Petefish out: Past MSGA president passes baton
Petefish out: Past MSGA president passes baton
This article was first published in the May-June 2025 issue of Soybean Business. Click here to read the digital version.
Michael Petefish was once a 20-something farmer taken under the wing of a skilled mentor. A decade ago, the late Bruce Schmoll recruited Petefish to step up and become a director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association via his involvement with the American Soybean Association’s Young Leader Program.
“He must have seen something in me at our county board meetings,” Petefish, now in his early 40s, said.
The Claremont farmer sees a similar spark in his replacement, Blooming Prairie producer Tim Wolf. After more than a decade serving on MSGA, Petefish the student has grown into the teacher role.
“Tim’s eager to be involved and learn things,” said Petefish, MSGA’s youngest president. “I asked him if he had any interest, and I was glad he said he did.”
After joining the board in 2013, Petefish climbed MSGA’s leadership ranks to serve two years (2017-2019) as president. In a 2017 cover story in Soybean Business, Petefish spoke of his goals as president and mused that “maybe my success can’t be measured in one year – maybe that’s years down the line – but I hope to put my stamp on MSGA.”
He was right. Six years since his presidency ended, Petefish’s impact is still being felt. As president, Petefish oversaw a smooth transition as Minnesota became the first state to adopt a B20 (20% biodiesel) blend. Internally, he also led MSGA in creating its first governing board, along with improving the organization’s fiscal health.
“MSGA is wonderful organization and (my presidency) shows what you can do when you collaborate,” Petefish said.
The U.S.-China trade war of 2018-2019 also factored heavily in Petefish’s presidency. The Claremont farmer unexpectedly found himself as one of the nation’s most prominent soybean farmers speaking out against tariffs.
“It felt like for a year there, I was doing three or four interviews a week,” Petefish said. “It was crazy.”
Michael Petefish was awed by a 2019 visit to the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.
“Going to the Japanese Embassy was a really neat experience,” he said. “That was probably the highest level of diplomat I’ve ever met.”
MSGA Director Adam Guetter said his friend displayed courage amid difficult circumstances, showing his fellow advocates a roadmap for navigating the current trade war.
“Mike’s seen the whirlwind of the soybean industry,” Guetter said.
‘Mike’ drop
Petefish, who studied plant biology and plant genetics, became part of MSGA lore during the 2019 Commodity Classic. During an ASA resolution debate on soybean breeding, Petefish approached the microphone in front of hundreds of soybean farmers to correct the scientific record. After he finished speaking, delegates erupted in applause.
“It was a total ‘mic drop’ moment,” MSGA President Darin Johnson said. “It was fantastic.”
After his presidency, Petefish stepped back to enjoy more time with his wife, Jessica, and their son, Henry. The Petefishs now are expecting another child.
“Life takes you in different directions,” he said.
Petefish became an ASA director in 2021, helping to promote MSGA’s federal priorities. He served a three-year term before stepping down in 2024.
“Going to the Capitol and meeting with legislators is always special,” Petefish said. “You feel like they’re listening to you. “
While he’s still farming full time and involved with the Dodge County Corn & Soybean Growers, Petefish said it’s time for others to speak up for producers. He’s confident he found his heir apparent in Tim Wolf.
“I was glad be a part of it and I am sad to go, but it’s time pass the torch to someone new,” he said. “I’ll always be a member of MSGA and support what the organization is doing.”
