesota was awarded the maximum of $15 million in grant money targeting meat and poultry processing from the USDA Rural Development Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program. Loan applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To find more information and to access the application, visit the MPILP.
Gary Yost has been involved in the Traverse County Corn & Soybean Growers Association since Day One.
“I think we’ve been going on (for) maybe 12 or 13 years,” said Yost, who was on the original board and currently serves as treasurer. “We started out as just the Traverse County Corn Growers Association. When we were approached to add the Soybean Growers Association to our chapter, it did not take any convincing for me to sign up.”
Yost grew up on a dairy farm in South Dakota but attended high school in Browns Valley, Minn. After marrying his wife, Michelle, he started working with his father-inlaw to farm soybeans, wheat and corn while running a cow calf operation. Since then, Yost has become the owner of a Pioneer Seed dealership in Wheaton.
Recently, his son, Parker, has started to take over and become involved in the operation by farming soybeans and corn and a cattle finishing operation.
“It’s awesome to be able to have three generations working at the same time on the farm,” Gary Yost said. “It’s great that Parker wants to, and is able, to work with us.”
When Yost is not in the field or at his dealership, he is active in his community. Besides serving on his county soybean board, Yost is also vice chair of his local school board in Wheaton. As a member of MSGA, he’s comfortable knowing MSGA is advocating for more value-added soybean products in the marketplace.
“It’s fun to see and hear the new uses of soybeans,” said Yost. “You just cannot go wrong by signing up to be a member.”
Kari Olson’s passion for farming and agriculture started as a youngster on the family farm. Today, Olson remains an active participant on her fourth-generation family farm in Hawley.
For 40 years, her dad, Rob, and grandpa Bob raised hogs, farrow to finish, up until 2013. Her family’s operation in Clay County now farms soybeans, corn and spring wheat. The Olsons also practice 100% no-till in an effort to be stewards of their land.
“We incorporate cover crops into our operation and are currently in the process of buying livestock to graze over those cover crops to continue our soil health journey,” Olson said.
Olson stays involved in agriculture in other ways. She attends educational meetings, works part time for North Dakota State University and serves as treasurer of the ClayWilkin County Corn & Soybean Growers Association.
In her roles, Olson sees a need for farmer transparency and consumer education.
“I feel as though the consumer needs us farmers to be more vocal and open about our practices,” she said. “They want to know how their food is produced.”
Her dedication to farming also led to membership in the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.
“I joined MSGA because I want to make sure that, as a soybean farmer, I have a voice and want to ensure the state has our best interests in mind when making decisions,” Olson said. “This is a way for soybean producers to advocate for their rights in the state so that we can operate freely and profitably.”
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) is the nation’s premier soybean association because farmers and agri-businesses recognize the value their investment in MSGA brings. Here are two examples of MSGA members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry.
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association thanks the nearly 30 members who joined MSGA since April 2023. We also extend our gratitude to the roughly 100 members who renewed their support of MSGA over the past several months. Together, we’re moving agriculture forward and fighting on your behalf in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. To join the nation’s premier state soybean association, visit mnsoybean.org/msga/invest. Membership levels start at just $20 for students, and a 3-year membership costs less than a quarter per day!
Member County
Lakes Community Cooperative
Patrick Devney
Landon Craig
Jill Johnson
Michael Bonnema
Brian Mahn
Peter Scheff
Soren Hoeustra
Sady Swiers
Olivia Hanson
Lillian Bergman
Anthony Conrad
Craig Smith, Jr.
Pro-Ag Farmers Coop
Energy Transfer
Wyatt Halvorson
Becker
Dakota
Douglas
Douglas
Kandiyohi
Kandiyohi
Mahnomen
Mahnomen
Mahnomen
Mahnomen
Marshall
Murray
Nicollet
Otter Tail
Out of State
Pennington
All MSGA members receive the following benefits and discounts:
• Clean Fuels Alliance America Vehicle Discount
• Cabela’s discount (10%)
• Commodity Classic Registration - $100 Savings
• American Soybean Association (ASA) Membership
• $5,000 College Scholarship Opportunity
• Ability to join 40 Square Health Plans
Karly Martell
Jake Duden
Nathan Huot
Jordan Kasprowicz
Paige Olson
Brooke VonEnde
James K. Nash
Douglas E. Pichner
Timothy A. Pirkl
Mackenzie Fiskness
Eugene Smallidge
Kevin Etzler
Blaine Karels
Cut
Name:____________________________________Date of Birth:______/________/_______
Farm/Company Name:______________________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________________
City:_____________________________State:______Zip:_________County:_____________
Email:*________________________Phone:*_________________Cell:__________________
3 Year Membership: $250(includes Minnesota Soybean sweatshirt and $100 biodiesel rebate)
Pullover size (circle one): S M L XL XXL XXXL
Biodiesel Coupon (Value $100)
1 Year Membership: $120
Yes I want to save $20! 1 Year Membership: $100 (with auto renew payment via credit card). By checking this option, I understand my annual membership to MSGA will renew automatically, charging the credit card on file at the time my membership expires
Young Professional (age 35 and under) & Retired: $70
Student (age 22 and under): $20
I’m a new member Renewing member ID#____________Recruiter Name:______________
Pennington
Red Lake
Red Lake
Red Lake
Red Lake
Roseau
Steele
Steele
Steele
Todd
Washington
Wilkin
Wilkin
Payment information:
Check Enclosed (payable to MSGA)
CC: (VISA/MASTER?DISC/AMEX)
Card:______-______-______-______
Exp. Date (M/Y):____/____
CVV:____
Signature_______________
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association 1020 Innovation Lane
Mankato, MN 56001 507-388-1635
Online applications also available at mnsoybean.org/msga/invest
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is standing up to protect biodiesel against attacks at the federal and state level by joining lawsuits challenging actions that harm our homegrown, low carbon fuels. But legal advocacy is expensive, and we need your support.
