The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) brought the “State of Soy” to the 2026 MN Ag Expo, showcasing its ongoing commitment to soybean research, advocacy and grower engagement. Inspired by Minnesota’s “State of Hockey” theme and the expo’s new home inside the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center hockey arena, the theme highlighted where MN soybean production stands today and where it is headed in the future  

“The 2026 MN Ag Expo was another very successful event,” said Tom Slunecka, CEO of MSR&PC. “Opportunities like this allow for checkoff-paying farmers to stop in and have important conversations with our farmer leaders, staff and industry leaders to discuss how their checkoff dollars are working for them.” 

MSR&PC also welcomed researchers involved in current projects funded by Minnesota soybean growers and their checkoff dollars. Their presence allowed attendees to hear directly from researchers about ongoing research studies, ask questions and share thoughts based on their on-farm experiences.  

The 2026 MN Ag Expo also marked a first-time experience for MSR&PC Director of Research, Sergio Cabello Leiva, who said the event exceeded his expectations.  

“Being my first MN Ag Expo, I was not sure what to expect. I can now say that it is truly an amazing event,” Cabello Leiva said. “Meeting farmers from around Minnesota and discussing research provided a valuable opportunity for collaboration and advancing agriculture. MN Soybean consistently does an excellent job of bringing the agricultural community together.” 

The Minnesota Soybean booth served as a focal point for conversations about the checkoff funded research, policy priorities and the value of continued investment in soybean innovation. 

 Throughout the event, MSR&PC staff engaged with growers to share insights, answered questions and highlighted the importance of collaboration between farmers, researchers and industry partners.  

The “State of Soy” theme helped frame these discussions by focusing on both the current conditions and the long-term outlook for MN soybean production while creating a fun and interactive way to drive these conversations. Attendees of all ages were invited to put their hockey skills to the test for a chance to win soy-based soap shaped as a hockey puck or a custom “Minnesoyta”-themed hockey jersey. 

MSR&PC values opportunities like the MN Ag Expo to engage directly with growers while supporting research and advocacy efforts that strengthen the soybean industry across the state of Minnesota. 

“This year’s MN Ag Expo showcased the very best of our industry, and it’s always great to visit with our peers,” Chair Gail Donkers said. “We had inspirational speakers, engaging panels and our farmer leaders from across the state were out front showing how critical the checkoff is to our farm economy.”