Minnesota soybean farmers can count on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) to light the lamp, which they did at the 2026 Farmfest at Gilfillan Estate in Morton. The puck dropped with the “State of Soy” Minnesota Soybean tent where attendees from across the state chased the metaphorical Stanley Cup.  

“Minnesota farmers are at the heart of everything the Council does,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “Farmfest is an opportunity for us to showcase the checkoff projects we’ve invested in on behalf of our soybean farmers. This year at Farmfest, we highlighted exports, research and new uses with our interactive hockey booth and trivia wheel.”  

Just like MSR&PC’s soybean projects collect wins for growers, attendees collected custom soybean buttons from various stations highlighting the many areas the Council investments checkoff funds. Starting at the penalty box, attendees took a soybean and placed it in one of four cups labeled with countries: Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Pakistan and Egypt, to answer the question “Which export market do you think is the fastest growing?” 

Passing the puck to the next station, attendees played soybean trivia to win their second button. Looking far ice at the hockey net, attendees of all ages tried their hand at swinging a hockey stick at three targets which highlighted a hat trick of soybean uses — livestock feed, SoyFoam and biodiesel. For this success, the attendees received a coupon for homemade lemonade and pretzels to the nearby A Good Lemon booth, a farm family-run stand.  

Council Chair Gail Donkers (right) talks with Joe Gill of KASM during Minnesota Soybean during the 2026 Farmfest.

Before the horn sounded, attendees, which numbered into the thousands, went to the last station that highlighted the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA). After the buttons were collected, attendees had the chance to enter a giveaway for the big prize.  

“As usual, we had great interaction in the tent this year,” MSR&PC Chair Gail Donkers said. “Every year, I’m amazed by the steady traffic in our tent and the number of people taking the time to learn about the Council’s investments.” 

Farmfest had other stand out wins, including MSR&PC Chair Gail Donkers and Treasurer Glen Groth, who took center ice when they received their county’s “Farm Family of the Year” award.  

“It’s such an honor to receive this award,” said Donkers, who farms in Rice County. “Farming looked a lot different when we started farming in 1989.” 

Groth, his wife and three daughters accepted the award for Winona County.  

“We are humbled to receive the award for Winona County,” Groth said. “Farming comes with long days and plenty of challenges, but it’s a privilege to raise a family while doing what we love.” 

During Day 2, Council Secretary Pat Sullivan co-hosted Linder Farm Network’s noon program as part of the Council’s “Farm Broadcaster of the Day” sponsorship. MSR&PC also sponsored the 2026 Woman Farmer of the Year, with Donkers, the Council’s first female chair, speaking before the award ceremony.  

“I stand on the shoulder of women farmers who came before me and continue to lead alongside me — and those who will follow in my footsteps,” Donkers said.