The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is holding its annual election this spring. Since fall 2024, the Council has sought candidates to fill five seats from across the state, including the District 7 seat represented by Gene Stoel, who is retiring from the Council after 18 years as a volunteer checkoff leader.  

“Having an active role in directing checkoff funds has never been more important, and the farmer leaders on our Council take this responsibility very seriously,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “We’re excited to hold another election this spring and welcome a new director to replace Gene Stoel, who, to put it mildly, leaves huge shoes to fill.” 

MSR&PC directors serve three-year terms, beginning July 1. The 15 elected farmers wisely direct the investments of soybean checkoff money into developing new uses for soybeans, expanding and building markets, researching new production practices and technologies and promoting the use of soybeans – all with an eye toward improving profitability for Minnesota soybean farmers.  

There are six candidates running for the Council this year. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will mail ballots March 17 to farmers who have voted in past MSR&PC elections or who requested a ballot. Ballots are due back to MDA by April 2. No ballots will be accepted postmarked after April 4. 

Let’s get to know the six candidates running to lead Minnesota’s soy checkoff.  

District 4: Tom Frisch, Dumont, Minn., Traverse County 

Since serving on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Tom Frisch has had the opportunity to be an active member of the United Soybean Board, the organization that directs the national soy checkoff. Tom currently serves as MSR&PC chair and sits on USB’s Executive Committee. Additionally, he was appointed and confirmed by his peers to represent Minnesota on the North Central Soybean Research Program Board. Tom’s grandfather prided himself on serving the community that had provided so much for him – and he tries to follow the same philosophy. Since 2000, he has been active in the Dumont Volunteer Fire Department, serving as fire chief from 2005 to 2009. He was also elected to his local township board in 2007, now serving as township chairperson; and was also elected to the Traverse Electrical Cooperative Board in 2019. He also served on the Wheaton Country Club board of directors from 2004 to 2016. 

On the Council, Tom says:  

I see serving on MSR&PC as another way for me to help promote an understanding of an industry and crop that has provided so much for me and my family. As a member of MSR&PC, I have had the opportunity to provide my real-world perspective on the research action team, which provides essential funding for advancing research related to real-world agronomic challenges such as: soybean cyst nematode, white mold and iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC). I’ve also had the privilege to serve on the promotion action team, which helps to both open new markets and expand existing markets. These are a couple examples of work of the Council benefits farmers; I continue to provide a farmer-focused perspective to these conversations.     

The Council also allows the Minnesota farmer’s perspective to be heard locally, nationally and internationally. I have been able to effectively advocate and provide the essential “Minnesota farmer” perspective on the 13-state North Central Soybean Research Program Board and the United Soybean Board, which I would continue to do if reelected.  

I appreciate your consideration and continued dedication to supporting this essential industry.  

District 5 & 6:  Joe Serbus, Bird Island, Minn., Renville County 

Joe grows soybeans, corn, peas and sweetcorn, and is a past Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council’s chair and current District 5 & 6 director. He also is a Minnesota crop adjuster and serves on the Bird Island Hawk Creek board of directors and is a committee member of his local church. He also represents MSR&PC on the Soy Transportation Coalition and the Minnesota FFA Foundation Board.   

On the Council, Joe says:  

I would like to thank my fellow producers for supporting me representing you on our Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. Our soybean Council needs your support investing checkoff resources in environmental projects, improving yields, creating and promoting new uses for soybeans; and building new markets across the world. With that comes supporting our youth, who are our future.  

It would be a privilege and honor to serve all soybeans farmers from the state of Minnesota. I would be looking to make sure checkoff dollars are spent in a way to achieve value-added to Minnesota farmers. Thank you for your past support, and I hope to continue to represent our farmers.  

