Coming off one unique year and heading into another, North Dakota farmer Mike Langseth was reelected chair of Northern Soy Marketing, LLC, on Thursday during the organization’s board meeting.

The meeting was held in a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I’m honored to be elected as NSM chair for a second year. The upcoming year will provide a unique challenge with COVID-19 impacting our travel for an unknown period of time,” Langseth said. “We will continue to communicate the quality of northern-grown soybeans, just in different ways than we have in previous years.”

Langseth also serves as North Dakota Soybean Council secretary. He represents District 1 for NDSC. 

In other board elections held Thursday, South Dakota Soybean Research & Promotion Council director Mike McCranie was elected as vice chair, and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Director Patrick O’Leary will serve as secretary/treasurer for a second year.

NSM approved a strategic plan and projects for its new fiscal year. The upcoming year will include more collaboration with members of the domestic value chain and soybean industry to increase their knowledge on the quality and differences of soybeans grown in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. The organization is also tentatively planning to sponsor the second annual Northern Commodity Transportation Conference in 2021.

“The three states have done an excellent job promoting the quality of our soybeans in overseas markets,” said Tom Slunecka, NSM executive director. “By revisiting our strategic plan, and with limited travel options, NSM is planning even further promotion of our high-quality soybeans to both our domestic and international audiences. We’re excited for what the future holds.”