When Minnesota moved to B20 on May 1, Eyota, Minn., farmer Dan Brandt was already a step ahead of the blending requirement.

“When May 1 rolled around, I was still using B100 on my farm. Biodiesel is one of my hot button issues. It works great.”

Earlier this year, Brandt retired from his post as an MSGA director, which he held for nearly a decade.

“I always tell people I got a lot more out of being a board member than I ever put into it,” Brandt says.

Brandt grows corn and soybeans on is 550-acre farm in Olmsted County, where he lives with his wife of 47 years, Donna. Brandt has been farming since 1972; he began his career as a dairy farmer and was a salesman for the local co-op. He joined MSGA because he believes farmers benefit from an organization that defends farmers at the legislative level.

“Being a salesman, I knew we needed more voices out there to promote our product and defend ourselves. If we don’t, who’s going to? That’s what MSGA does.”

Brandt will remain an active member of his local Olmsted/South Wabasha County board.

“We have a lot of fun. I’ve just always enjoyed being around other farmers.”

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is the nation’s largest soybean association because farmers and agribusinesses have recognized the value MSGA membership brings. ‘Faces of MSGA’ recognizes those members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry.