A checkoff-centric Q&A with Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Director Ron Obermoller.
Read below to find out his thoughts on the Council’s Behind the Dollar initiative.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Give us a quick background on your farm.
Ron Obermoller: I have a fifth-generation soybean farm, right at 1,000 acres. I’m semi-retired, so I’m crop sharing with a neighbor.
Q: What region of the state do you represent on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council? How long have you been on the board?
RB: I represent District 7 and I’ve been on the Council for six years.
Q: Why did you decide to run for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council?
RB: I think it’s important to make the right investments with our checkoff dollars. It’s about increasing the value of soybeans.
Q: How does the board ensure checkoff dollars are invested responsibly?
RB: It’s not any one person making a decision. It’s done by a committee and done in accordance with the rules that come from the state and federal level, so we’ve got to stay within both of those when investing checkoff funds.
Q: How has directing checkoff funds raised your awareness of the soy checkoff?
RB: Being on the Council I’ve learned a lot of it has to do with research projects. I always knew the University of Minnesota was involved in soybean genetics and a lot of these things, but until you start drilling down and understanding the programs, what they’re doing and what they’re trying to do, you don’t fully appreciate it.
There’s a lot of value with the Council being consistent, probably over the last 20 years, of investing in genetic research, we have a very good group of genetic scientists at the University and dedicated to the soybean organization.
Q: What project(s) are you most proud of that you have seen since being on the board?
RB: Well, I’ve been around since we started biodiesel. I’m involved with the Minnesota Soybean Processors plant in Brewster, Minn., so I’ve gotten to see the biodiesel mandate get established and grow through the years. Now it’s important to keep it there. I’ve also been involved with soybean cyst nematode and white mold research.
Q: Many checkoff investments are made to impact our future growers. What are some checkoff-supported projects coming down the pipeline that you’re excited about?
RB: They’re trying to figure out how to get rid of some of the secondary products out of soybean processing, like a soap oil stock and stuff.
There’s a project that will use soybean meal to get into sustainable aviation fuel. So, it seems like that’s the big market in the future.
Q: What do you think the biggest misconception other farmers have about the soy checkoff program? How would you respond to their concerns?
RB: They think you’re doing a leisure trip when you’re not. These trips are work, and you need to pay attention. You need to be curious at these meetings, so you learn something. So, I think the misconception is some people think we’re misusing funds, which we have enough lawyers ensuring compliance. There’s enough checks and balances.
Q: Where can another farmer go to get more information on how their dollars are being spent?
RB: They can go to the Minnesota Soybean website or the United Soybean Board website or they can come and talk to us. They could visit with us at Commodity Classic or MN Ag Expo.
