As a farmer-led, elected board, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) depends on growers from across the state to help guide the wise checkoff investments made to increase Minnesota soybean farmer profitability. 

The Council is calling any and all Minnesota soybean growers interested in serving their fellow farmers and the soybean industry as an MSR&PC board member to apply for a three-year term, which will begin July 1, 2024. 

“Since joining the board, my eyes have been opened to how much the Council does, not just in Minnesota but on a global scale, too,” MSR&PC Director and Election Chair Gail Donkers said. “I wholeheartedly encourage anyone with an interest in soybean marketing, or enhancing rural Minnesota, really, to apply to be an MSR&PC director.” 

With five election seats open in Districts 1, 2 & 3; 4; 7; 8; and 9, there are opportunities across the state for growers to make an impact and assist the future of Minnesota soybean farmers. Board member benefits include the ability to attend one national United Soybean Board (USB) board meeting per year, the opportunity to develop and enrich strategic business management skills and the chance to provide input into the investment of Minnesota soybean checkoff dollars. 

“It’s a great responsibility and privilege to represent Minnesota soybean farmers and their checkoff dollars via the MSR&PC board,” MSR&PC Chief Executive Officer Tom Slunecka said. “This is an important part of all Minnesota farm operations because the checkoff creates new markets and drives market demand locally as well as across the world. Nothing brings profitability back to the farmer as quickly as strong demand and high prices, which is what the Council is all about.” 

Candidates must be 18 years of age and a soybean producer who directly shares in the risk or loss from soybean production. Interested candidates must fill out a candidate certification form and a candidate biography form and email completed forms to Melinda Roberts at melinda@mnsoybean.org or mail completed forms to the Minnesota Soybean office no later than Jan. 22, 2024. Ballots will be mailed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on March 15, and all ballots must be postmarked by April 1.  

Candidate forms can be found here. 

“As an MSR&PC director, I get to see firsthand the proposals of what researchers are looking for and how they’re trying to better the soybean industry in Minnesota,” Donkers said. “And I have a voice about what I believe would be the best way to utilize Minnesota soybean checkoff dollars.” 

For more information about serving as a Council board member, please contact Gail Donkers at 507-202-2042 or call the Minnesota Soybean office at 888-896-9678.