Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan announced that Beltrami farmer Mike Skaug, a director and past president with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, has been named a farmer representative to the Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board.

Skaug’s term begins April 5, 2023, and expires on Jan. 4, 2027.  

“I’m happy to contribute to MSGA and Minnesota farmers in any way I can and appreciate the governor and the Department of Agriculture for endorsing my appointment,” Skaug said.

Skaug is also chair of the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, which is preparing for its production launch in summer 2023. Skaug farms alongside his son, Ryan, and wife, DeAnn, on their fifth-generation farm in Polk County. He joined the MSGA board in 2012 and later served as treasurer before becoming vice president in 2019. Skaug was MSGA president from 2020-2021.

The Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board accepts applications for reimbursement from the Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account (ACRRA), determines eligibility and amount of reimbursement due, and notifies the Commissioner of Agriculture of eligible claims. The ACRRA was created to reimburse persons for costs incurred in cleaning up agricultural chemical (pesticide and fertilizer) incidents. The account is funded by annual surcharges on pesticide and fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, applicators and dealers. The surcharge rate is determined by Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen.

Additional information about the Agricultural Chemical Response Compensation Board can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.