Ken Lanoue grew up on his family farm in Milroy. He continues to run the third-generation farm with two of his sons, who will eventually continue the family operation in southwest Minnesota.

After graduating from South Dakota State University, he returned to working on the farm full-time.

“I just love the different roles that we (farmers) have,” Lanoue said. “You don’t do the same job continuous all the time. … And growing crops, I also think there is pride in knowing that you’re helping feed the world.”

Part of feeding the world is educating the world on where food comes from and how commodities are used in everyday products. Being a Minnesota Soybean Growers Association member gives Lanoue the tools to inform people. He’s also been a member of his local elevator board for 24 years and sells seed in addition to serving as chair of the Lyon County Corn and Soybean Growers Board, Minnesota’s first established organized soybean county.

“I think people need to know where their food comes from and all the other things that corn and soybeans provide for people,” he said. “I just think it’s amazing.”