fbpx

MSGA Blog

‘Fantastic energy’: MSGA president raises profile at MN Ag Expo

Everywhere you looked at the 2025 MN Ag Expo, Darin Johnson was nearby and stepping up to the microphone in support of Minnesota soybean farmers and the state’s agriculture industry.

“There were so many great conversations,” the Wells farmer said.

From the outset of the two-day trade show and conference in Mankato, Johnson, president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), welcomed attendees during Tuesday’s Opening Reception; visited with farmers and industry partners in Minnesota Soybean’s booth; spoke with regional media; participated in a panel discussion on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); discussed market outlooks with CHS; engaged with legislative leaders and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture; took a selfie with Ag Expo keynote Rob Sharkey; mentored farmers during the Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop; presented to the Minnesota Agricultural & Rural Leadership (MARL) program; and led MSGA’s annual meeting.

Johnson put in the work, carrying MSGA’s messaging with a bright smile and plenty of handshakes and back slaps. Despite obstacles facing the farm economy, Johnson said the MN Ag Expo agenda highlighted industry bright spots.

“It’s a big responsibility to represent MSGA, and I’ve had a blast at this year’s Expo,” Johnson said, his voice a bit hoarse from all the chatter. “We have such a great team here, and there was just a fantastic energy this year.”

The annual trade show, co-hosted by MSGA and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA), brought in a high, likely record, turnout as growers plan for the year ahead amid a volatile farm economy and new presidential administration. An opening reception Tuesday night exceeded attendance expectations, forecasting an optimistic trend that ran throughout this year’s MN Ag Expo.

Joe Smentek, MSGA executive director, said this year’s MN Ag Expo was his favorite in his 12 years with the organization.

“It was great to see that, amid all the chaos at the state Capitol and the uncertainty with a new presidential administration, that we could get back to basics and meet with farmers to discuss their challenges and goals,” said Smentek, who has served as MSGA executive director since 2018. “Our trade show had more exhibitors than ever; we saw more engagement at our breakout sessions and registration totals were high. It was just refreshing to talk with farmers about farming.”

MSGA Vice President Ryan Mackenthun (right) talks trade with Kate Ferguson (front) of the Duluth Port Authority

In Minnesota Soybean’s booth, farmer leaders and staff visited with attendees and explained how MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Promotion & Council (MSR&PC) prioritize trade by combating trade barriers.

During MSGA’s annual meeting, growers approved policy resolutions in the following areas:

  • Increased public research
  • Biofuels
  • International trade
  • Biotechnology
  • Right to farm – water quality
  • Expanded soybean uses
  • Animal agriculture

Johnson, Smentek and MSR&PC Chair Tom Frisch also announced recipients of the Annual Meeting Awards. Bruce Potter, a longtime University of Minnesota researcher who retired in 2024, was named MSR&PC’s Industry Leader of the Year; Bayer Crop Science was awarded MSGA’s Industry Partner of the Year; Lake Wilson farmer Gene Stoel earned Director of the Year honors; Polk County was named County of the Year; and the venerable Bob Worth, who served as MSGA president from 2022-24, was recognized as MSGA’s Advocate of the Year.

“My predecessor Bob Worth is as worthy a recipient of the Soy Advocate of the Year as I can imagine,” Johnson said. “We appreciate everything you’ve done – and continue to do – to represent Minnesota farmers.”

Worth, who now represents MSGA on the America Soybean Association (ASA), said he was humbled by the award.

“I will look at this award every day and say, ‘Thank you all for a great experience.”

Smentek, who has served as executive director since 2018, delivered a legislative update and included a video from Rep. Angie Craig, who was recently elected the ranking Democrat on the House Ag Committee. In late 2024, MSGA led the way in supporting Craig’s bid to become the committee’s leading Democrat.

Gov. Tim Walz addresses delegates at MSGA’s 2025 Annual Meeting during MN Ag Expo

“I get my best ideas from Minnesotans,” she said, adding, “I’m fighting in Washington, D.C., to make sure our farmers have a seat at the table.”

To cap the meeting, MSGA welcomed a special guest: Gov. Tim Walz, who addressed delegates and outline his policy priorities. The appearance marked the governor’s first meeting with MSGA farmer leaders since a March 2024 visit in the Governor’s Reception at the Capitol.

“We feed the world, and there are billions of people in the world who benefit from the crops we grow in Minnesota,” Walz said. “I’m incredibly proud of this, and we continue to foster Minnesota’s exports.”

The governor left to a standing ovation before meeting backstage with MSGA’s officer team, discussing biofuels, taxes, permitting, trade and rural development.

“We appreciate the governor making time to visit with us,” Johnson said. “It was great to see him and talk about some issues, like sustainable aviation fuel, that we can work together on.”

Growing markets

During a learning session on the Profinium Stage, Johnson joined Delta Airlines’ Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs Jeff Davidman and MCGA Director Richard Syverson to discuss how biofuels can play a big role in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) marketplace. The industry aims to produce 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050.

“This is a big deal,” Johnson said. “Minnesota was built on biofuels, and we’re going to need all the fuel in the future.”

The panel closed with a trade policy discussion featuring ASA Director of Government Affairs Virginia Houston and MSGA and MSR&PC Director Joel Schreurs.

“You have to have those (trade) relationship,” Schreurs said. “It’s so important to protect those partnerships to keep farmers farming.”

The 2026 MN Ag Expo is scheduled to take place Jan. 21-22 in Mankato.

“This was a very upbeat conference, and we hope to repeat that same mindset in 2026,” Johnson said.

Follow The Conversation