For over 60 years, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) has been steadfast in promoting sensible, farm-related policies that can garner support from all sides of the political spectrum. In 2024, the farmer-led organization created the Spirit of MSGA Award to recognize legislative leaders who reach across the aisle, even if it’s not politically popular, to support legislation that improves the outlook for Minnesota agriculture and the state’s nearly 26,000 soybean farmers.

“We know that reaching across the aisle is becoming increasingly rare these days, but we feel that a bipartisan mindset still exists on agriculture issues,” MSGA President Darin Johnson said. “We feel it’s important in this moment to honor those policy leaders who are demonstrating a willingness to go beyond politics to support common-sense policies that move agriculture forward.” 

House Ag Committee Chair Paul Anderson (left) farms in Starbuck and is a longtime member of MSGA.

U.S. Democratic Rep. Angie Craig and GOP Rep. Brad Finstad, who both sit on the House Agriculture Committee, earned the inaugural award for their leadership in Washington, D.C. This year, MSGA honored a pair of state leaders, Republican Rep. Paul Anderson and Democratic Sen. Aric Putnam, with the 2026 Spirit of MSGA Award at its Jan. 20 Annual Meeting in Mankato during MN Ag Expo. 

“In honoring Rep. Anderson and his Democratic colleague, Sen. Aric Putnam, we’re celebrating legislative leaders who put policies above politics and are courageous in reaching across party lines to work with colleagues and promote farm-friendly policies, simply because it’s the right thing to do, not to merely score political points,” Johnson said. “They’ve both shown an eagerness to learn, ask the right questions, listen and engage with farmers and farm groups from across Minnesota.” 

Rep. Anderson has served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2009. Throughout his over 15 years in the Legislature, Rep. Anderson has endeared himself to his colleagues through collaboration, respect and a strong focus on not just his constituents in Pope County, but across Minnesota agriculture. A family farmer himself, Rep. Anderson is also a longtime member of the House Agriculture Committee and currently serves as chair. Over the course of his policy career, Rep. Anderson and MSGA have been aligned on many issues, from protecting crop inputs to farm safety to supporting trade and biofuels. Rep. Anderson is experienced in working within a split government in St. Paul; thus, he and his colleagues must compromise to find solutions to pass bills. He has shown time and time again that when it comes to agricultural issues, what matters most is what’s best for farmers. 

Sen. Aric Putnam (right) has formed strong bonds with Minnesota farmers since becoming Senate Ag Committee Chair.

“Minnesota is poised to really lead the way to increase biofuels, which is going to be key to getting our margins back up,” said Rep. Anderson, who farms in Starbuck and is a member of MSGA. “We have to work together to make biofuels a key part of the future here, and I’m honored to accept this award with Sen. Putnam.”  

Since embracing the challenge of chairing the Senate Ag Committee in 2022, Democratic Senator Aric Putnam has worked with Rep. Anderson and GOP leaders to ensure MSGA priorities made their way to Gov. Walz’s desk. These policies include funding Minnesota Department of Agriculture programs, supporting international marketing efforts, rural infrastructure, uplifting beginning farmers, protecting animal agriculture, rural mental health, helping to establish the state’s first grain indemnity fund and more. With the Minnesota House tied last session, and the Democrats holding a slim Senate majority, passing an ag omnibus bill required bipartisan cooperation. Both Sen. Putnam and Rep. Anderson rose to the occasion to support a farm economy that is Minnesota’s second-leading industry and contributes about 20% toward the state’s GDP.   

“It’s an honor to receive this award, especially as someone who isn’t a farmer. But it’s also an honor to share this award alongside my friend Paul, and I appreciate the chance to work with him, work with other people and work with all of you,” Putnam told MSGA delegates. “What we’re supposed to do (as politicians) is come up with something that’s not partisan at all … and to talk to people and learn who are impacted by the decisions we make.  You have tremendous leadership at MSGA, and I’m very grateful many of you have invited me to your farms and at MSGA and have been so gracious and hospitable.”  

Grower leaders look forward to visiting with Rep. Anderson, Sen. Putnam, their colleagues and the Walz administration throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, including MSGA’s Legislative Reception and Hill Visits in March.