The future can’t be predicted, but through collaboration of sharing knowledge and ideas, it can be shaped into a stronger unit. 

The 2026 Future of Soy Summit, hosted by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) July 21-23 in Breezy Point, gathered farmers of all generations, researchers and innovators with a common goal: forging a path that ensures the needle for soy checkoff investments and agriculture continue moving in the right direction.  

Guided by the soybean checkoff, the Future of Soy Summit offered soybean producers a chance to get a deep dive into how MSR&PC and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) work on behalf of the state’s nearly 26,000 soy farmers, participate in panel discussions and presentations and discuss one-on-one with checkoff-supported researchers and industry leaders the issues that are affecting them and their operations.  

“It’s an amazing meeting for our researchers across universities – and some industry specialists – to come in and really hear from and have one-on-one conversations with farmers in a professional setting,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “Those researchers get the opportunity to learn from the farmers about what they need on their operations and in their business this year, next year and for years to come.” 

Panels discussions and presentations at the Future of Soy covered an array of topics, including:  

• Red crown rot, which was first discovered in 2025 in Minnesota, and other emerging diseases; 

• Managing burnout and mental health on the farm;  

• Pathways to leadership featuring Council and MSGA directors;  

• Soybean research; 

• The state of the soy crush industry; 

• A closer look at how the checkoff is helping bring soy-based products to the marketplace, and more.   

Growers broke into small groups for table talks with industry experts focusing on soy-based products, soybean breeding/genetics, agronomy/physiology, nutrient management, integrated pest management and livestock feed.  

Both experienced and emerging leaders found value in the discussions.  

“The table talks were what I enjoyed most about the Future of Soy, and being able to have some one-on-one time and talking directly to other producers, researchers and other specialists and getting a more specific perspective on things,” said Norman County Corn & Soybean Growers board member Danika Quick, who attended her first Future of Soy as an emerging farmer. “This summit has been a fantastic learning experience.” 

The takeaways were multifold: As valuable as the Future of Soy Summit is to farmers, the same goes for researchers, who take the information they gathered from those table talks and use it to shape and improve their research projects. Participating in this year’s summit were some of the brightest minds in soybean research, including University of Minnesota’s Aaron Lorenz and Seth Naeve, among many agronomic luminaries.  

“The researchers really enjoy being a part of this because they get ideas from producers across the state on what issues they should be focusing on,” said MSR&PC Vice Chair Ben Storm, who also attended the 2024 Future of Soy Summit. “For example, we heard about the IDC issues on the soybean breeding side and perhaps looking for different amino acid profiles on the feed side.”  

This is the fourth time that MSR&PC has hosted the Future of Soy Summit, which is typically held every other year. Having been a part of each one over the years, Slunecka said the needs of the soybean researchers and the growers themselves have continuously evolved over that time span. 

“The conversations are different each and every time,” Slunecka said. “The researchers have varied over the years, and we’ve definitely had a large mix of farmer leaders that come as well, so we’re always learning something new, because its coming from different perspectives.” 

Daniel Kaiser, a UMN soil scientist, said the conversations with growers help inform and improve his research proposals.

“It’s nice to have an open dialogue and get general opinions on the issues they’re dealing with, while also getting feedback on current projects we’re working on,” Kaiser said. “I like coming to Future of Soy because I can provide some information on my end and help make farmers profitable.”

Storm says the cross-collaboration between researchers, farmers, soy crushers and product developers at the event is what makes it a can’t miss event for those looking to share their voice in moving the checkoff forward.  

“The type of conversations that don’t normally happen can happen here because of the mix of people involved,” Storm said. “Agriculture is a small world, but unless you have events like this, people don’t really get a chance to know one another.” 

Storm was joined by fellow MSR&PC officers, including Treasurer Glen Groth and Secretary Pat Sullivan. Directors Corey Hanson, Paul Freeman, Ron Obermoller and Joe Serbus also attended. Dave Garry, who started his first three-year term as the Council’s District 1, 2 & 3 director earlier in July, saw an up-close look at how the Council is at the forefront of checkoff innovation.  

“The knowledge here is mind-blowing” Garry said. “It’s pretty clear from being here that the farmers I’m working alongside are passionate about the projects we’re sponsoring. They want the best for their fellow farmers and their communities, and the researchers we work with are helping make that happen. … I’m just looking forward to contributing.”  

Jeramie Weller, CEO/general manager of the Minnesota Soybean Processors, capped the Summit with an overview of the state of the soybean crush industry, which continues to enjoy increased demand.

“Biofuels in the U.S. is hard to ignore,” Weller said. “The growth potential for biofuels is enormous.”

The Future of Soy Summit was made possible thanks to a grant from the United Soybean Board.