The farmers have spoken at the ballot box. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is proud to announce that five grower leaders have been elected and reelected to the board of directors. Charged with directing soybean checkoff dollars to increase profitability to Minnesota soybean farmers, MSR&PC’s elected board of 15 directors are dedicated to maximizing checkoff dollars in three core areas: research, promotion and education. 

Elected to his first term on MSR&PC is George Goblish, a Vesta farmer with a lengthy career of farmer leadership at the state and national levels across multiple commodity groups. Goblish will represent District 7 and replace the venerable Gene Stoel, who is retiring from MSR&PC after serving six terms and 18 years, including two as Council chair. 

“I’m excited about opening up a new chapter in my life and leadership career, from working on policy to now working on research and promotion,” said Goblish, a past president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association who will term off the American Soybean Association later this year. “It’s going to be huge shoes to fill with Gene. He’s a wealth of knowledge and I plan to reach out to him to tap his knowledge.”  

Goblish said opening up markets, both internationally and at home, are his top priorities as a director, along with increasing demand for biofuels. As a longtime volunteer firefighter, he’s also eager to become active in the Council’s statewide work in promoting SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting agent free of PFAS, aka forever chemicals.  

“I can’t wait to see SoyFoam in action, and there are a lot of products made with petroleum that soybeans can be used for,” he said. “We’ve just got to start opening those avenues up and finding niche markets for our soybeans.” 

Stoel’s final term concludes in June. The Lake Wilson farmer is featured in the May-June 2025 issue of Soybean Business, following a recent trade mission to Uzbekistan.  

“I’m very proud of the work I’ve been able to do on behalf of our industry,” Stoel said, “but it’s time for the younger generation to take over.”  

Council vets returning 

Goblish will join a board stacked with steady checkoff veterans: Council Chair Tom Frisch (District 4) of Dumont; Vice Chair Gail Donkers (District 8), who farms in Faribault; Past Chair Joe Serbus (District 5 & 6) of Bird Island; and Ridgeway farmer Glen Groth (District 9) all earned reelection from their farming peers.  

“We have a lot of great projects that we’re investing in, and I’m looking forward to seeing them continue and helping to promote our industry,” said Frisch, who also oversees the national checkoff as a member of the United Soybean Board’s (USB) Executive Committee. “The Council also allows the Minnesota farmer’s perspective to be heard locally, nationally and internationally.” 

Groth, who has served on the Council since 2020, said it’s an honor and responsibility to have a voice in shaping checkoff projects that build relationships, diversify markets and improve the farm economy.  

“International marketing holds the most promise for Minnesota’s soybean farmers; it’s the easiest way to move our beans,” said Groth, who also represents MSR&PC as chair of Northern Soy Marketing. “It’s important for farmers to get involved and be part of the efforts that put money back in our pocket, and I consider the checkoff to be an investment in the future.”  

Serbus is also looking beyond the horizon as he enters his fourth term on MSR&PC. 

“Time flies when you’re having fun, and we welcome and embrace change,” said Serbus, who served as chair from 2021-2023. “I’m excited to continue to support our youth and our next generation of leaders – that’s really my strong push on the board.”  

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture administers the election over several months, and more than 3,500 Minnesota farmers received ballots.   

“It’s really great to work with MDA during the election process to make sure it’s run correctly,” said Donkers, who serves as Council election chair. “We’re excited to welcome George and his wealth of experience in our industry. He’s going to be a great asset, and we’re also thankful for Gene’s work on behalf of our producers for so many years.”  

Donkers said she’s “loved every minute” of serving on the Council, including representing Minnesota on national boards and sitting on Minnesota’s FFA Foundation board.  

“It’s just been an absolute pleasure for me,” Donkers said. “I really enjoy learning and promoting soybeans.” 

Minnesota’s checkoff program has helped improve the farm economy across more than a half-century. Half of the state’s soybean checkoff funds stay in Minnesota, with the other portion invested by USB. The national soybean checkoff is federally mandated by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Those funds are directed toward building new markets, creating value-added uses, addressing agronomic issues and growing demand for soy. For each dollar farmers invest into the checkoff, growers earn an estimated $12.30 in return value.  

“The election process is an important part in ensuring that checkoff dollars are controlled by farmer leaders who represent each area of our state’s farming territory, and we look forward to working with these great leaders,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka. “We especially want to welcome George Goblish to our board. His leadership will be an integral part of directing checkoff resources, and we can’t thank Gene enough for all he’s done for our industry.”  

New and returning directors will begin their three-year terms beginning July 1.  The Council will gather June 16-17 in Mankato for its quarterly board meeting to pay tribute to Stoel, elect officers and look ahead to Fiscal Year 2026 priorities.