I’ve heard it said before, and it bears repeating: As the newest president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, I am proudly standing on the shoulders of advocacy giants. For more than 60 years, through collaboration and eagerness to improve agriculture, our farmer leaders built MSGA into a nationally respected advocacy organization; many of those farmers have since gone on to national leadership roles.
From our first president, John W. Evans to my predecessor and friend, Bob Worth, I am humbled, honored and energized to lead this esteemed organization in the year ahead. I’m also fortunate to collaborate with a dynamic officer team, along with our entire board, Executive Director Joe Smentek and our talented staff, and a lobbying team that knows the inner workings of politics in St. Paul like few others. A tradition of excellence and professionalism has been set at MSGA, and I promise you I’m working hard each day to reach (and hopefully exceed) that bar.
Of course, serving as president of MSGA is not about me; the purpose is far greater. Being president of MSGA means I’m not just representing myself as a fourth-generation farmer and seed business owner from Wells. Alongside our board and staff, I’m representing all our members and Minnesota’s over 25,000 soybean farmers on the policy issues that matter to your businesses. And there is no shortage of policy priorities to tackle in St. Paul, Washington D.C. and internationally. Throughout my presidency, we’ll use our resolution process and work tirelessly to protect crop production inputs; support the growth of biodiesel and sustainable aviation fuel; promote our sustainable practices; grow the farm economy; and develop new markets across the globe while also protecting key trade relationships. Let’s go!
Of course, advocating for farm-friendly legislation is at the heart of MSGA’s mission. As political observers, you can bet we’ll be keeping a close eye on the November election results – at both the state and national levels. There are a lot of scenarios in play: The entire Minnesota House is up for election, and Democrats are looking to protect their four-seat majority; not to mention, Gov. Tim Walz is campaigning for vice president of the United States. While MSGA is nonpartisan and refrains from endorsing candidates, a split government usually means legislative compromise and would likely be the most favorable outcome for farm advocacy groups. It’s anyone’s guess how these results will shake out. But rest assured, no matter who emerges victorious, we look forward to engaging with new and returning lawmakers in 2025 to work to make a challenging farm economy more profitable for our farm families and industry partners.
As someone who’s been affiliated with MSGA for over two decades, I know how important it is to support our organization through membership. During one of my first acts as president, I met with many past, present and future MSGA members during Farmfest to learn more about their issues and their passion for MSGA and our industry. I share their dedication to our profession and look forward to living up to the standard set by those leaders who came before me.
Until we meet again, I wish you all a safe harvest – and be sure to have your voice heard at the ballot box. Early voting in Minnesota has already begun: Click here for more information on how to cast your vote.