The executive boards of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council attended the Soy Leadership Forum Jan 7-8. The two-day event focused on board leadership and training for state and national directors.

MSGA President Paul Freeman, Vice-President Theresia Gillie, Treasurer Dana Blume, Secretary Mike Skaug, MSR&PC Chairman Keith Schrader, Vice-Chair Craig Bangasser, Treasurer Rochelle Krusemark and Secretary Eric Thorn all attended the training.

The group learned about governance, shifting boardroom dialogue to the issues that matter to organizations and understanding the unique characteristics and trends in associations.

The delegation from Minnesota was able to engage with other farmers in similar leadership positions in other states.

“Ultimately, this training helps all farmer leaders be more effective as individual members of a not-for-profit board, and also helps us develop ideas when meeting with other state farmer leaders,” Gillie said.