Editor’s note: Colton Arends passed away in January 2026, just a few weeks after he was profiled in the January-February 2026 issue of Soybean Business. The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association extends our deepest condolences to Colton’s family and friends. 

Family, farming and community are the center of Colton Arends’ life. Arends grew up on his family’s farm in Rock County, where he now works alongside his dad raising soybeans, corn and pigs. After earning his degree in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University, Arends returned home to continue the next chapter of the family operation with his wife and two kids.  

Arends has served on the Rock County Corn and Soybean Board for the past three years and is an active MSGA member. He values the opportunity to connect with community members, organize local events and share his farming story with people outside of agriculture. 

“I just like to be involved,” Arends said. 

One of the most rewarding parts of serving, Arends said, is the chance to advocate for policies that genuinely support farmers. He sees engagement in organizations like MSGA as essential for staying informed, influencing policy and keeping the right voices at the table.  

“I would suggest that more younger people get involved with some of these programs because without it our life is going to be a lot harder, involvement is key,” Arends said. “It worries me when we go to ag meetings or anything ag-related, looking around in the room, there is not a lot of young people involved, and I think half the reason is that it is just so hard to get involved or get started farming.”