Candidate applications due Jan. 26, 2026 

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) has five seats up for election in 2026, spanning almost all districts across the state.  

MSR&PC is seeking diverse viewpoints to help direct checkoff dollar investments into projects that benefit farmers and the state’s soybean industry. Directors have a direct impact on how checkoff funds are invested in one of the nation’s leading soybean-producing states, including sponsoring research, building new markets both domestically and internationally, promoting new uses and supporting the next generation of agriculture professionals and leaders.  

“We’re always looking for fresh ideas to help direct checkoff investments,” said MSR&PC Vice Chair Ben Storm, a Dover farmer who also serves as election chair. 

The five seats up for election in 2026 are District 1, 2, & 3; District 4; District 5 & 6; District 7; and District 8.  

Checkoff investments are important to producers no matter the economic climate, but MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said the critical role the checkoff plays in improving profitability is taking on a greater significance.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers to get their voices heard about where they want to see checkoff investments going,” said Slunecka. “In a tough outlook for the farm economy, it’s important to remember that the checkoff helps open up new markets and expand new uses for soybeans. When we pool our resources together, it’s for the betterment of our family farms, our industry and communities.” 

To be eligible, candidates must:

• Be at least 18 years of age 

• Be a Minnesota soybean producer 

• Share directly in the risk of loss from the production of soybeans during the current or preceding marketing year 

• Meet the qualifications for a producer set forth in the promotional order 

Board member benefits include the ability to attend one national United Soybean Board (USB) board meeting per year, the opportunity to develop and enrich strategic business management skills and a chance to assist in the future of Minnesota soybean farmers by directing checkoff dollars. Three-year terms for each of the five Council seats begin July 1, 2026. 

For directors like Gail Donkers, who currently serves as MSR&PC chair, representing their industry and rural communities brings rewards beyond their own operations.  

“I would definitely like to encourage anyone who’s interested to run for the board and learn about what we’re doing and volunteer your time for MSR&PC,” said Donkers, who was first elected to MSR&PC in 2019. “A lot of farmers are curious about what the checkoff is doing and where their dollars are going, and I can tell you from experience that having that firsthand look at how we’re investing those dollars really shows the ways the checkoff is bringing value back to our farms and our communities.”  

Interested candidates must fill out a candidate certification and biography form and email completed forms to Melinda Roberts at melinda@mnsoybean.com or mail completed forms to the Minnesota Soybean office no later than Jan. 26, 2026. Ballots will be mailed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on March 16, 2026, and all ballots must be postmarked by April 1. 

For more information on candidate ballot forms and terms up for election, click here. 

About the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council  

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees the investment of checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 26,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program requiring all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans.