This column by MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek was first published in the July-August 2026 issue of Soybean Business. Click here to read the digital issue. 

Since the May-June issue of Soybean Business, I have fielded a number of calls regarding a perceived lack of support for E15 on the part of soybean growers. Nothing could be further from the truth. The MSGA Board is made up farmers from across the state – the majority of which farm soybeans in a rotation with corn. They recognize that year-round E15 is a great way to save consumers money and increase farmer profitability. Getting E15 accomplished remains a goal of MSGA’s, and that is why we are in constant communication with the Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) to work to see E15 to the finish line.  

A common refrain with these calls was a perception that MSGA was in some type of competition with MCGA. We do not view our relationship that way. MSGA and MCGA are longstanding partners in more than the rotation on your farm.  

MSGA and MCGA work closely together in the regulatory arena. When the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced plans to put forward a rule on waste treated seed, we worked closely together to gather the needed signatures to force a contested case hearing. At the hearing, we were represented by board members from both MSGA and MCGA. They testified on their experience using treated seed and how “leftover” treated seed is handled. As a result of the information presented by grower leaders, MPCA was forced to abandon moving forward with the proposed rules.  

MSGA and MCGA work closely in the courts. After several years of joining together as intervenors on lawsuits brought by environmental groups, MSGA and MCGA took the initiative to go on the offensive and interrupt their common operating procedure. We teamed up to bring suit on tile drainage in a county that has farms and farmers. We successfully defended a motion to move this lawsuit to Ramsey County and keep it in Faribault County. We will work together on this effort to win favorable outcomes for our members and farmers across Minnesota.  

MSGA and MCGA also join forces in St. Paul. Many of our priorities overlap. As our members use a crop rotation involving corn, soy, wheat, sugar beets and other crops, this is not surprising. Recognizing this, we have worked to further your voice in St. Paul by holding a joint legislative reception during our Hill Visits. Bringing the two groups together has led to a mutually successful reception. Instead of dividing attendance between the two groups, we have made an event that has been a must-attend for many legislators. It has the added benefit of giving another opportunity for our board members to talk together and strengthen our relationships.  

Your membership in MSGA and MCGA benefits from this relationship, and I strongly encourage you to be a member of both organizations. I can safely say that the corn and soy growers’ membership is worth every penny, given the amount of work put in by their directors, staff and lobbyists. I also encourage our readers to view an interview with MCGA President Wes Beck and past MSGA President Darin Johnson on our YouTube page that dives deeper into how our two organizations collaborate to benefit our respective organizations. To quote Wes, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” 

While each one is great on its own, MSGA and MCGA are better and stronger together. 

Joe Smentek is executive director of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. He can be reached at jsmentek@mnsoybean.com.