MN soybean farmers urging public to nominate frontline personnel in their communities

As a bonus feature of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council’s (MSR&PC) “Stepping Up” campaign, the general public will have a chance to follow in the Council’s footsteps by also giving thanks to frontline workers.  

From June 1 through Aug. 4, the Council is encouraging farmers and consumers to nominate a health care hero in their community via the Stepping Up nomination form. From those nominations, the Council will select 20 health care personnel, and the winning nominees will receive a free pair of Skechers soy-based GO shoes, courtesy of Minnesota soybean farmers and the soybean checkoff. 

“We know how much health care workers sacrifice for others in communities throughout Minnesota, especially in the past couple of years. I’ve seen it firsthand,” said Council Chair Joe Serbus, whose wife, Doreen, has worked in health care for more than 40 years. “This campaign is an investment in both value-added soybean products and in the selfless health care professionals who keep us safe and healthy.” 

MSR&PC, which directs the state’s soybean checkoff resources, has launched the Stepping Up campaign to promote renewable, value-added soy products and recognize the sacrifices made by frontline health care workers in their communities.   

As part of the Stepping Up promotional effort, Minnesota’s 44 county boards are eligible to donate up to 50 pairs of Skechers soy-based GO shoes to a local health care facility, including (but not limited to): local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The statewide effort strives to inform both farming and non-farming public on soy’s environmental advantages and the myriad uses of soybean oil. The Skechers GO shoes, along with other soy-based products reduce the use of petroleum, helping to improve our environmental footprint and add value to soybean farmers’ bottom lines. 

“This nomination period is another way the Council can salute those health care workers who are stepping up in their communities,” Council CEO Tom Slunecka said. 

Follow the Stepping Up campaign at #SoySteppingUp.

About the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council 

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees the investment of checkoff dollars on behalf of the nearly 28,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. The Council is governed by the rules of a federally mandated checkoff program requiring all soybean producers to pay a fee on the soybeans they sell. This money is used to promote, educate and develop market opportunities for soybeans. 

For more information or to interview an MSR&PC director, contact Drew Lyon at (507) 995-9495 or email him at drew@mnsoybean.com.