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

Rooted in Brown County, Steve Commerford has dedicated his career to advancing research, environmental stewardship and agricultural education. Growing up on a dairy farm north of St. Cloud, Commerford developed an early passion for agriculture that has guided his career for more than 40 years. After earning his master’s degree in Crops and Soils from the University of Minnesota, he began his work as an independent crop consultant in the early 1980s, a role he continues to hold over 40 years later. 

Crop consultant Steve Commerford continues to support MSGA after retiring as a director.

Commerford’s involvement with MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council began with a part-time contract position focused on environmental issues and research coordination. In addition, he’s a loyal member of MSGA and has continued managing the Brown County Corn and Soybean Growers’ crop plots since 1992.   

During his nine years serving as an MSGA director, one of Commerford’s most significant accomplishments was helping to establish and secure legislative funding for the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council (AFREC). With advocacy support from MSGA, this work continues to generate vital resources for soil fertility, fertilizer research and hiring more positions for researchers at the University of Minnesota. 

“I’ve always tried to encourage farmers and professionals in the ag community to be involved because they are the ones that can be helpful to correct misperceptions,” said Commerford, who served on AFREC until 2024. “With my technical background as an ag professional, I got involved to help make sure that good science is behind environmental policies that impact agriculture and not just someone’s opinion.

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