A checkoff-centric Q&A with Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Director Joe Serbus, who chaired the organization from 2021-2023.  

Read below to find out his thoughts on the Council’s Behind the Dollar initiative. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.    

Q: Give us a quick background on your farm. 

Joe Serbus: I farm in Renville County with my family. It’s a soybean, corn and sweet corn operation. I’m also a certified Minnesota Crop Adjustor.   

Q: What region of the state do you represent on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council? How long have you been on the board? 

JS: I represent District 5 & 6. I believe this is my ninth year.   

Q: Why did you decide to run for the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council? 

JS: I just really wanted to get back involved in my community after finishing my service from my local school board and at a different level and opportunity. The Council gave me a good opportunity to contribute back to agriculture and be involved.  

Q: Why do you feel the checkoff is critical to Minnesota’s soybean farmers? 

JS: I think we need to be involved to promote our own product and try to find things that will reflect on the Minnesota farmers themselves. This allows them to see what we’re doing with their money.   

Q: How does the board ensure checkoff dollars are invested responsibly? 

JS: We try to prioritize and target things that will directly impact Minnesota farmers themselves.   

Q: How has directing checkoff funds raised your awareness of the soy checkoff? 

JS: I did not realize, in a way, that there’s so much responsibility put on our shoulders. It could be researching soybean health with diseases. It could be looking for markets. It could be looking for new products or promoting education in agriculture. Education is one of the most important parts to me. It’s also just supporting the image of the Minnesota farmer and trying to give back to the local communities.   

Q: What project(s) are you most proud of that you have seen since being on the board? 

JS: I was just thinking about that a little bit today, of how the different community projects and county projects we have done like RePlay, Skechers, Goodyear tires and the Raven Precision Ag building in South Dakota. I’m very proud of that one there. I would also say being a part of the Soy Transportation Coalition and working with those other states trying to move products to Minnesota and out of Minnesota. Also, being able to support Minnesota farmers in general is something I’m proud of.   

Q: Many checkoff investments are made to impact our future growers. What are some checkoff-supported projects coming down the pipeline that you’re excited about? 

JS: I would say, using soymeal for natural soybean fertilizer trying to find a market for that, along with SoyFoam.   

Q: What do you think the biggest misconception other farmers have about the soy checkoff program? How would you respond to their concerns? 

JS: Well, I’ve heard back that they feel that we’re just looking to go on a trip, spend the money and to go on a trip to out of the country. The misconception that these trips are for pleasure when really, we’re in business meetings and building relationships the entire time. We’re trying to bring more value to Minnesota Farmers.  

Q: Where can another farmer go to get more information on how their dollars are being spent? 

JS: I would say directly contact one of the directors in your district.