Minnesota’s largest farm trade show requires big participation from state soybean advocates.  

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) didn’t just accept the challenge to represent the state’s 26,000 soybean producers; it raised the bar. More than 15 farmer leaders from MSGA converged at Farmfest to visit with industry colleagues and deliver state and federal priorities to help move the needle for MSGA members and the state’s farming community.  

For President Darin Johnson, hosting legislators and regulatory leaders meant meeting policy officials on MSGA’s turf – literally, as MSGA’s booth was set on SYNLawn, a soy-based artificial turf.  

“It’s always a pleasure to welcome legislators into our booth and show the ways we’re promoting value-added uses, diversifying markets and advocating to improve our farm economy,” Johnson said. “There are so many components to what we do alongside the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, and Farmfest is the place where we can show how we’re working together to improve farmer profitability.” 

Johnson, a Wells farmer, played his part in leading MSGA with distinction, clarity and charisma. He participated in several media interviews, welcomed attendees to MSGA’s booth and sat on a trade panel alongside industry leaders and USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg. During the panel, Johnson underscored the urgent need for trade deals to bring certainty to a tumultuous farm economy. Soybean farmers depend on trade, Johnson explained; U.S. exports total around $25 billion yearly (more than half of which is shipped to China) and account for over $2 billion in sales in Minnesota alone. 

“We have a lot of potential opportunities in places like India,” said Johnson, “but in the end, China is a tough market to replace.”  

Throughout the three-day agriculture gathering, grower leaders met with numerous politicians and policy leaders, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, USDA Deputy Secretary Steven Vaden, Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth. 

“I was very proud of the representation of our directors this year at Farmfest,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “They all understand how important these meetings are to sharing our message and advancing our mission.”  

Johnson was backed by MSGA’s dynamic officer team, including Vice President Ryan Mackenthun, Treasurer Rose Wendinger and Secretary Kyle Jore, along with several Minnesota farmers serving on the American Soybean Association.  

“It was just fantastic to have so much support from our board, from veteran directors to some of our newest leaders,” Johnson said.  

While directors met with legislative leaders, Murray County farmer Bob Nelsen, a legendary membership recruiter, sat nearby in the booth highlighting to attendees the benefits of joining MSGA.  

“I’ve been coming to Farmfest for as long as I can remember,” Nelsen said. “I tell you, it’s so important we’re here and that people become members, because this is a tough farm economy right now, and we need to stick together as an industry and community, whether you raise soy or corn pork or run an agribusiness. Every member counts.”  

During a meeting with the governor, MSGA directors expressed their gratitude in the quick reversal of a proposed Minnesota Pollution Control Agency increase on permit feedlot fees.  

“The fees are not happening,” Gov. Walz said plainly.  

MSGA was one of the first farm groups to speak out against the proposal in the hours after the sudden announcement, and Johnson said the association’s timely response showed how proactive advocacy makes an impact.  “We appreciate the governor is listening to our concerns and is willing to take a second look at policies and regulations that are damaging to an already hurting farm economy,” Johnson said. “We had a very constructive dialogue that was grounded in rect.” 

Directors also discussed trade concerns and taxes with the governor and Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. Following the meeting with the governor, MSGA welcomed officials from the Department of Natural Resources on several issues, including deer depredation, treated seed and the Public Waters Inventory. The DNR accepted MSGA’s invitation to speak with the full board at its August 2025 board meeting.  

“A lot of times, advocacy starts with a handshake and a conversation,” Johnson said. “That’s what Farmfest is all about.”