Depending on the hour (or rather, minute), Darin Johnson is a farmer, agriculture advocate, seed business owner, husband, father, friend, pilot and/or radio show host.
“A typical day sends me in 150 different directions,” Johnson said during an August morning at his Wells farm, where he hosted Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Executive Director Joe Smentek. “Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day.”
Yet through life’s triumphs and tribulations, Johnson maintains a practical outlook and smile on his face while pushing himself and colleagues to be the best in their fields. When farming leaves him frustrated – like when excessive rainfall drowned out his fields in summer 2024 – Johnson takes it all in stride.
“That’s farming,” he’ll say with a shrug.
Johnson’s mindset hasn’t changed much since childhood, said fellow farmer Jeff Ignaszewski, a close friend since grade school.
“Knowing Darin, he doesn’t settle. He’s always looking to improve and keep moving forward in a positive way,” Ignaszewski said. “I’m super proud of how far he’s come.”
Johnson’s dance card is only getting fuller. After two years serving as vice president under Bob Worth, Johnson was elected by his peers to serve as MSGA president. In his new role, Johnson is tasked with leading a proud organization representing the advocacy interests of Minnesota’s nearly 26,000 soy farmers.
He’s ready for the challenge.
“It’s really an honor to be president of MSGA,” said Johnson, who farms with his uncle Scott, his wife, Rachel, and their family. “My job is to make sure growers feel good about where we’re going as an industry, and that’s a role I take seriously.”
A tradition of advocacy
Johnson was “voluntold” by his uncle Scott and late father, Charlie, to join the Faribault County Corn & Soybean Growers Board more than 20 years ago. Once the baby-faced youngster, he paid his dues. After recruiting friends and colleagues over the years to fill vacancies left from retiring directors, Johnson has become an elder statesman on the proactive, 12-member county board.
“Our board keeps getting younger,” said Johnson, who still serves as county chair. “They’re all very involved.”
Johnson joined MSGA’s board seven years ago. He endeared himself to colleagues through his friendly demeanor, eagerness to learn and a desire to speak up for his industry.
“Darin is what makes MSGA great, the family farmers who step up and take the time out of their busy lives to help improve the situation for all Minnesota farmers,” said Smentek, who’s served as MSGA executive director since 2018. “He’s continuing that tradition.”
Johnson studied ag issues by learning from experienced leaders and hosting numerous trade teams and legislators, including a presidential candidate; he also drove through a snowstorm to represent MSGA at the Capitol for a discussion on the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program.
His advocacy experience made Johnson ready to serve as president on Day One, Worth said.
“He’s a great person to be president of MSGA,” Worth said. “Darin is engaged and can communicate well. He’s so fun to work with. He’s got such a good handle on everything.”
Ryan Mackenthun, who serves under Johnson as vice president, said his colleague is universally respected among his peers not just because of his friendly disposition, but his passion for agriculture.
“Darin embodies the leadership qualities that MSGA needs,” Mackenthun said.
“He represents not just his own perspective but serves as a true advocate for all soybean farmers in Minnesota. His deep respect among peers and commitment to the cause make him an invaluable asset, and I look forward to working with him in championing the interests of our soybean community.”
Breaks in the clouds
Johnson isn’t wearing rose-colored glasses. He knows the farm economy has hit a roadblock for myriad reasons, including high interest rates, input costs and weather calamities. Stormy clouds also loom with another trade war with China possible in 2025. He’s staying optimistic but isn’t naive, either.
“We’re moving into some tough times, and success to me would mean persevering through these tough times,” he said.
A core priority of his presidency lies in expressing to legislative leaders and policymakers the importance of agriculture to our economy, environment and national security.
“It’s missed sometimes what it takes to put a crop in, the amount of capital it takes,” he said. “There’s a lot of good faith in farming, and hopefully we can share that story. “
Ignaszewski said he knows one faux pas his friend won’t commit. “
Darin is very big on not burning bridges,” he said. “It’s important to him to keep good relationships.”
Johnson has dove headfirst into his new position. In his first two months as president, he met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.; attended Minnesota Soybean functions; represented MSGA throughout Farmfest; engaged with biodiesel stakeholders and USDA Sec. Tom Vilsack in Minneapolis; and planned to host a Chinese trade team visit that Ignaszewski ended up hosting only because Johnson was helping his son, Aaron, move into college.
There’s no time to waste.
“We’ve got a great team here at MSGA,” he said, “and we’ve got to get back to work.”
Air Johnson
Darin’s daughter Tyra is a pilot with Sun Country Airlines. Tyra later helped her dad earn his private pilot’s license in 2022. Darin now saves time and clears his head by flying the friendly skies to MSGA events, including July’s Future of Soy Summit and his first board meeting as president in Duluth.
“Flying is one of those things, for me, it’s a challenge but it’s calming and freeing,” he said. “It takes your mind off everything else because you have to have the right mindset.”
Johnson also co-hosts a radio program, “Growing with Johnson Seeds,” which airs Wednesdays at 11:35 a.m. and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. on KBEW 98.1 FM in Blue Earth. He anticipates his MSGA duties will require him to call in remotely more often in the year ahead.