District 7: George Goblish, Vesta, Minn., Redwood County 

George Goblish grows soybeans and corn on his third-generation operation. He is currently a director with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and American Soybean Association and has sat on MSR&PC’s promotion action team. In his role on ASA, George serves on the Trade Policy and International Affairs Committee, represents ASA on the Ag Rail Business Council and previously served on ASA’s Executive Committee and the Commodity Classic Planning Committee. He also represented Minnesota on the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) board and the Soy Agriculture Alliance. In addition, George serves on the Highwater Ethanol Board, is a member of the Vesta Lions Club and volunteer member of the Vesta Fire Department. 

 On the Council, George says:  

As a third-generation farmer from the Vesta area, I am passionate about making a meaningful difference for Minnesota farmers today and in the future. With extensive experience in farming and diverse leadership roles through my years with MSGA and ASA, I understand the unique needs of farmers and am committed to promoting initiatives that enhance productivity, sustainability, and profitability. 

The work I do today not only impacts my farming operation but will also influence how my children and grandchildren farm this same land in the future. I am determined to ensure that any initiative I support brings positive, lasting changes to all farms. 

Throughout my career in the soybean industry, I have been driven by a passion for innovation and advancements within the agricultural community. I appreciate the sacrifices each Minnesota farmer makes to support the checkoff and value your commitment. If elected to this council, I promise to work tirelessly on your behalf. 

Education is also important to me. I recognize farming today is different than when I first started. Therefore, I will advocate for educational programs that teach farmers about new technologies, sustainable practices, and market trends both locally and internationally. This will empower farmers to make informed decisions for their operations today and secure the future success of MN farms. 

District 7: Ron Maurer, Windom, Minn., Jackson County  

Ron Maurer grows soybeans and corn. He is a member of both the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and Minnesota Corn Growers Association.   

On the Council, Ron says:   

I want to help MSR&PC grow and suggest ways to lower input costs. I also want to help explore new ways of spending checkoff dollars to help the American soybean farmer in expanding sales of our soybeans and byproducts to  the whole world, as I feel everyone is our customer. Thank you.    

District 8: Gail Donkers, Faribault, Minn., Rice County 

Gail raises soybeans, corn, alfalfa, hogs, dairy beef and sheep. She has served as the Council’s District 8 director since 2019 and currently serves as MSR&PC’s vice chair. In addition, she represents MSR&PC on the Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance. She’s involved in the following organizations: St. Michael’s Church, 4-H, Minnesota Agriculture Rural Leadership Alumni, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Kenyon-Wanamingo FFA Alumni, All American Junior Sheep Show, Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers, Rice County Fair, Continental Dorset Club, Olde English Babydoll Society, Spina Bifida Association of Minnesota and Lambda Delta Phi Alumni.  

 On the Council, Gail says:  

It has been an honor to serve on MSR&PC for the past two terms, and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue. Advocating for agriculture has always been a high priority in my life and I’m proud to share the good news about the high quality of Minnesota soybeans. I believe that the collaboration between MSR&PC and MSGA makes Minnesota Soybean one of the leading ag organizations in the state.  

MSR&PC works hard to serve all soybean farmers in Minnesota, from specialty food grade soybeans that are exported around the world in containers all the way to soybeans high in essential amino acids and are excellent for livestock feed and are utilized here in Minnesota or exported in Panamax vessels. By showing up and being the voice of Minnesota soybean farmers, I hope to make a difference for all soybean growers in Minnesota.        

District 9: Glen Groth, Houston, Minn., Winona County 

Glen raises soybeans, corn, hay, canning vegetables and feeder cattle. He’s active in the following organizations: MSGA, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Corn Growers Association and Winona FFA Alumni. Glen also represents the Council on the Northern Soy Marketing board, currently serving as chair.  

On the Council, Glen says:  

It is my desire to continue to direct the use of checkoff funds to enhance the profitability of Minnesota soybean farms. Expanding and developing international markets for soybeans is critical in this effort and I look forward to evaluating new opportunities for checkoff investment that increases our market share for soybeans and soybean products worldwide.