Conditions across farm country might be rife with uncertainty, but the leadership foundation of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) remains rock solid.

Farmer leaders chose stability by unanimously reelecting Wells farmer Darin Johnson as president Wednesday during MSGA’s June board meeting in Mankato.

“I’m honored to once again represent this storied organization,” Johnson said. “We’ve got some unfinished business in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. I’m excited to hopefully work with some clearer legislative and regulatory direction in the year ahead while encouraging legislative leaders to support farm-friendly legislation.”

The Wells farmer was also elected to represent MSGA on the American Soybean Association (ASA) later this year when ASA Director George Goblish completes his third and final term.

Johnson will be backed in 2025-2026 by a reelected MSGA officer team, including Vice President Ryan Mackenthun, Treasurer Rose Wendinger and Secretary Kyle Jore.

“I’m happy to be on the officer team; it’s a great team and we’re all excited to work for our farmers and our communities,” said Mackenthun, who farms in Brownton. “It’s a really unique time to be involved in ag policy, but we’re fortunate at MSGA to have an audience at the capitols that is willing to listen and engage with us.”

‘Back to work’

During the meeting, growers and Executive Director Joe Smentek mourned the death of Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was celebrated by the board for her outreach efforts and willingness to find common ground. Directors also recapped the recently completed legislative session in St. Paul and a recent regulatory win that protects seed treatments; discussed federal policies; and elected at-large directors and members of MSGA’s Governing Board.

Wendinger said the organization is in prime position to remain a leading advocacy voice at the state and national levels.

“We hope to have some powerful conversations with policymakers to improve the outlook for Minnesota soybean farmers,” said Wendinger, a Watonwan County producer. “We’re all confident in Darin and the structure that’s been built here.”

Earlier in the meeting, Johnson and the board paid tribute to “all-around good guy” Earl Ziegler, a Blue Earth County farmer who retired after nearly 20 years serving on MSGA.

“From membership to his participation in meetings, we’ve been very lucky to have had Earl as part of this team as a mentor,” Johnson said.

Jore, who farms in Thief River Falls and is an expert in crop insurance, said he was impressed by the scope of MSGA’s proactive advocacy efforts during his first year as secretary.

“MSGA does so much – I’ve learned a lot and feel I still have a lot to learn,” Jore said. “I’m just excited to continue to understand the engagement and work we’re doing for our industry.”

Minnesota farmers representing MSGA and ASA will return in July to Washington, D.C., to promote pressing federal policies, including biofuels, tariffs and food security. MSGA will gather again in August to discuss leftover 2025 issues and forecast emerging priorities for 2026.

“It’s back to work for MSGA,” said Johnson, a fourth-generation farmer. “This is a fantastic team, and I truly feel lucky to help lead our soybean industry here in Minnesota.”