This column by MSGA President Darin Johnson was first published in the May-June 2026 issue of Soybean Business. Click here to read the digital issue.

Well, friends, this is it: My final president’s letter. As I reflect on these last two years leading the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, I remember saying in one of my first interviews as president that I had a challenge in front of me. Truer words have never been spoken, as MSGA indeed had a lot thrown our way in just a short time. But through ups and downs, I hope I’ve faced our challenges with a positive attitude and outlook toward the future. 

At the federal level, we saw an administrative change and new policies and tariffs that kept me on my toes and busy with media outlets from Faribault County to France, and a lot of one-on-one discussions with our lawmakers. I was grateful for the opportunity last spring to host Sen. Amy Klobuchar, along with having in-depth conversations with leaders from both parties. I also was honored last fall to visit Europe with the people who are buying our miracle beans and value our high-quality product.  

At the state level, we were also faced with a very unique political landscape during my time, which made for some interesting Hill Visits and testimonies in front of legislative leaders. As always, we focused on maintaining strong relationships while also opening up the important dialogue on issues like crop protection, treated seeds, creating new markets, farmer mental health and passing our family farms onto the next generation. 

It’s hard to pinpoint a favorite moment, but one of my favorite things about being president of MSGA – as well as my time on the executive team and as a county director – is the friends who I’ve gotten to know and the people who’ve helped guide me and taught me skills that I’ll use the rest of my life. It’s the “ships” that stick out and have helped guide me through rough seas: leadership, mentorship, friendship. Oh, and family, of course! You’re only as good as the people you surround yourself with, and we are very lucky to have the team that we do – not only the directors, but the staff we work with is second-to-none. To the next president of MSGA: I encourage you to take advantage of the greatest resource that we have, and that’s the wealth of institutional knowledge they have around them in this organization. 

My roots are – literally and figuratively – on a family farm, and I know firsthand the ups and downs of agriculture, but despite the ups and downs, I’ve done my best to stay upbeat. That doesn’t take away from the difficult conversations that need to be had or distract from the negatives, but throughout it all I tried to focus on the positives so that we can move forward and focus on a better future. Sometimes a smile or a positive attitude can be all it takes to help brighten someone’s day and get them to the next day.

I feel grateful that we have the opportunity to be the voice for all 26,000 soybean farmers in Minnesota. There is a lot of time donated by our leadership team in the background to try to accomplish our goals, and it’s a great feeling when we are successful. Thank you for trusting in me as your president! It’s been an honor to serve, and I look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of MSGA.