The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) appointed Chair Joe Serbus to replace Ron Obermoller on the Board of Directors of the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI).

“I’m just honored to be at the table, sitting with other respected people who have a vested interest in agriculture. There are so many talented professionals on the advisory board,” Serbus said. “Ron did a fantastic job representing the Council on AURI, and I’m ready to be a strong contributor to a very talented team.”

Serbus attended his first board meeting in March 2023 and is attending his second in April. His term will run for three years. Joining the Bird Island farmer on the AURI board are Minnesota Senate Ag Committee Chair Aric Putnam and House Ag Chair Samantha Vang.

“About 90 percent of AURI’s funding is provided by the state, so it’s extremely important to have legislative leaders have a voice at AURI,” Serbus said.

Created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1989 as a nonprofit (thanks in part to advocacy efforts from the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association), AURI’s mission is to foster long-term economic benefits for Minnesota through value-added agricultural products. This mission is carried out by developing and promoting 100 projects every year. Many of AURI’s projects are supported by the soybean checkoff.

“We are pleased to welcome Joe to the AURI board in a research and promotion council seat to help guide our innovation efforts and expand value-added markets for agriculturally derived products,” AURI Executive Director Shannon Schlecht said. “His agricultural experiences and leadership positions while at Minnesota Soybean will undoubtedly bring valuable contributions to advance AURI’s mission.”

In his role, Serbus will help promote the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, which opens later this year. As a founding AIC partner, AURI will support an office and research space at the facility.

“We’re all very excited to see this project come to fruition,” Serbus said. “I’m also excited to see how the partnership between soybean farmers and AURI can continue to grow. The staff and board have been very welcoming.”