Jan. 25 marks deadline to request a ballot and submit candidate forms

For many Minnesota soybean producers, the only time the soybean checkoff is truly considered is when producers sell their soybeans. That’s when they see the one half of one percent checked off from every bushel of soybeans they sell.

But the journey for that money has just begun, and Minnesota soybean farmers have a big role to play in how that money is used to increase the profitability of soybean farming.

One way to play a role is to become a director for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Each year, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture holds commodity council elections. Interested participants must fill out a candidate certification form and a candidate biography form. Five Council seats are up for election in 2016.

This includes districts 4,5,7,8 and 9.

Interested candidates can download the necessary forms at  https://minnesotasoy.wpengine.com/msrpc/council/council-action/council-elections/. All biography and candidate certification forms are due to the Minnesota Soybean office by Jan. 25, 2016.

Requesting a ballot

The last day to request a ballot is also Jan. 25. MDA will mail the ballots March 22 to all soybean producers who request them. If you have voted in previous years, a ballot will automatically be sent. To request a ballot, click here.