As the deep freeze of winter sets in and outdoor work gives way to paper work and year-end books, why not take a few minutes to become a candidate for election to the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC)?

It’s that time of year again, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is still seeking candidates for commodity council elections leading up to its Jan. 28 deadline.

“Serving on the Council is rewarding and an important step in directing where soybean checkoff investments go,” says MSR&PC Vice Chairman and election chair Cole Trebesch. “A larger pool of candidates gives farmers the chance to vote for someone who will give them a voice on checkoff investments.”

There are five Council seats up for election in 20198. Interested participants must fill out a candidate certification form and a candidate biography form.

“If you’re unsure about being a candidate or serving on the Council, speak with your district representative,” Trebesch says. “Volunteering your time to any organization takes commitment, and not everyone is meant to be a leader. However, it is an honor and a privilege to represent Minnesota soybean farmers and to ensure the soybean checkoff is invested properly.”

Interested candidates can download the necessary forms here.

All biography and candidate certification forms are due to the Minnesota Soybean office by Jan. 28, 2019.

Farmers who have never voted  in soybean council elections need to request a ballot from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Farmers can request a ballot here. Ballot requests are also due to the office by Jan. 28, 2019.

Farmers who have participated in past soybean council elections do not need to request a ballot.