This article first appeared in the May-June 2026 issue of Soybean Business. Click here to read the digital issue. 

Norman County Corn & Soybean Treasurer David Swenson has served on local board since it was organized with just four members. For nearly 20 years, Swenson has enjoyed connecting consumers with education and promoting agriculture while also attending events like MN Ag Expo, which he attends each year by joining a bus of northern Minnesota soybean growers down to Mankato.  

Swenson is passionate about community development and advocating for soybeans. From its beginning, the board has donated to the local FFA chapters for fuel to attend the Minnesota FFA Convention. Swenson’s efforts don’t stop at the schools; he has attended the Norman County Fair to share educational materials with fairgoers using his voice for advocacy.  

In his role on the Norman County board, David Swenson (left) helps promote soybeans in his community through donations and promotions.

Swenson and his younger brother took over their family farm in 1992 and have been farming up until 2025. With grain still in the bin, they hope to close their book within this next year. His passion for the industry won’t stop there: Swenson will continue to be a voice for agriculture. 

As a longtime volunteer firefighter, Swenson was very excited about the 2025 county-level SoyFoam “Planting to Protect” promotional campaign. He helped advocate within his department for the use of SoyFoam and has been active in using this product for firefighter trainings while also promoting soy-based products.   

“Dave is very passionate about Minnesota agriculture and promoting those new uses that help us build profitability and grow demand,” said his friend Corey Hanson, who farms in Gary and is president of the Norman County board. “He also appreciates that his membership in MSGA is helping them work in St. Paul and D.C. on behalf of our farmers.”  

Swenson, who serves as a county delegate during MSGA’s annual meeting at MN Ag Expo, strongly believes in being active in communities and membership within MSGA. He encourages his fellow farmers to serve on their local or state boards to keep tabs on the latest policy issues affecting agriculture.  

“Membership is important to have a louder voice out there to promote what we do and to try to have that louder voice at the capital,” Swenson said. “People don’t want to be involved because they are afraid they have to be on a board – but that’s not why you get involved. Membership numbers help us have a louder voice for the farmers.”  

 Click here to join MSGA.