I’m committed to starting 2025 with the same outlook I try to maintain throughout each year: A sense of optimism and positivity. I suppose I’m just a glass half-full kind of guy. I’m a farmer, after all: We’ve got to have a whole lot of faith every year when we invest capital into planting a seed in the ground, with the belief that – come harvest – Mother Nature, hard work and the miracles of technology will help provide us with a quality crop to sell and put food on the table.

Despite all the inherent risks and heartaches, there’s no profession I’d rather call my own than farming. Sure, it’s easy to get bogged down in negativity and cynicism – I’m definitely not immune to those feelings. Sometimes, we laugh to keep from crying. We all know that many challenges face agriculture in the year ahead. Divided politics. Falling commodity prices. Looming trade wars in multiple markets. A new Farm Bill that’s MIA. On the flip side, we don’t have to dig deep to find hopeful signs. There’s potential with the incoming Trump administration to see greater regulatory certainty and tax relief. Private and public technologies are advancing every day to improve farmer efficiency, battle pests and boost yields. Our soy checkoff is returning over $12 in value for every $1 invested; we’re continuing to grow new markets like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and building relationships with buyers in North Africa and Uzbekistan. Global demand for U.S. Soy has never been greater. And I know Minnesotans are reluctant to brag, but I maintain that we grow the highest quality crops on earth – and our customers around the world agree.

All these issues, opportunities and obstacles – and a whole lot more – will be on full display at the 2025 MN Ag Expo. Want to learn more about SAF’s potential? We’ve got that covered. Looking to learn how to improve your conservation practices? Check. Need some marketing or implement tips? Yup, we’ve brought in the experts. Seeking stronger connections with industry peers, or maybe you just want to enjoy a cold one with a fell ow farmer? Yes, Expo is the place for you! I’ve attended MN Ag Expo since the early 2000s, prior to the event’s longstanding home in Mankato. As MSGA’s new president, it’s been a pleasure to watch how MSGA and our event partners at Minnesota Corn collaborate to create an agenda and trade show that goes beyond just soy and corn t o involve all our state’s diverse agricultural interests. As you’ll read in our Ag Expo preview in Soybean Business, we’ve packed these two days with educational offerings, a sold-out trade show floor and plenty of space for networking.

In this edition’s legislative preview, we spotlight the work MSGA is undertaking to prepare for our annual meeting and what promises to be a unique 2025 legislative session. As always, we’re advocating to protect our crop inputs, promote biofuels and working with both parties to grow the farm economy. It’s an honor to lead our board alongside Executive Director Joe Smentek and a second-to-none lobbying team.

Some leaders rule with an iron fist – and that’s OK! But this Wells farm boy prefers a smile, handshake and a friendly pat on the back. I look forward to greeting you all at this year’s MN Ag Expo.

Darin Johnson farms in Wells and serves as president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association