Longtime Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Director and former chair Rob Hanks passed away Monday at his home in LeRoy.

Hanks farmed for nearly 45 years in Mower County alongside his brother, Neil. The Hanks brothers raised beef, hogs, corn and soybeans and hosted international trade teams. Hanks served as the Council’s District 9 representative since 1997 and participated in numerous action teams, most recently MSR&PC’s product development action team. He was re-elected to the Council in 2019 and was secretary-treasurer of Ag Management Solutions.

MSR&PC Chair Cole Trebesch says his peers on the Council revered Hanks’ knowledge, experience and affable nature.

“Rob was a kind, gentle man and always willing to lend his wisdom when called upon,” Trebesch says. “We are a much stronger, durable organization because of him, and we will miss Rob dearly – both personally and professionally. “

Since joining the Council, Rob helped guide the soybean industry through a seismic spike in production. In 1997, U.S. soybean production totaled 2 billion bushels. Twenty years later, U.S. soybean production more than doubled, exceeding 4 billion bushels. His influence directing checkoff funds spans beyond Minnesota: Rob also served nine years on the United Soybean Board.

“It’s been amazing to be a part of that progression,” Hanks told Soybean Business in 2017.

Off the farm, Hanks enjoyed woodworking and photography. He is survived by his brothers, Darrell and Neil.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Hindt Funeral Home in LeRoy. Burial will take place in Bethlehem Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to Robin “Rob” H. Hanks’ family, please visit Hindt Funeral Homes’ floral section.