Leon Schoenrock has been farming for as long as he can remember. His father, Lester, passed away when Leon was only seven. Leon’s brother, 10 years his senior, and their mother operated the family farm near New Richland, Minn., before Leon began managing the land in 1996.

“I got off to a quick start,” he says. “I’ve never wanted to do anything else but farming.”

Leon and his wife, Beth, have two kids, daughter Betsy, and son, Benjamin. In 2010, the Schoenrocks were named Waseca County’s Farm Family of the Year. He’s been a member of the Waseca County Corn and Soybean Growers Board for 20 years, and currently serves as chair.

“I don’t have a desire to move up the state board, but I’m happy to facilitate the county boards business,” he says. “I also like hearing about what the organization is doing politically and lobbying-wise.”

Schoenrock has been involved with MSGA for 25 years. He remains a member because he wants commodity groups to work together to promote and defend agriculture.

“I see there’s value in protecting ourselves from overzealous regulations and other policies that affect farmers,” he says. “That’s why I renew my investment.”

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.