Minnesota farmers, researchers and industry leaders are preparing for the 3rd annual Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Research Retreat July 23-24 in Brainerd, Minn.

This retreat allows all attendees to sit around a table and discuss current concerns and issues when it comes to soybean production and profitability.

“We’re bringing together farmers, researchers and industry leaders in order to create communication among all the parties,” says Minnesota Soybean CEO Tom Slunecka. “This retreat helps bridge where there once was a disconnect between research and on-farm application.”

MSR&PC focuses its research on three main objectives: improving yields through genetics, improving agronomic practices and improving pest management. Each year, MSR&PC funds research that contributes to a steady increase in soybean yields, greater variety availability, improved pest management options and much more.

In 2017, MSR&PC invested in 24 major production research projects.

“If not for the support of farmers and their checkoff funds, it is unlikely Minnesota would have grown to become one of the nation’s top soybean producing states,” Slunecka says.

All funded research project principal investigators attend the research retreat, as well as graduate students who are completing research. This includes the University of Minnesota, North Dakota State University, University of Iowa, and University of Wisconsin. Industry and independent researchers are also in attendance, including Monsanto, Bayer, Winfield United, AgRevival, as well as the Central Lakes College Research Farm/AgCentric.

“There is great value in being able to talk one-on-one with researchers and industry about the issues affecting our ability to farm,” says Kris Folland, MSR&PC director and Halma, Minn., farmer. “We also get a better understanding of research capabilities in order to best utilize our soybean checkoff dollars.”