During its June 17 board meeting, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) elected a new slate of officers to lead the organization tasked with directing Minnesota’s soybean checkoff investments.  

Gail Donkers, who represents District 8 on the board, was appointed chair by her peers, becoming MSR&PC’s first female to hold the position in the Council’s history.   

“I’m very excited to be elected as chair,” said Donkers. “There are so many projects in motion right now that I’m looking forward to pushing over the goal line and I’m looking forward to the new projects that we don’t even know what they are yet.” 

Donkers and her husband, Jim, and their extended family raise soybeans, corn, dairy steers, finishing hogs and sheep. After two years as Council vice chair, Donkers is replacing Tom Frisch, who stepped down after two years as chair and will remain on the board.  

“It’s been an honor to be chair, and I have all the faith that Gail is going to do great things in this position,” Frisch told his colleagues. “She is ready to lead this team, and I couldn’t be more proud to have her step into this role.”  

Guided by an elected, farmer-volunteer board of directors, the Council ensures that soybean checkoff investments are made with the best interests of Minnesota soybean growers in mind. Having a solid officer team at the helm is crucial to MSR&PC’s continued success. Rounding out the 2025-2026 officer team is Ben Storm as vice chair, Glen Groth as treasurer and Pat Sullivan returning as secretary. 

“I’ve enjoyed my time serving on the Council as treasurer and stepping up as vice chair felt like a natural next step,” said Storm, who represents District 9 and farms near Dover. “I’m looking forward to the coming year and the many ways that we will continue to promote Minnesota soy.” 

Council Secretary Pat Sullivan (front) listens to a presentation during the Council’s June 17, 2025, board meeting in Mankato.

As the 12th-largest state in size, Minnesota’s geographical landscape looks drastically different in each unique region, making it critical that soybean growers from all parts of the state are represented when checkoff investment decisions are being made.  

“I’m excited to serve the soybean farmers in Minnesota in a little bit of a different capacity,” said Groth, who represents District 9 on the Council. “I’m looking forward to being mindful of where checkoff dollars are going and putting them to good use.” 

Farming near Franklin, Sullivan’s dependable nature and keen insights into the soybean industry are key reasons why colleagues reelected him secretary.  

“I’ve been secretary for the last couple of years, and I enjoy being part of the executive team,” said Sullivan, who represents District 5 & 6. “I’m looking forward to trying to figure out new ways to bring more profit to the Minnesota soybean farmers.” 

As Donkers puts on her new hat, she is grateful for strong leadership role models to help guide her. 

“Tom has been a great mentor to everyone on the board, and he’s just done a really great job,” said Donkers, who farms near Faribault. “He does his job with grace and poise, and it’s not always easy, but he’s done a great job of navigating the role. I’m looking forward to stepping up and helping move soybeans forward.” 

Council leaders will meet again in August to discuss funding for fiscal year 2026.