Keith Lendt’s family roots in farming in Brown County date back to the 1860s.

“Lendt Homestead goes back many generations in my family,” the Sleepy Eye, Minn., farmer says. “I’m proud to have it stay in my family for all these years.”

Lendt and his wife, Sarah, have two children, daughter Carmen and son Isaac. Lendt is also the president of the Brown County Corn and Soybean Growers Association and a proud member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.

“I think you have to promote your industry in this day and age of false information,” says Lendt, who grows corn and soybean with his father, Charles. “MSGA helps make sure we have a united voice.”

The Brown County board believes in advocating for MSGA-related causes that affect soybean producers via letters to local newspapers and robust discussions during their annual meetings.

“We have to defend our way of life,” Lendt says. “We have to be the ones who tell our story, or someone else will tell it for us.”

Lendt is also a longtime proponent of his local FFA chapter.

“Whether it’s FFA or MSGA, I believe it’s important to educate and stay active at the local level,” he says.

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is the nation’s largest soybean association because farmers and agribusinesses have recognized the value MSGA membership brings. ‘Faces of MSGA’ recognizes those members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry.