THE MAGAZINE FOR MINNESOTA’S SOYBEAN GROWERS
SOYBEAN MARCH - APRIL - 2022- VOLUME XX - ISSUE 2
B U S I N E S S
INSIDE
Council Annual Report MSGA Annual Meeting Awards A Tribute to Richard Wurtzberger
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MINNESOTA SOYBEAN 151 SAINT ANDREWS COURT, SUITE 710, MANKATO, MN
MN
CONTENTS
SOYBEAN P.6 P.8 P.24 P.38 P.62
The ag community welcomed the return of MN AG EXPO with open arms. From policy updates to inspirational messages, AG EXPO covered the gamut.
At MSGA’s Annual Meeting, farmer-leaders paid tribute to the directors, local county boards and industry partners who helped make 2021 a success.
Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Officers and ASA Directors: OFFICERS Mike Skaug President Beltrami, MN Polk County
Bob Worth Vice President Lake Benton, MN Lincoln County Ryan Mackenthun Secretary Brownton, MN McLeod County Darin Johnson Treasurer Wells, MN Faribault County
ASA DIRECTORS Jamie Beyer Wheaton, MN Traverse County
This April, MSR&PC is holding its annual election. Meet the Minnesota farmers running for five Council positions.
MSR&PC hit the highway in 2021 to promote the state’s soybean checkoff program. For the second straight year, the Council is publishing its Annual Report exclusively in Soybean Business.
George Goblish Vesta, MN Redwood County Adam Guetter Wabasso, MN Redwood County Christopher Hill Brewster, MN Jackson County Jim Kukowski Strathcona, MN Roseau/LOW Counties Michael Petefish Claremont, MN Dodge County
Minnesota Soybean’s organized counties gathered throughout winter 2022 to promote their homegrown commodities, raise funds for local students and hold in-person annual meetings. ABOUT THE COVER A lot has changed since 2002. But not Minnesota Soybean’s commitment to renewable fuels. We take a look back at the David versus Goliath story of how MSGA’s grassroots campaign emerged victorious against a slew of lobbying groups to pass the nation’s first biodiesel mandate. Cover design by Alex Troska.
Joel Schreurs Tyler, MN Lincoln County
ASA YOUNG LEADERS Mary Dybedahl Chandler, MN Murray County
Nathan Legatt Saint Cloud, MN Sherburne County
COUNTY DIRECTORS
EDITORIAL STAFF:
MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek Minnesota Soybean 888-896-9678 jsmentek@mnsoybean.com
Hannah Anderson Barnesville, MN Clay/Wilkin County
Jim Jirava Ogema, MN Becker/Mahnomen Counties
Trevore Brekken Crookston, MN Polk County
Bob Lindemann Brownton, MN McLeod County
Mark Brown St. James, MN Watonwan County
Bruce Nelsen Rose Creek, MN Mower County
Steve Brusven Cottonwood, MN Yellow Medicine County
Keith Nelsen Westbrook, MN Cottonwood County
Steve Commerford New Ulm, MN Brown County
Robert Nelsen Westbrook, MN Murray County
Brian Fruechte Verdi, MN Lincoln County
Tim Nelson New Richland, MN Waseca County
Layout & Design Kaelyn Rahe krahe@agmgmtsolutions.com
Gary Gertz Jasper, MN Rock County
Nathan Potucek Warren, MN Marshall County
Alex Troska atroska@agmgmtsolutions.com
Theresia Gillie Hallock, MN Kittson County
Andy Pulk Wannaska, MN Roseau/LOW Counties
Tom Grundman Osakis, MN Douglas County
Jamie Seitzer St Peter, MN Nicollet/Sibley Counties
Chris Hansen Clarks Grove, MN Freeborn County
Jeff Sorenson Morgan, MN Redwood County
Corey Hanson Gary, MN Norman County
Tim Rasmussen Fergus Falls, MN Otter Tail/Grant Counties
Jeremy Hanson Morristown, MN Dakota/Rice Counties
Cal Spronk Edgerton, MN Pipestone County
Jeremiah Hasnedl St Hilaire, MN Pennington/Red Lake County
Tim Stelling Osakis, MN Todd County
Matt Heers Owatonna, MN Steele County
Lawrence Sukalski Fairmont, MN Martin County
Ray Hewitt Le Sueur, MN Scott/Le Sueur Counties
Doug Toreen Bird Island, MN Renville County
Brad Hovel Cannon Falls, MN Goodhue County
Earl Ziegler Good Thunder, MN Blue Earth County
Art Director Doug Monson Sr. Director of Communications 888-896-9678 dmonson@agmgmtsolutions.com Managing Editor Drew Lyon Sr. Manager of Communications 888-896-9678 dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com
CIRCULATION: Soybean Business is published six times a year on behalf of Minnesota Soybean. Comments and suggestions can be submitted to: Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, 151 Saint Andrews Court, Suite 710, Mankato, MN 56001.
ADVERTISING
Doug Monson, Sr. Director of Communications 507-995-7534 | 888-896-9678 | dmonson@agmgmtsolutions.com
Advertising space reservations can be made by the 15th day of the month prior to publication. In consideration of the acceptance of the advertisement, the agency and the advertiser must, in respect of the contents of the advertisement, indemnify and save the publisher harmless against any expense arising from claims or actions against the publisher because of the publication of the content of the advertisement. Advertisements within this publication contain the opinions and information of the advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Minnesota Soybean organizations or affiliated groups.
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Letter from the President Delivering the message
The return of the in-person MN AG EXPO this past January was a success by any measure. Year after year, the EXPO serves as a treasured communication link between growers, industry and political influencers. Also, the event is an important part of our fundraising, and we are grateful to the more than 1,000 attendees who braved the elements to participate. We put the ‘fun’ in fundraising during our annual Carnival event, where my wife, DeAnn, and I got to better know our fellow farmers and their families – and raise some dollars for MSGA’s advocacy efforts. After the turmoil of the past couple years, it sure felt good to shake hands, share a few laughs and talk shop with my friends and colleagues. Good times! As you’ll read in this issue, these are exciting – yet unpredictable – times for agriculture. Twenty years after MSGA led the way in passing a historic biodiesel mandate, there’s huge, global interest in renewable energy and high protein feed/food stocks. Soybean producers are eager to meet this growing demand. In our cover story, we look back at the heavy lifting MSGA and our friends at the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council undertook to pass a historic biodiesel mandate. MSGA membership funds were instrumental in this goal becoming a reality. Biodiesel now adds about a dollar per-bushel to the price of soybeans and boasts a yearly statewide, farm-level impact of $767 million that benefits our bottom lines. As a longtime MSGA member, I’d say that’s a worthwhile return on my investment in MSGA. Wouldn’t you? The Minnesota State Legislative Session started Jan. 31, and our directors and staff are champing at the bit to make 2022 another successful year for MSGA. As always, protecting biodiesel remains on our radar. We have our lobbying team stationed at the Capitol, engaging with representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle. We’re delivering a positive, proactive message of expanding use of biodiesel and soybean end users that add value to our 27,000 growers in Minnesota.
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Additionally, MSGA will be sending a delegation of growers to St. Paul on March 22 to secure this message as part of the return of our in-person Hill Visits. This year’s Hill Visit may look a bit different than years past, but our mission is united. Issues that are important to MSGA also include: a low carbon fuel standard, rural infrastructure, support for the Ag Innovation Campus, value-added product expansion and advocating for improved rural health care access. Our interests also extend to carryover bills and supplemental budget projects that benefit rural Minnesota. Collectively, more than 200 Senate and House seats are up for election. While we anticipate both parties may dig in their heels, we also expect legislative action from our political leaders. Our nonpartisan organization continues to cultivate relationships at the Capitol that help achieve policy benefits. It’s important to our volunteer directors that we succeed with policy to meet this goal. This session of the Minnesota Legislature is giving everyone a chance to bring policy that can improve health, livelihood and economic benefits for Minnesotans. We are fortunate to have a record budget surplus to support these ambitions. Because of MSGA, soybean producers can share their message of biodiesel, extending nonrenewable resources and promote protein-enriched animal feeds along with healthier food. Let’s get to work!
Mike Skaug President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
THANK YOU mn ag expo SPONSORS Ag Innovation Campus AGP AgriGrowth Arnold’s Asgrow BASF Beck’s Hybrids Blue Horizon Energy Compeer Financial Gislason & Hunter ISG
Arnold’s Blue Earth County Corn and Soybean Brown County Corn and Soybean Corteva Creations by Kate Dodge County Corn and Soybean Houston Engineering Kandiyohi County Corn and Soybean Kibble Equipment – Mankato Kittson County Soybean
Minnesota Biodiesel Council Minnesota Corn Growers Association Minnesota Dept of Agriculture Minnesota Farmers Union Minnesota Pork Board Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Navigator CO2 Profinium REG Syngenta
Lincoln County Corn and Soybean Mark & Sara Hewitt Martin County Corn and Soybean McLeod County Corn and Soybean Mike and DeAnn Skaug MinnStar Bank Mower County Corn and Soybean MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek Norman County Corn and Soybean Olmsted-Wabasha County Corn and Soybean
Pennington-Red Lake Soybean Polk County Corn and Soybean Redwood County Corn and Soybean SEMA – Northfield Swift County Corn and Soybean Syngenta Watonwan County Corn and Soybean Yellow Medicine County Corn and Soybean Ziegler Cat
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LEADERS LAND OF
MSGA, MSR&PC honor their own at MN AG EXPO
By Drew Lyon
Advocate of the Year: Bill Gordon
No one is more deserving of MSGA’s Soy Advocate of the Year than Bill Gordon. Bill began his ag leadership career as an ASA Young Leader. He’s been an MSGA director and vice president, and has been active on his local Nobles County Corn and Soybean Growers Board. Most recently, he’s led at the national level. In 2019, Bill became the sixth Minnesota farmer to take the helm at ASA. While his term as president didn’t go as expected – there was no leadership guidebook on how to preside during a pandemic – Bill helped ensure that America’s soybean farmers received relief when it was needed most. He also had a seat at the table when the USMCA and U.S – China trade deal were signed. After a year as president, Bill chaired ASA and stepped off the board in December 2021. He has served Minnesota and MSGA with distinction. In appreciation of Bill’s dedication, MSGA’s governing board has decided to grant Bill with a rare Lifetime Membership award. This award is rarely bestowed, but Bill is a rare breed. MSGA wishes Bill all the best in his future endeavors and we look forward to continuing to seek out his leadership in the years ahead.
Director of the Year: Cole Trebesch
The recipient of the Council Director of the Year has ties to both MSR&PC and MSGA. During his two-year run as Council chair, Cole helped successfully guide the Council through low commodity prices, a trade war and a pandemic. This was no small task, but thanks to Cole’s steady leadership and vision, the Council emerged more stable and dynamic than ever. Despite the roadblocks he faced, Cole oversaw the Council through numerous projects, including the development of the Ag Innovation Campus, Plasma Blue and TruSoya. As a member of the research action team, he also helped review and approve dozens of checkofffunded research projects. As a member of the Ag Management Solutions board, he has played an integral part in the organization’s development and fiscal strength. Cole previously served as vice chair and we are grateful he continues to help lead the Council as District 8 director. Prior to becoming a Council director, Cole served on MSGA’s board. MSR&PC is grateful for Cole’s stewardship through a period unlike any other in Minnesota agriculture. Thank you for your service to Minnesota soybean farmers, Cole!
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Industry Partner of the Year: Kevin Paap
The winner of MSGA’s Industry Partner of the Year award is truly a legend in his field, and a farmer who is synonymous with grassroots advocacy. Anyone involved in advocacy at St. Paul and Washington, D.C. has rubbed elbows with Kevin Paap. For 16 years, he served as president of Minnesota Farm Bureau, before he retired late last year. But Kevin’s leadership career started with MSGA – first at the local level before becoming a state director, then vice president. In 1995, Kevin became MSGA’s president, and helped move the needle on biodiesel, building relationships with soybean processing plants; increasing engagement with county organizations and formed the Ag Commodity Coalition. Kevin has been the standard bearer for agricultural advocacy. He’s taught all of us how to engage with elected officials, community leaders and consumers with respect and compassion. Congratulations, Kevin. Thank you for your leadership and your support of MSGA over the years. This is a welldeserved award, and we wish you all the best in your future pursuits.
It’s important to take a step back, look at the big picture and tip our caps to the farmers and industry leaders who help make MSGA and MSR&PC a winning team year after year.
MSGA President Mike Skaug
Industry Leader of the Year: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
The Council’s Industry Leader of the Year award winner has put their money where their mouth is when it comes to promoting value-added soybean products. As a result, they helped our commodity gain traction throughout Minnesota in 2021. Of course, we’re referring to the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and their support of our Driving Soy promotion. The Council’s Driving Soy campaign put the soybean checkoff into overdrive. Nearly all of its 44 organized county soybean board participated in the promotion, which saw farmer-leaders reconnecting with their communities, supporting law enforcement and promoting value-added soy products. The Council was proud to use soybean checkoff resources to activate this campaign, and greatly appreciate Goodyear helping to boost demand for soybeans in Minnesota and throughout the country. Goodyear, with checkoff support from USB, has pledged to keep promoting these checkoff investments. The company Goodyear increased its consumption of soybean oil by 20% in 2020, and is aiming to fully replace all of its petroleum-driven oils by 2040. Continued on Page 10 MARCH - APRIL - 2022 - Soybean Business - 9
Soybean County of the Year: Murray County In Minnesota, we’re proud to be the only state soybean association with a 40-plus year history of supporting grassroots county boards that volunteer their time to work directly in their communities. As our state transitioned back to holding in-person events the past year, so did our county boards. One of those grassroots boards who helped lead the way is Murray County, the winner of our Soybean County of the Year. The Murray County Growers gave back to their community in the 2021 fiscal year through numerous donations and volunteering. The county donated hand sanitizer wipes to the Murray County Central School District, gift certificates as a thank you and to support local restaurants through COVID-19, funds to the food shelf and the Cattleman’s Tour to support numerous organizations in their communities. The board was also present at the Murray County Fair to promote the their efforts to educate on soybeans and corn while using their safety trailer for demonstrations and displays. The board also takes time to participate in local parades and advertising on local radio to help support soybean messaging. Murray County continues to be dedicated to maintaining and improving MSGA’s overall membership numbers. MSGA would like to mention special thanks to Bob Nelsen for his tireless recruiting efforts on behalf of his county and MSGA. Bob is truly a master recruiter who leads by example. MSGA congratulates the Murray County Corn and Soybean Growers for being leaders in our county program, and we’re pleased to recognize them as the winner of our 2021 Soybean County of the Year.
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A tribute to Richard Wurtzberger By Drew Lyon Even in the final days of his life, Richard Wurtzberger remained a farmer advocate. On Dec. 15, 2021, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association Bob Worth stopped at a Sleepy Eye convenience store on his way to MSGA’s pre-resolutions meeting in Mankato. A familiar face greeted him. “I said, ‘Richard!’ I hadn’t seen him for quite a while,” Worth said. “He jumped on me right away. He said, ‘I know you’re going to the pre-resolutions meeting. Here’s the resolution I want.’” The farmer delegation approved Wurtzberger’s water quality-related resolution a few hours later. He died the next day at the age of 76. “It was very shocking to hear the news about Richard,” Worth said, “especially since I’d just seen him.” Wurtzberger had served on the Brown County Soybean and Corn Growers Board since the early 1990s. The board had been – and continues to be – one of MSGA’s most vocal counties on water quality policies. “Richard was very active in water quality issues to ensure good science was involved,” said MSGA Director Steve Commerford, a longtime friend of Wurtzberger’s. “And he was willing to speak out on that.” Following his enlistment in the Army Reserve, Wurtzberger pursued a career in agriculture education. He taught ag in Cresco, Iowa, and agribusiness at South Central College in North Mankato before taking over the family farm in his native Brown County. Wurtzberger was a director with both MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council. He first became an MSGA member in 1996, and later represented Brown County on MSGA from 2001 to 2009. “I decided to get involved in the organization to try to make what difference I could and show the general public the environmental benefits of farmers,” Wurtzberger said in a 2015 interview. 12 - Soybean Business - MARCH - APRIL - 2022
Committed to conservation Following his stint on MSGA, in 2009 Wurtzberger ran for a position on MSR&PC and was elected the Council’s District 8 representative. “Richard was a very unique gentleman, very knowledgeable,” Worth said. “He was a true conservationist and was great on MSGA and the Council.” Wurtzberger recalled his greatest accomplishment while on the Council was supporting the research undertaken by University of Minnesota Professor Satish Gupta, which showed that stream bank sloughing is a major contributor to stream sediment in agricultural areas. “Richard was always a strong advocate for research,” Commerford said, citing the numerous research plots Wurtzberger hosted on his family farm in Sleepy Eye. “He stood up for science.” Other highlights from his time on the Council included learning how checkoff funds are invested; participating in the China See For Yourself and a trade mission to the Philippines; and the camaraderie among the farming community throughout Minnesota and the United States. “Richard believed in the value of the checkoff,” Council Director Cole Trebesch said. As he prepared to retire from the Council in 2015, Wurtzberger expressed confidence in what the future may bring. “My hope is that a young farmer will step up with new ideas to take over my position,” Wurtzberger said. His wish came true. Trebesch, who had assumed Wurtzberger’s position on MSGA, also followed in his footsteps on the Council. He later became chair from 2019-2021. “I encouraged Cole to run and he’s been thanking me ever since,” Wurtzberger said with a laugh in 2019. Commerford said his colleague’s legacy will live on, both at the county and state level. The full board approved the resolution he proposed to Bob Worth. “I’m calling that resolution ‘The Richard Wurtzberger Memorial Resolution,’” Commerford said. “That was one of the last things he did.”
Before managing the family farm, Richard Wurtzerger earned degrees in agricultural education and agricultural degrees from the University of Minnesota.
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Always read and follow label directions. XITAVO is a trademark of M.S. Technologies, L.L.C., West Point, IA. Enlist and the Enlist logo are trademarks of Dow AgroSciences. The transgenic event in Enlist E3 soybeans is jointly developed and owned by Dow AgroSciences LLC and M.S. Technologies, L.L.C. © 2021 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.
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MSGA and MSR&PC brought a biodiesel-powered truck to the Capitol to drive the message home to legislators.
With Gov. Tim Pawlenty looking on, thenMSGA President Bob Worth speaks during an event to commemorate the launch of B2 on Sept. 20, 2005.
During her two years as MSGA president, Jamie Beyer helped protect the biodiesel mandate and promoted the advanced fuel’s economic and environmental benefits.
TWENTY YEARS By Drew Lyon
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MSGA, MSR&PC leaders look back on the birth of biodiesel in Minnesota Minnesota farmer-leaders and biodiesel advocates went their own way two decades ago in the uphill push to pass landmark legislation that forever changed the biodiesel industry. “There was no blueprint, no roadmap,” said Ed Hegland, former Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) vice president and treasurer. “We just made it up as we went along.” On March 15, 2022, both MSGA and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) celebrate the 20th anniversary of the B2 (2% biodiesel) minimum blending requirement becoming law. For the farmer-leaders from Minnesota Soybean who led the way, time flies when you’re (mostly) having fun and fueling a multi-billion-dollar industry that continues growing demand in a changing world. “We went from a time when we started the B2 stuff in 1998, soybean oil was trading for 10 cents a pound,” said Mike Youngerberg, MSR&PC’s senior director of product development and commercialization. “Now we’re trading at 63 cents and going higher. It’s incredible.” The biodiesel industry has exploded in the 20 years since the biodiesel mandate became the law of the land, thanks to the foresight of Minnesota’s soybean leaders in
the late 1990s and early 2000s. Brushing aside constant market and political threats, biodiesel now adds an estimated dollar to a bushel of soybeans, and production totals nationwide are nearing 3 billion gallons. In Minnesota alone, biodiesel adds nearly 5,400 jobs and contributes nearly $1.7 billion towards the state’s GDP, totaling $676 million in farm-level impact statewide. “Minnesota has been a huge boost to the entire industry,” Hegland said. “All these years later, we’re held up at the national level as leaders.” The movement started as a grassroots collaboration between farmer leaders from both MSR&PC and MSGA. The Council helped fund research showing the benefits of biodiesel, while MSGA tackled the policy side of engaging with legislators and industry leaders. “If it wasn’t for the Minnesota checkoff, we wouldn’t have a biofuels industry,” MSR&PC Director Gene Stoel said. “Minnesota soybean farmers were the ones who proved biodiesel works. We crush soybeans for meal, then use the residual product for oil. We can take the oil and make a fuel out of it. That, to me, was pretty forwardlooking on the part of a lot of good farmers.” Continued on Page 16 MARCH - APRIL - 2022 - Soybean Business - 15
Rep. Al Juhnke (right) was instrumental in carrying the B20 bill in the Minnesota House. Here, Rep. Junke poses with Mike Youngerberg on May 12, 2008, the day Gov. Pawlenty signed the B20 bill into law.
On April 16, 1999, then-Gov. Jesse Ventura proclaimed “Biodiesel Day” in Minnesota. Gov. Mark Dayton declared a similar proclamation on March 15, 2017 to mark the 15th anniversary of the B2 law. Biodesel has enjoyed support from four governors spanning three political parties: Jesse Ventura (Independence/Reform parties), Republican Tim Pawlenty, and Democrats Mark Dayton (pictured here) and Tim Walz.
Thinking big In the mid-1990s, Minnesota Soybean partnered with the National Biodiesel Board (since renamed the Clean Fuels Alliance America) to promote Soy Shield, a biodiesel additive. The product treated about 50 gallons and was distributed via Minnesota Soybean’s county promotional program. The additive was well-received, but then-MSGA Director and biofuels supporter Vernon Pooch had grander ambitions. “Vernon said, ‘This is good, but why not go bigger?’” Youngerberg said. At a town hall in Alexandria, Pooch approached his district legislator, then-Rep. (and now Sen.) Torrey Westrom, urging him to support a biodiesel bill to boost Minnesota’s agriculture economy. “We just wanted to go for two percent,” Pooch said. “Torrey liked what he heard and introduced it.” The stage was set. Westrom carried the bill in the 1999 session that put momentum behind biodiesel. Westrom’s bill passed the Ag Committee but never made it to the regular session. Over the next two years, MSGA faced stiff – almost overwhelming – opposition from lobbying groups representing Minnesota’s trucking, oil, railroad, waste management and airline industries. Even the Chamber of Commerce came out against biodiesel. In addition, some state legislators refused to support any legislative mandates. How the heck did MSGA get the job done? 16 - Soybean Business - MARCH - APRIL - 2022
“Well, we were lucky to have a great lobbyist,” Pooch said. Jerry Schoenfeld oversaw MSGA’s lobbying efforts at the time. He found himself in unchartered territory. “In the beginning, we were pushing a product that almost didn’t exist, because it wasn’t really available,” he said. “In the end, of course, it became available.” MSGA and MSR&PC directors returned to the Capitol with renewed vigor in the early 2000s. Minnesota Soybean was ready to fight for biodiesel through grassroots advocacy. Farmers packed committee rooms. Hegland remembers traveling 13 times to St. Paul during the 2001 session; farmers swarmed the Capitol grounds wearing red, pro-biodiesel T-shirts. MSGA brought a diesel-powered truck to the steps of the Capitol, blaring messaging that read: “Oil from the Midwest, not the Mideast.” “It was an all-out effort,” Youngerberg said. “People got the message.” Team work Slowly but surely, Minnesota Soybean garnered bipartisan support in St. Paul. Industry supporters, including the National Biodiesel Board, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union and the American Lung Association, stood behind MSGA. “It was an exciting time,” said Worth, MSGA’s current vice president. “It was really a good team effort. It proves
right there that when you have a solid team working for a good cause, positive things do happen.” The growers were resolute in their determination. Finally, in March 2002, the toil paid off for Minnesota soybean farmers. The B2 mandate passed with bipartisan approval. The bill was sent to then-Gov. Jesse Ventura’s desk. The governor refused to sign the bill, but through a series of measures, B2 became law in Minnesota. Ventura’s detached role in biodiesel becoming law remains a curious footnote. “Being a wrestler, he understood marketing. But he didn’t like mandates,” Youngerberg said. “I do think he liked the concept of biodiesel and energy independence.” Youngerberg still marvels at Schoenfeld’s lobbying shrewdness in the face of long odds. MSGA membership funds help fund lobbying efforts, and there are few legislative wins in MSGA’s 60-year history that loom larger than biodiesel. Schoenfeld, who retired in 2016, ranks it among his top career accomplishments. “Jerry was skillful in orchestrating an effort that people didn’t believe we could pull off,” Youngerberg said. “It was a monumental achievement.” In 2003, newly-elected Gov. Tim Pawlenty declared renewable fuels a top policy priority. Later that year, the GOP governor created a Biodiesel Task Force to streamline the B2 implementation process. “Governor Pawlenty believed in renewable fuels,” Worth said. “He was a true champion of biodiesel.” Continued on Page 18
Then-MSGA lobbyist Jerry Schoenfeld testifies on behalf of biodiesel circa 1999. In the background sits future Executive Director Joe Smentek, who was a House page at the time.
Motorcycle enthusiast and Minnesota farmer Ed Hegland was the last farmer-chair of the National Biodiesel Board.
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A win-win Minnesota’s biodiesel processors were required to produce 8 million gallons of B100 in production sites before the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) gave final clearances. Three biodiesel plants were built in Minnesota between 2002 and 2004, more than enough to meet the production requirement. By August 2002, the requirement had been met, and Gov. Pawlenty approved implementation on Sept. 29, 2005. After a bumpy rollout in fall 2005, Minnesota moved to B5 in 2009 but was delayed in moving to B10 in 2010 because of inadequate blending infrastructure in southwest Minnesota. The issue was solved by 2013, and B10 was implemented the following year. In May 2018, Minnesota became the first state to move to B20 implementation during the summer months. During the winter months, Minnesota fuel stations continue selling a 5%
biodiesel blend. “What Minnesota did has helped inspire other states to do similar legislation,” said Tom Verry, Clean Fuels’ director of outreach and development. “We learned so much as an industry from Minnesota.” Over the course of 17 years, biodiesel use in Minnesota has improved not just Minnesota’s economy, but its environment. Studies show biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50% and lowers particulate matter by 47%, reducing smog and cleaning Minnesota’s air. Each year, cleaner-burning, renewable biodiesel displaces roughly 130 million gallons of petroleum diesel in Minnesota. “Through farmer innovation and proactive policies from our state leaders, Minnesota has been a national leader for two decades, and it’s exciting to share biodiesel’s positive environmental impact,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “While we recognize
Mike Youngerberg and Ed Hegland were both featured in a book marking 30 years of the National Biodiesel Board, “The Birth of American Biodiesel.” At the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in January, Hegland, who served as NBB chair from 20072010, was honored with the Kenlon Johannes Pioneer Award. Hegland and Roger Peterson (1999) are the two Minnesotans who have chaired NBB.
there’s a push for electric vehicles, biodiesel is a viable environmental solution until technology catches up with our market needs.” In Minnesota, using B20 in the summer and B5 in the winter equates to removing the emissions from approximately 245,000 vehicles from state roads each year. According to a recent Clean Fuels study, switching
Vernon Pooch (left) helped put the biodiesel bill in motion in 1999 when he asked for support from thenRep. Torrey Westrom. Ready to roll: The Council’s checkoff-supported DieselSellerz’s campaign in 2017-2018 built momentum for Minnesota to become the first state to implement B20.
Minnesota supports biodiesel plants in Albert Lea, Brewster and Isanti, which produce approximately 85 million gallons of the renewable fuel each year.
to B100 (100% biodiesel) would create a 45% reduction in cancer risk when heavy-duty trucks use B100, and 203,000 fewer or lessened asthma attacks. “As technology has improved, the biodiesel produced in Minnesota today is now far more efficient than how it was produced 20 years ago,” said Chris Hill, a Jackson farmer who serves on both MSGA and the Clean Fuels boards.
NBB’s Tom Verry (left) and MSGA Director Chris Hill (right) visit during the 15th anniversary of biodiesel in March 2017.
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The next 20 years What does the future hold for biodiesel? Well, it’s complicated. While the price of soybean oil has more than doubled in a few short years, electric vehicles and renewable hydrocarbon diesel present their share of challenges to the biodiesel industry. “The landscape is changing tremendously,” said Youngerberg, one of the nation’s leading biodiesel experts and a 2018 recipient of the Biodiesel Impact Award. “It’s changed the dynamic of the soybean oil market from a drag to driving the market. … The things we fought to get two percent of the marketplace have benefitted us.” Youngerberg says corporate America’s push toward sustainability and addressing climate change have altered
the outlook for biodiesel. “The Walmarts and big shippers all over the world are now saying to their suppliers, ‘I want to reduce my carbon footprint. How are you going to do it?’” he said. “There’s no electrification coming soon for the marine, railroad, large truck and even aviation market, and that’s why we’re seeing this huge interest in renewable hydrocarbon diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.” Pooch, never one to mince words, is still bullish on biodiesel. “We’re always going to have biodiesel. There are too many trucks,” he said. “Electric isn’t the answer, either.” MSGA and MSR&PC continue protecting – and benefitting from – biodiesel. Each year, MSGA advocates with legislative and agency leaders to keep and grow the biodiesel mandate. Meanwhile, MSR&PC invests checkoff resources in educating producers and improving infrastructure. “We can’t ever take biodiesel for granted,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said. “We’ve come too far to lose this market. As an organization, we’re enormously proud of what we accomplished together.” MARCH - APRIL - 2022 - Soybean Business - 19
environmental consequences of these policies and that legislation should focus on pace, scale and affordability of the renewable fuels. “Ultimately, MSGA supports policies and legislation that will benefit our state’s soybean farmers economically and improve Minnesota’s environment,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “When we were starting 20 years ago, hydrocarbon diesel and sustainable aviation fluid weren’t even on the radar, so it’ll be interesting to see where things stand in another 20 years.”
Demand for soybean oil skyrocketing By Kaelyn Rahe For those who closely follow the biodiesel industry, some new terms and fuels started to crop up in the conversation in just the past few years. “It was probably three, four years ago we started to hear about the market developing for renewable hydrocarbon diesel,” said Mike Youngerberg, Minnesota Soybean’s senior director of product development and commercialization. “Before two years ago, you wouldn’t have heard the words ‘sustainable aviation fuel,’ Now, we’re hearing it everywhere.” With increased presence in the marketplace comes questions. How will these initiative affect biodiesel policy and production? What is the difference between biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel? What impact does this have on soybean
farmers? There is one factor that draws the fuels together and that is carbon. It is well known companies are continuing to try to find new ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Carbon is one of the topics up for debate in many state legislatures. “California’s low carbon fuel standard has been the national driver for biodiesel and renewable hydrocarbon diesel because of the credits generated,” said Daryn McBeth, senior government relations specialist with Marathon Petroleum. “Now other regions including Oregon, Washington, and Canada are passing or have passed similar but different low carbon fuel standards for their states.” With draft legislation about a low carbon fuel standard in Minnesota, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and Marathon Petroleum
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want to have a seat at the table to have conversations on what this standard would look like and to make certain biofuels are part of the policy solutions. “With farmers using biofuels on the farm and to what Marathon is doing at the plant, that carbon intensity and that whole lifecycle analysis is as good or better than an electric vehicle, and that’s important as policies are being written for giving credits for decarbonizing the transportation sector,” McBeth said. “You just don’t look at a vehicle that doesn’t use fuel. You have to look at the carbon used to manufacture the batteries, the disposal of the batteries and the car itself and the charging of the car as well.” Both organizations are looking to have legislation focus on real-world solutions and not speculative gains from future technology adoption that do not consider adverse
‘Tipping point’ “Soybeans account for almost 50% of the feedstocks used to produce those three fuels (biodiesel, renewable hydrocarbon diesel and sustainable aviation fuel) currently,” Clean Fuels Technical Director Scott Fenwick said during a recent episode of MSGA’s winter Spill the Beans webinar. With the market continuing to grow, Clean Fuels has set for a goal to produce 6 billion gallons of biodiesel by 2030 and it expects to exceed that goal by the mid-2020s. “We have a lot room for growth,” Fenwick said. Current production totals 2.5
billion gallons across 100 biodiesel plants across the U.S, supporting 65,000 jobs and generating $17 billion in economic activity. “It will be an interesting time for soybean processors,” Youngerberg said. “There is already a list of 10 soybean processing plants that will go up in the United States.” The demand for soybean oil shows no signs of slowing down. “We certainly spent a lot of time and money in checkoff dollars to developing the biodiesel industry to help us get rid of a glug of oil,” Youngerberg said. “Now we are at a tipping point that the demand of oil is growing more than our meal
demand.” Within the next couple of years, the processing industry is betting on the same amount of soybean acres or marginally more, with increased domestic processing of soybeans. Thus, domestic oil supply will increase and the U.S. will have to contend with the excess soybean meal, which likely will have to be exported. “At this point in time, the markets for soybean oil are bright,” Youngerberg said. “The demand is there.”
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IT’S NOT JUST YOUR LAND. IT’S YOUR LEGACY. The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program rewards farmers like you for what you do best, taking care of your land and its natural resources.
‘Quality’ time: Gov. Walz makes push to certify one-million acres
As Minnesota farmers begin final preparations for the 2022 growing season, Gov. Tim Walz and his administration have their sights set high on Minnesota’s Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).
The Minnesota Corn Growers and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, along with other commodity groups, each lobbied in favor of the program. Both Wolle and Mike Skaug, who also introduced the governor, are both Water Quality certified.
“This program works on every level,” the governor said, “and it works because producers are at the center of it, producers help write it and producers help executive it.”
“The governor and MDA have been excellent partners with producers when it comes to promoting soil health,” Skaug said.
On a frigid January afternoon, the governor returned to his hometown of Mankato to address the farming community at the return of the MN AG EXPO conference and trade show.
Farmers can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to apply for MAWQCP certification and then complete a series of steps with local certifiers using a 100 percent site-specific risk assessment process. By law all data is kept private, and only by signing a formal release can a farmer’s name be released publicly. After becoming certified, farmers receive a 10-year contract ensuring them they will be deemed in compliance with any new water quality laws, an official MAWQCP sign to display on their farm, and other benefits developed by local MAWQCP providers.
“Governor Walz, like all of us, is committed to water quality,” said Minnesota Corn Growers Association Director Harold Wolle, who introduced the governor. “He appreciates the time and effort it takes to get our farmers Minnesota Ag Water Quality certified. … He understands the importance of ag to Minnesota’s economy.” During his address, the governor spoke with optimism about the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s goal of certifying one million acres in the MAWQCP by the end of 2022. The governor cited a list of statistics that show the benefits of enrolling in the MAWQCP: Saving almost 41,000 tons of sediment every year; removing 120,000 tons of topsoil and 52,000 pounds of phosphorous; reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45,000 metric tons; and cutting nitrogen loss by 49% -- all while increasing farmer profits by an estimated 20% greater profit. “That is a success story,” Gov. Walz said. “Ag has always had to adapt to changing situations. … In every single case, ag has been able to deliver on that.” The MAWQCP was signed into statute in 2013, piloted in 2014 and began statewide operations in July 2015.
To get started and learn more, contact your local soil and water conservation district or go to:
MyLandMyLegacy.com
“The Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program is a double-win for the state,” Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said. “We see that certified farms have a major impact on our environment for the better; now we also know that those farmers see better economic outlooks which helps our ag economy. I encourage all farmers and landowners to look into the advantages of certifying their land.” More than 1,150 producers are currently certified in the program, covering more than 815,000 certified acres and implementing more than 2,300 new conservation practices. The governor and MDA hope to celebrate the million-acre milestone later this year. “The ag groups lead from the front,” Walz said. “When we work together and marry it with the best economic practices, we get results that matter.”
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GOOD COUNCIL MSR&PC elections give farmers a voice in directing checkoff dollars By Soybean Business Staff The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) is holding its annual election this spring. For the past few months, the Council has sought candidates to fill four seats from across the state. MSR&PC directors serve three-year terms, beginning July 1. The 15 elected farmers wisely direct the investments of soybean checkoff money into developing new uses for soybeans, expanding markets, researching new production practices and technologies and promoting the use of soybeans – all with an eye toward improving profitability for Minnesota soybean farmers. “Serving on the Council is rewarding and an important step in directing where soybean checkoff investments go,” MSR&PC Vice Chair Tom Frisch said. “A larger pool of candidates gives farmers the chance to vote for someone who will give them a voice on checkoff investments.” Below is a closer look at the candidates running for the Council. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will mail ballots March 18 to farmers who have voted in past MSR&PC elections or who requested a ballot. Ballots are due back to MDA by April 4. No ballots will be accepted postmarked after April 4. District 4: Tom Frisch, Dumont, Minn., Traverse County om Frisch is a fourth-generation farmer, a partner in the farming operation with his father, two first cousins and his cousin’s son. The farm was started by his great-grandfather in the early 1900s, and ever since they have raised various grains (soybeans, barley, flax, corn, etc.). Currently, Felix Frisch and Sons raise soybeans, corn, sunflowers and grapes. In addition to working with the family farming operation, Tom also started his own crop consulting business after graduating from North Dakota State University in 2000 with a degree in Agriculture Economics. As farming has become more complex, Tom enjoys assisting fellow producers on maximizing their hard work through his consulting business. Additionally, Tom also works part-time for the local cooperative selling seed to area producers. Tom and his wife, Dr. Jane Vangsness Frisch, make their home two miles north of the original Felix Frisch and Son homestead.
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TOM FRISCH
Since serving on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, Tom has had the opportunity to be an active member of the Ag Innovation Campus Board of Directors. Additionally, he was appointed and confirmed by my peers to represent Minnesota on the North Central Soybean Research Program Board. Tom’s grandfather prided himself in serving the community that had provided so much for him – and he tries to follow the same philosophy. Since 2000, he has been active on the Dumont Volunteer Fire Department, serving as fire chief from 2005 to 2009. He was also elected to his local township board in 2007, now serving as township chairperson; and was also elected to the Traverse Electrical Cooperative Board member in 2019. He also served on the Wheaton Country Club board of directors from 2004 to 2016. On the Council, Tom says: I see serving on the research and promotion council as another way for me to help promote an understanding of an industry and crop that has provided so much for me and my family. As a member of the research and promotion council I have had the opportunity to provide my real-world perspective on the research action team, which provides essential funding for advancing research related to real-world agronomic challenges such as: soybean cyst nematode, white mold and IDC. This is one example of how
the work of the Council benefits farmers; I continue to provide a farmer-focused perspective to these conversations. The Council also allows the Minnesota farmer perspective to be heard nationally and internationally. I have been able to effectively advocate and provide the essential “Minnesota farmer” perspective on the 13-state North Central Soybean Research Program Board, which I would continue to do if re-elected. Finally, I desire to continue my service on the Council to assist our industry through these continued times of transition. Innovation is essential during these pivotal times to ensure sustainability of our industry. I have been involved with the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, Minnesota, which will provide a facility to conduct essential soybean research. Once operational, the AIC will crush an estimated 2.5 million bushels of soybeans, and eventually, other oilseeds. The AIC will also provide development of crops in the region that would not otherwise be possible because the quantity would be too small for most crushing plants to handle. Besides the crushing plant, the AIC anticipates building additional research bays for private industries, universities, and commodity organizations to further research. I appreciate your consideration and continued dedication to support this essential industry.
District 5 & 6: Joe Serbus, Bird Island, Minn., Renville County oe grows soybeans, corn, peas and sweetcorn, and is the MSR&PC chair and current District 5 and 6 director. He also is a Minnesota crop adjuster and serves on the Bird Island Hawk Creek board of directors and is a committee member of his local church. On the Council, Joe says: It would be a privilege and honor to serve all soybeans farmers from the state of Minnesota. I would be looking to make sure checkoff dollars are spent in a way to achieve value-added to Minnesota farmers. I am a proud advocate of agriculture education, along with all types of education to keep our rural areas strong. I believe it is important that all soybean farmers become involved in representing Minnesota in all aspects of agriculture and soybean production. We continue to be good stewards of the land as we raise a quality soybean product, and it is important that we continue to share our story.
JOE SERBUS
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District 7: Gene Stoel, Lake Wilson, Minn., Murray County
District 9: Glen Groth, Houston, Minn., Winona County
ene grows corn and soybeans and has a cow/calf operation. He represents District 7 for the Council. He is a member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, the Murray County Soybean and Corn Growers Board and Minnesota Corn Growers Association. Gene is a United Soybean Board director and past president of the North Central Soybean Research Program.
len raises soybeans, corn, hay, canning vegetables and feeder cattle. He is the Council’s current District 9 representative. He’s active in the following organizations: Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Corn Growers Association and Winona FFA Alumni.
On the Council, Gene says: Directing soybean checkoff funds is very important to investigate the future and try to estimate which investments will bring the most benefit to Minnesota’s soybean farmers. My work with both state, county and national organizations has given me insight into some of those possibilities. It is also important to continue doing research that protects our ability to continue to produce the supply that any new uses may come about.
GENE STOEL
Follow all the latest news from the soybean checkoff on the Council’s social media pages, or by visiting mnsoybean.org. According to a Council survey, 94% of farmers say they receive their soybean checkoff news from Minnesota Soybean publications.
District 8: Gail Donkers, Faribault, Minn., Rice County ail raises soybeans, corn, alfalfa, hogs, dairy beef and sheep. She is the Council’s current District 8 director. She’s involved in the following organizations: St. Michael’s Church, 4-H, Minnesota Agriculture Rural Leadership Alumni, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Kenyon-Wanamingo FFA Alumni, All American Junior Sheep Show, Minnesota Lamb & Wool Producers, Rice County Fair, Continental Dorset Club, Olde English Babydoll Society, Spina Bifida Association of Minnesota and Lambda Delta Phi Alumni. On the Council, Gail says: Advocating for agriculture has always been a high priority in my life. In GAIL DONKERS 2015 I signed up for the See For Yourself (SFY) program – sponsored by the MSR&PC – to attend the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. I was completely blown away by the conference and the education I received, and I knew that in the future I wanted to be a part of MSR&PC. The SFY program showed me firsthand the value of MSR&PC as a soybean producer, and that it is an organization that I would like to dedicate time to and share my life experiences with. By showing up and being the voice of Minnesota’s soybean farmers, I hope to make a difference for not only our farm, but for all the soybean growers in Minnesota.
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On the Council, Glen says: It is important for farmers to understand how money is invested in their businesses. I desire to serve on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council to understand and guide where my checkoff investment dollars go. By working together through the checkoff, farmers can make investments that bring us sustainable new markets, value-added opportunities, and solutions to problems that we all face as soybean growers. It is rewarding to be part of that effort.
GLEN GROTH
2022 MN SOYBEAN RESEARCH & PROMOTION COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Minnesota Department of Agriculture holds commodity council elections each spring. Five Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council positions are up for election. Interested candidates need to fill out a candidate biography form and a candidate certification form and return to Minnesota Soybean by Jan. 24, 2022.
MSR&PC Directors
1
2
3
Dates to Remember: Jan. 24, 2022
Ballot requests due to Minnesota Soybean office
March 18, 2022
MN Department of Agriculture mails ballots to soybean producers who requested ballots or have voted in past soybean elections
April 4, 2022
Last day for ballots to be postmarked
4
5 6
7
8
9
For MSR&PC candidate forms or to request a ballot, visit mnsoybean.org/msrpc.
2022 MN SOYBEAN RESEARCH & PROMOTION COUNCIL ELECTIONS The Minnesota Department of Agriculture
As of June 1, 2021
Kris Folland Bill Zurn Paul Freeman Patrick O’Leary Tom Frisch Joe Serbus Pat Sullivan Gene Stoel Jim Willers Ron Obermoller Cole Trebesch Rochelle Krusemark Gail Donkers Glen Groth Ben Storm
Dist. 1,2 & 3 Dist. 1,2 & 3 Dist. 4 Dist. 4 Dist. 4* Dist. 5 & 6* Dist. 5 & 6 Dist. 7* Dist. 7 Dist. 7 Dist. 8 Dist. 8 Dist. 8* Dist. 9* Dist. 9
*MSR&PC Expiring Director Terms, 2022
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WISHH serves as an international soy industry incubator, spurring innovation by connecting local entrepreneurs with industry-specific resources and business knowledge.
WISHH works with key international stakeholders to demonstrate U.S. soy’s value for businesses and communities.
Connect with WISHH wishh.org
Connect with WISHH wishh.org
WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.
WISHH is a program of the American Soybean Association and is funded in part by the United Soybean Board and state soybean board checkoff programs.
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Farmer leaders meet to consider research projects By Bailey Grubish Universities can shape future generations in many areas. For public researchers, the collegiate experience shapes not just their careers, but their future research projects – thanks, in part, to support from the soybean checkoff. “As a student, when you are a researcher, you learn about a problem and then you keep yourself updated with the new research that is available,” said Ashish Ranjan, a University of Minnesota assistant professor in the Department of Plant Pathology. “In the world there are
lots of problems to define, so you narrow it down to your own interest. Knowing about the problem isn’t the biggest thing. I think thinking about the problem and solving it in a way where you fit yourself is important.” In February, Minnesota Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) directors met to consider the various research projects from public researchers for checkoff funding for 2022 (even though MSGA can’t use checkoff funds for lobbying funds, directors can still be appointed by MSR&PC to help direct
University of Minnesota Assistant Professor Ashish Ranjan speaks to farmer-leaders during a research-proposal meeting in February 2022.
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checkoff resources). Once the directors decide on where to direct funding, the directors present their choices to the full Council this spring for the final approval. It’s a responsibility not lost on Council leaders. “This is one of our most important tasks each year as directors who oversee checkoff funds,” Council Director Kris Folland said. “We have to make sure we’re addressing agronomic challenges facing all of our state’s farmers, not just one specific region. There’s a lot of ground to cover.”
Some of the projects discussed at the meeting covered research on white mold, comprehensive waterhemp control from microrate combinations of soil residual herbicides, pest management research, soybean stem and root disease and many other topics. Ranjan has continued his collegiate work on white mold in soybean fields as a public researcher. “For any research to start you need to have expertise, a better understanding of the problem,” Ranjan said. “I build up my project on having a better understanding of the problem, which includes what is going on currently, previously or in the future. If I have the expertise, too, then I can be the person who can lead the project. And at the same time, it’s good to have collaboration because I feel like you can’t have all the expertise on all kinds of different problems, so in that case you bring people in and then work on that research project.” Ranjan said a typical goal of any research project is to deliver the data to the people – in this case, the Minnesota soybean farmers who pay into the checkoff.
Research requires its share of patience; it can take years for the results of a research project to be compiled and completed, but when it is finalized, researchers deliver the information to both growers and industry representatives. Researchers also present their projects and results at various conferences across the region. “I think it’s also important to deliver the knowledge to a bigger audience,” Ranjan said. “We publish research papers, so then (growers and industry reps) can see what is going on and they can build on that, because you can have long sets of questions. Having that publication out helps to spread the knowledge, so maybe these are the steps you take to ultimately solve the problem.” ‘Continuous learning’ A public researcher conducts unbiased work to explain to growers and industry leaders the data gathered from start to finish. “We’re not selling anything. We’re ultimately aiming to make discoveries and to answer questions that are posed by growers, and we have the freedom to do that without the influence of trying to sell a product or to insert our own interests into the research,” said Megan McCaghey, University of Minnesota assistant professor in the Department of Plan Pathology. “To me, that’s really exciting and that freedom is really important.” McGahey said that another important aspect of a public researcher is the training that occurs for technicians, undergraduate and graduate students. “Those students are the ones going to be the next generation of researchers and of experts moving forward in diseases of crop plants,” McCaghey said. “They’re built into
public research and built into the job description of being a professor. You are a mentor and you’re providing opportunities for students to learn, and so to me that’s one of the more rewarding parts of my job and what excited me about an academic position is being a trainer of other scientists and being able to help folks learn.” Ranjan also agreed about keeping the public research transparent to bring the growers and industry representatives information that is unbiased. Public researchers are always looking to find solutions toward the next agricultural challenge. “It is a process of continuous learning,” McCaghey said, “and as researchers we are learners.” The next project is found from what interests the researcher based on what production issues are occurring in agriculture. As an example, McCaghey anticipates a new root worm technology will soon be commercially available. “I’m really interested to see how this technology is implemented as a fungicide because it can be very specific, you can redesign the fungicide very easily,” McCaghey said. “There needs to be more work to make it cost-effective and to make sure that it stays in the environment long enough to make it effective. I just think there’s a lot of potential for this technology and there’s a ton of research done on it but it will be really interesting to see how its implemented into the field. I think it’s a really interesting technology and I’m really excited to see where it goes.” In 2021, the Council invested in 16 agronomic research projects related to pest and weed management, soil health, and breeding and genetics.
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Breaking tradition Instilling different methods to foster soil health By Bailey Grubish
Traditions run strong on family farm operations. During the 2022 MN AG EXPO, family traditions and practices were on display as part of a panel on strip-till and no-till implementation for farmers. Participants were able to listen and ask questions of the new methods. “Transitioning from conventional tillage to strip-till or no-till, it takes a different mindset,” said A.J. Kruesmark, who farms with his family in Trimont. “Your field’s going to look a little different, you’re going to have some different challenges. As you get into a reduced tillage system, problems that arise are just different than what you had before, I wouldn’t say any harder but there’s some different weeds you may encounter. It’s not like they’re hard to manage, they’re something different to manage.” For farmers like Bryan Ryberg, one of the best reasons to switch to strip-till or no-till is the cost savings from less labor, fuel and machinery wear. “Just reducing cost is number one without giving up yield,” said Ryberg, a Buffalo Lake farmer and recent winner of a National Conservation Award. “Just a drastic difference in our operation compared to someone else’s.” Ryberg Farms made the transition to strip till eight years ago when they worked up a pasture area and wanted to farm it immediately. He said that it came down to soil health and soil structure in the former pasture and he conducted research with his employees, which lead them on a path toward strip-till. While there’s always room for improvement, Ryberg said strip-tilling is further aiding his commitment to conservation.
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“I think it just comes back to soil health more than anything and we’re always trying to improve that, and we keep coming back to this (strip-till),” Ryberg said. “There’s still room to grow and we like the benefits of that and that’s what entices us to continue.” Both Krusemark and Ryberg see benefits to soil health and weed reduction from cover crops with the strip-till and no-till methods. They also agree that cover crops aren’t necessary every year. • Strip-till only tills a narrow four-to six-inch row for seed, leaving the remaining soil undisturbed. • Conventional tillage mixes all crop residue into the soil, leaving no soil undisturbed. • No till keeps all soil undisturbed during planting.
“Reach out to somebody in your region that has done the transition. Most folks are willing to talk about it and you can avoid some headaches that way,” Kruesmark said. “And with all of the information available online, there’s tons of conferences from last year that were put online so you’re not jumping into it blind.” Jodi DeJong-Hughes, University of Minnesota Extension educator, also sat on the panel to share her expertise on strip-till and no-till practices. “There are a lot of reasons that people don’t make the switch and that’s because of tradition,” DeJong-Hughes said. “Everything has changed, so why not our tillage practices?”
Fully Certified Council invests in SMSU CCA program By Bailey Grubish Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) offers real-world preparation. Now, thanks to support from the soybean checkoff, Minnesota farmers are helping to train the next generation of agriculture professionals. In December 2019, the college added the Certified Crop Advisor program to give agronomy students another tool to prepare for their post-graduation careers. “It’s really important for our program because we’re a teaching college and the students that come out of our program need to be qualified for the real-world job opportunities,” said Dr. Gerald Toland, Jr., SMSU professor of Economics and Agribusiness. SMSU Assistant Professor of Agronomy Dr. Adam Alford runs the recently-added CCA program. The CCA exam prep program runs for four weeks, once a semester. It runs one night a week and works with the students’ schedules. During the two-hour period, students and faculty cover soil fertility, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production
and anything else that could be on the state and international exams. After passing the exams, students can start logging the required hours of experience to be fully certified. There is yearly continuing education for CCA’s. The CCA program is most beneficial for seniors at SMSU who have completed more of the science courses to be better prepared for the exam. However, all levels can participate. “When going for a job, everything is equal and then they’ve got on their resume that they passed the CCA test,” Alford said. “That puts them a leg ahead of their competition.” Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) has funded the CCA program since fiscal year 2020. “We support a lot of research. Cutting edge research. Hard-tounderstand research,” Council Director of Research David Kee said. “It takes people with a certain level of education such as CCAs to explain results to farmers.” Phase I was to assist students to be prepared for the CCA exam and to facilitate job placement in agriculture. The first year, seven
students took the exams, and one person passed the state test. Both the state and international exams are required, but the exams can be retaken as needed. During phase two in fiscal year 2021, the goal was to increase awareness of the program on social media, add a virtual option and to improve the success of the students. In the second year, out of 12 students, five passed the international exam. Alford and four students passed both the state and international exam. Alford took the exams so he could enhance the CCA program with firsthand knowledge of what students need to know. The checkoff funding from the Council supports the program and the students with partial coverage of the exam fee. Alford said his department appreciates the Council investing in the future. “There’s not really a lot of education grants out there, so when there is an opportunity to apply you have to, especially for a smaller university like this,” Alford said. “We’re really grateful that we got the funding. It’s a good program.”
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GROWER GATHERINGS
Organized soybean counties convene for meeting season
By Soybean Business Staff After most winter 2021 events were scuttled throughout Minnesota due to the pandemic, the state’s organized counties met during winter 2022 to hold annual meetings and continue grassroots efforts that bolster the soybean checkoff and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s (MSGA) advocacy aspirations. “The Council is proud to support these county-level promotions and it’s great to see them continuing to connect with their communities through soybean checkoff resources,” said Council Chair Joe Serbus, who sits on the Renville County Board, which holds their annual meeting in March. “We’re excited to help collaborate on the creative events and promotions they’ll be holding throughout 2022.” Southwest Minnesota The Watonwan County Corn and Soybean Growers board held their annual meeting on Jan. 31 at the St. James American Legion. American Soybean Association Young Leader Rose Wendinger was the keynote speaker and gave a background on the leadership program. MSGA Director Mark Brown gave an update
on MSGA’s legislative objectives. Rock County held their annual meeting at the Take 16 brewery in Luverne in late January. During the annual meeting, farm management expert Kent Thiesse presented an overview of the U.S. agriculture industry. On Feb. 5, Lincoln County held their annual meeting at the Lake Benton Event Center. Around 100 people attended for the meal, meeting and live auction. During the meeting, students who received scholarships were introduced and assisted with the auction, which brought in nearly $30,000. The funds are used for the next round of scholarships awarded to local high schoolers who are pursuing agricultural careers. In February, Southwest Minnesota State University hosted the FFA Scholarship Bowl. Around 1,000 students competed
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and explored several ag-related booths. Both the Lyon County and Murray County Boards were present. The farmer boards spoke with the students and gave safety demonstrations. Watonwan County donated agriculture books written by MN AG EXPO keynote speaker Amanda Radke to the St. James, Madelia and Butterfield elementary school libraries. Her books depict accurate farm and ranch life for kids to understand and appreciate.
Southeast Minnesota MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka was the guest speaker at the OlmstedWabasha Growers’ annual meeting on Jan. 24. Slunecka gave an update on MSR&PC activities and checkofffunded projects, and spoke with growers following his presentation. On January 29, McLeod County brought an estimated 150 people to their annual meeting. Ag comedian Damian Mason served as their guest speaker and spoke with humor about what he knows best – agriculture and business. Northern and Northwest Minnesota Kittson County has updated their signage at the Hallock arena promoting biodiesel. A Holiday donation was given to the Cornerstone Food Shel in the amount of $500 to be used for turkeys and hams. The county annual meeting was held on Jan. 27, which featured Daryl Ritchison of Weather/ NDAWN. The Marshall County Board hosted their annual update meeting in December 2021. The county board suffered a huge loss a few weeks
later, as longtime county board member Bill Craig died suddenly. Bill served as board president for many years and was also the county board treasurer for many years. Guest speakers for the annual meeting included University of Minnesota’s Angie Peltier, who spoke on identifying spider mites in soybeans; and Minnesota Soybean Director of Research David Kee, who discussed Council research projects and how high aluminum in your water can increase the volatility of dicamba spray drift. Polk County has been busy promoting the Ag Innovation Campus, which continues construction later this spring. They are in the process of reaching out to the county FFA chapters and the hope is to work closer with the youth and the FFA activities. They have featured a county video at the Prairie Grains Conference and their annual meeting. The plan is to use this as a learning tool at their county fair in the summer of 2022. The board is also developing trivia and soybean facts to share with the community. Polk held their annual meeting at the University of Minnesota Crookston and had approximately 40 in attendance. Pennington – Red Lake County spent time in early 2022 planning their annual meeting in March. Prairie Grains Magazine
contributor and Farm Business Management instructor Betsy Jensen is one of the confirmed speakers. The board is also planning to deliver books to all the elementary schools in March to help celebrate Ag Month. Norman County works closely with KRJB radio to help promote soybeans and corn throughout their county, and recently donated dollars to their county Rural Enrichment and Counseling Headquarters (REACH). This program distributed 171 holiday food baskets to those facing food insecurity in Norman County. The baskets included a fresh turkey, fresh potatoes, dressing, vegetable, dinner rolls, a gallon of milk and a pie. Norman County held their annual meeting in conjunction with the Small Grains Update meeting in lateJanuary along with Norman County Crop Day. The board reported more than 50 people attended. The Roseau – Lake of the Woods Board made a recent contribution to the Northwest Community Action Club in the amount of $600.00. The dollars donated made it possible to partner with local grocery stores to purchase 54 hams and 18 turkeys. It was noted that 2021 continued to be a challenging year for many families, and this board’s gift helped brighten the holidays for many families. Roseau – LOW held their annual meeting on Jan. 31 in conjunction with PPAT. Nearly 50 people attended, and the county board was supported by local sponsors and agribusinesses.
MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka (left) and Director of Research David Kee (right) visit with farmers at county board annual meetings.
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unitedsoybean.org
HELPING YOU DELIVER ON DEMAND
Whether it’s improving soybean meal to outperform the competition or promoting the sustainability of U.S. soy, the soy checkoff has been working behind the scenes to help farmers satisfy their customers’ needs. We’re looking inside the bean, beyond the bushel and around the world to keep preference for U.S. soy strong. And for U.S. soybean farmers like you, the impact is invaluable. See more ways the soy checkoff is maximizing profit opportunities for farmers at unitedsoybean.org
( Y O U) You’re where the rubber meets the road. And the engine. And the interior. All soybean farmers, including you, are busy replacing petroleum with your soy oil. How? By pooling your resources through your soy checkoff. Learn how your soy checkoff is bringing tangible returns back to you and your operation at unitedsoybean.org/hopper.
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Moving Soy Forward. Moving You Forward. ©2021 United Soybean Board [61133-1 7/21] MN
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THE ROAD AHEAD
Representing
The elected board of soybean-producing directors are dedicated to maximizing and investing checkoff
P 41. Meet the Council Team P 42. Checkoff at Work
P 48. Ice Fish House P 50. Biodiesel Superpower Campaign
dollars for the prosperity of all soybean farm families.
P 44. Letter from the Chair P 46. Driving Soy
P 52. County Promotions P 54. Grower Input Survey
range of soybean farmers have an equal voice. The Council also supported four directors on the United
P 56. Plasma Blue P 58. Giving Thanks P 60. Ag Innovation Campus P 62. Foreign Markets
Council directors – 15 in total – are elected from every district of Minnesota to ensure the state’s diverse Soybean Board in 2021, including Rochelle Krusemark, Gene Stoel, Lawrence Sukalski and Bill Zurn.
P 64. On the Horizon Now Entering
Kris Folland
District 1, 2, & 3
1
Bill Zurn
2
District 1,2,3
Ron Obermoller
Cole Trebesch
Rochelle Krusemark
District 8
District 8
Treasurer, District 8
Ben Storm
Glen Groth
Lawrence Sukalski
District 7
Checkoff Zone
Gene Stoel
Jim Willers
District 7
District 7
3
Tom Frisch
Vice Chair, District 4
Paul Freeman District 4
Patrick O’Leary District 4
6 4
Gail Donkers
5
Joe Serbus
Chair, District 5 & 6
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Pat Sullivan
Secretary, District 5 & 6
7 8
9
District 9
District 9
USB Director
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Financial Report
Return on Investment Established in 1991, the soybean checkoff is federally mandated by the Soybean Promotion, Research, and Consumer Information Act. Every time a Minnesota soybean farmer sells soybeans, one half of one percent of the market price is checked off. Half of the checkoff is invested by Minnesota, while the other half is used by the United Soybean Board.
MINNESOTA SOYBEAN RESEARCH AND PROMOTION COUNCIL AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES MODIFIED ACCRUAL BASIS
Because Minnesota soybean farmers invest so much in their operation, so does the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion
For the Year Ended August 31, 2021 2020
Council. Our elected board of soybean-producing directors are dedicated to increasing farmer profitability through the wise investment of checkoff dollars. The goal of the checkoff is to continuously find new markets and avenues for Minnesota soybeans, particularly the oil. Through checkoff investments, biobased products like biodiesel, road sealants and soy-based tires have been commercialized. Investing in these products and markets help increase the demand and value for soybeans.
PROMOTING PROFITABILITY • According to the USDA’s latest findings, Minnesota’s 27,000 soybean farmers produced more than 359 million bushels in 2020. • Soybeans are Minnesota’s top export commodity, accounting for 30% of the state’s total agricultural exports. • Minnesota is the nation’s top producer of food-grade soybeans. • Livestock is the No. 1 customer of soybeans, with 98% of soybean meal used for feed.
Soy Checkoff at Work
• Minnesota produces twice as many bushels of soybeans as it consumes.
REVENUES AND SUPPORT Assessment Revenue Collected Less: Assessment Revenue Remitted Net Assessment Revenue
$
Royalty Rental Late Fees Grants Interest Income Gain on Investments Other Revenue Net Revenues and Support
24,945,497 $ (14,413,884) 10,531,613
16,609,065 (9,716,677) 6,892,388
48,733 9,000 22,892 50,000 11,351 266,621 212,919 11,153,129
30,259 9,000 8,798 273,000 42,241 77,700 66,840 7,400,226
EXPENSES Program Services Management and General Total Expenses
6,268,191 1,389,520 7,657,711
5,398,256 1,182,960 6,581,216
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
3,495,418
819,010
508
20,020
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
3,495,926
839,030
NET ASSETS - BEGINNING OF YEAR
3,167,669
2,328,639
NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST
NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR
$
6,663,595
$
3,167,669
• According to a 2020 checkoff study, the soybean industry’s total economic impact on the U.S. economy averaged $115.8 billion. • The soybean sector supported an average of 357,000 people, comprising 280,000 paid, full-time equivalent jobs as well as an additional 78,000 family members. • The total wage impact of the sector averaged $11.6 billion.
No Lobbying Zone
See accompanying notes
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4
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2021
The Driver’s Seat
2020 was a year littered with pit stops, potholes, speed bumps and roadblocks at every turn. But in 2021, we did our best to leave the past in the dust. The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, guided by a roadmap of checkoff-funded projects, turned the key and hit the pod highway with our eyes set on the road ahead. All the while, we were fueled by homegrown biodiesel that kept us rolling throughout 2021. Our farmer-led team and staff began the year working in a hybrid virtual/in-person mode, but our work on behalf of our state’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers went undeterred. Each of our directors has embraced the responsibilities and privilege of directing soybean checkoff funds with the utmost care. These duties include sponsoring unbiased agronomic research that improves farmer profitability. To jumpstart 2021, we unveiled our first Grower-Input Survey to help farmer-leaders and researchers better address the diverse production challenges facing growers across our state. In the summer, we held a second survey to further identify emerging agronomic and production issues. Throughout the spring, our team laid the groundwork for the May launch of our Driving Soy promotion, putting soybean checkoff investments on the road once again. Minnesota is proud to be the only state that supports a statewide county soybean program. In 2020, many of the county promotional events – parades, fairs, Breakfast on the Farm, etc. – were cancelled due to the pandemic. Throughout summer 2021, we helped our 44 organized soybean counties reconnect with their communities by donating sets of Goodyear’s soy-based tires to each county’s respective sheriff’s departments and to help promote value-added uses of soybeans. Now that’s what I call treading new ground! This campaign exceeded all expectations. Our team and award-winning communications staff went into next gear, positioning the soybean checkoff in the driver’s seat by spotlighting how those investments go the extra mile toward boosting the bottom lines of our producers. In June, we safely held our first in-person event of the year by hosting Sen. Tina Smith at the Council’s Mankato headquarters. We were honored to meet with the senator and highlight two promising Council initiatives: Plasma Blue, which is primed to revolutionize the biodiesel industry, and the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, a cutting-edge soybean crush and research facility that will enhance ways for our industry to supply the basics for new sustainable feeds, foods, fuels and fibers. These two projects underscore our forward-thinking vision. As an organization, we don’t look in the rearview mirror, and we continue to drive the soybean checkoff forward, into the fast lane. During our year back on the road, we celebrated the return of Farmfest and Big Iron. These events afford the Council a unique opportunity to meet directly with growers, learn more about their concerns and priorities and showcase checkoff projects – highlighted by Driving Soy. 2021 finally brought our 15-person board back together in-person. We also embraced the return of face-to-face engagement while also taking full advantage of the virtual resources at our disposal. Always evolving, the Council’s communications team left Greater Minnesota’s gravel roads and traveled on the information superhighway with a social media campaign directed at Northern and Southeast Asia buyers to highlight the low foreign material in northern-grown soybeans. Despite the many obstacles we faced this past year, the Council put the pedal to the metal all year long, and never veered from our path. We stayed the course, and on behalf of the Council, I thank you for sharing the ride with us.
Joe Serbus Chair, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
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The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council supports 44 organized soybean counties that are designed to promote soybeans and value-added products. During summer 2021, Council leaders were determined to “tread new ground” by connecting the county soybean boards with their communities by “Driving Soy.”
DRG SOY
Driving Soy was a statewide promotion in which the county boards donated a set of Goodyear’s soy-based tires to their local sheriff’s departments. This campaign afforded farmers a unique opportunity to promote new uses in soybeans, while paying it forward in their communities.
Over the course of several months, Driving Soy helped raise the Council’s brand and profile – both regionally and nationally – to the tune of 68 million media impressions across dozens of earned media outlets throughout the state in 2021. In total, the Council’s communications team issued 45 press releases related to the campaign, and published nine stories on mnsoybean.org. Campaign ran from May – August 2021
60 sets of Goodyear Eagle Enforcer tires donated across the state 2 sets of Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady tires given away at Farmfest and Big Iron
Story placements in Minnesota media: 38
About one bushel of soybeans is used to create a set of Goodyear's soy-based tires.
MSR&PC hosted a media event at the farm of Sheriff’s Deputy and farmer Derek Estrem
1 set of tires given away through a “nominate a nonprofit” promotion Counties utilized radio ads, giveaways, social media, direct mail, billboards, press releases and more to promote the campaign
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Facebook 361,245 Impressions 27,152 Engagements
Google 106,815 Impressions
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D DRI RI L LING
D OWN
Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 lakes – well, 14,444 lakes to be exact. With that in mind, it’s no surprise Minnesotans spend lots of time camping and fishing throughout our state’s four seasons. These pastimes presented a unique opportunity for the Council. To drive home the promotion of soy-based products, MSR&PC put out a line to sponsor the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association’s Outdoor Getaway 8 by 18-foot fish house, which duals as a camper in the summer months.
The all-seasons model – which was made with soy-based spray insulation, furniture cushions, paint, cabinetry and flooring – debuted at the 2021 Farmfest as part of the Council’s mission to advance sustainable, value-added soybean products. We tip our cap to the following sponsors: Bayer, Advanced Grain Handling Systems, R & J Broadcasting, Worthington Tax and Business Services and Cory Bennett and A.J. Duerr.
Producers across the state entered into the fish house raffle by purchasing a $100 raffle ticket and learned about the many uses of soybean oil.
The fish house made its final stop at MN AG EXPO, where it placed as the marquee attraction of Minnesota Soybean’s Soy Wonderland booth.
The lucky winner, Travis Roberts of Wells, reeled-in the fish house, which also features TV hookups, a tandem axle hydraulic lift and more.
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e Metro to tout s! MSR&PC took to th bu l se die bio e th rd h, air quality All aboa plays on human healt dy ea alr l se die bio s fit the bene and emissions. rbon and l is already cutting ca se die bio at th te ica biodiesel To commun MSR&PC wrapped 46 w. no ht rig re, he ht rig emissions a 16-week period. Transit’s total fleet) for buses (15% of Metro
Through a superhero theme cam paign, biodiesel was portrayed as a heroic figure with many sup erpowers, including erasing carbon and cleaning the air. To support the bus wraps, MSR&P C created the mnbiodiesel.com website and an extensive digital and traditional communications plan.
B
Results: -28 million
impression s from bus wraps -350,000 on line impress io ns -30,000 pre ss impressio ns
C
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B
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LUV SOY THE STATE OF SOYBEANS
TEEING OFF
The soybean county boards jumped right in to 2021 by getting creative with their soybean promotions. From annual meetings and plot days, to getting involved with their sheriffs department, 4-H and a Northwoods League baseball team, the boards certainly made an impact across the state.
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THE BOTTOM LINE
To learn more about these promotional projects and events, scan the QR code. MARCH - APRIL - 2022 - Soybean Business - 53
Kittson 6
Roseau 2
Lake of the
Woods
Marshall 1 Beltrami
Penningto
n
Cook
Koochiching
Red Lake
Lake
Clearwater
2
Polk Norman
Mahnomen
St. Louis Itaska
Hubbard
City
Becker
Wilkin
Otter Tail
1
Cass
Wadena
Aitkin
Crow Wing
Carlton
Pine
Grant
Morrison
Douglas
1
Mille Lacs
Todd
Traverse Pope
1
Stearns 1
4
Kanabec
Benton Isanti
Swift
2
1
Lyon
1
1
Reville
Mcleod
7
7
Rock
3
Nobles
5
1
Redwood
Jackson
4
5
Watonwan
Martin
5
1
Goodhue
Nicollet
Cottonwood
Dakota Scott
1
Sibley
4
Murray
Carver
6
Brown Pipestone
Ramsey
Hennepin
Washington
6
Wright
Meeker
1
Yellow Medicine Lincoln
Anoka
Kandiyohi
Chippewa
Lac qui Parle
Chisago
Big Stone
Stevens
Le Suer
Rice
2
3
Blue Earth
5
Faribault
1
Wabasha
2
Waseca
Steele
3
Freeborn
Dodge
2
Mower
Omstead
Winona
3
Fillmore
Houston
1
8
MSR&PC developed the Grower-Input Survey to better understand the broad scope of production and agronomic challenges across the state. For each completed survey, MSR&PC donated one pound of fresh meat to the food shelf, Second Harvest Heartland.Through promotional efforts, 139 farmers completed the survey.
**The numbers indicated on the map represent the number of farmers who participated in our survey in that county
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THE
“BLUE” HIGHWAY
Plasma Blue is owned by MSR&PC and invests checkoff resources into continuing to improve this revolutionary new technology that creates biodiesel at a dramatically lower production cost while using a different energy source. Plasma Blue’s unique reactor technology can be used in the transesterification process within a biodiesel plant. By using readily available standard electricity, this technology provides operational cost savings while more fully converting oils and reagents used in the biodiesel production process. The technology, sparked with checkoff dollars and University research, aims to reduce the price of biodiesel production costs, creating a marketplace where small biodiesel plants can remain viable. Plasma Blue will allow the biofuels industry to better utilize renewable sources of energy – such as wind and solar – in the conversion of sustainably grown feedstocks to oil. Plasma technology can be conducted at room temperature, which decreases the use of natural gas and allows for potentially cleaner electricity to be used. Plasma Blue’s technology may be able to reduce a plant’s carbon index score in the range of 0.12 to 0.55 g CO2e/MJ, potentially equating to as much as 5 to 8 cents per-gallon savings. In 2021, Plasma Blue’s technology was tested and utilized in both Michigan and Iowa biodiesel facilities, proving the overall benefits on a larger production scale. The technology, along with its economic and environmental benefits, were also highlighted in front of local, state and national government leaders, including Sen. Tina Smith, at MSR&PC’s Mankato headquarters.
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During harvest 2021, Council staff hit the highway. Utilizing a boots-on-the-ground approach with the regional program managers and Council staff, 75 coolers were packed and distributed throughout Minnesota by having Council staff visit with a farmer anytime they were spotted in a combine, tractor or semi while harvesting a field.
COOL BEANS
Each branded cooler contained snacks, soft drinks, an ice pack, a safety vest, soy-based chap stick, informational card about MSR&PC and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), and a personalized thank you card along with information on the MN Rural Helpline.
Thank a Farmer
MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka and MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek both participated by dropping off coolers to farmers working in the field. By utilizing executive level staff, this boots on the ground approach also gave an opportunity for the Council’s Regional Project Managers – the country representative staff – to engage with farmers and introduce themselves.
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Starting a CONVERSATION A single Facebook post received more than 4,000 impressions and 1,200 engagements. MSR&PC Regional Project Managers used their work Twitter accounts to promote the coolers in addition to our main social media channels. An article was also published in our weekly Minneline newsletter, which is distributed to more than 4,000 readers. The Oct. 8 edition of Minneline received an open rate of 31%, well above the industry average.
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FROM THE GROUND UP
The Ag Innovation Campus is a one-of-a-kind facility that shows what can be accomplished when farmer-leaders, researchers and entrepreneurs share a collective vision to add value to our commodities. Construction formally began on the AIC in summer 2021 and wrapped up in the fall. Thanks to checkoff resources – the Council
is a founding partner of the AIC – this crush facility aims to drive agriculture straight into the future.
AIC CRUSHING FACTS
Future Home of
67,000-square foot facility in Crookston, Minnesota Mechanical Crush – No Hexane Will produce 5% fat to full fat meals, oils, hulls 3 independent crushing lines with the ability to segregate incoming oil seeds Quantities starting at 2 tons, with a maximum production total of 240 tons/per day Crushing 62,400 tons of soybeans per year Will operate approximately 324 days Ability to segregate oil, meal and hulls from specialty runs Food grade facility
THE PATH AHEAD
The Ag Innovation Campus will feature 10 research bays available to rent for the research and commercialization of new products. The second phase of the AIC will continue in spring 2022, with production expected to begin in the fall of 2022.
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Promoting soybeans and soybean quality abroad is a large focus area for MSR&PC. With international travel keeping us on the ground, promoting Minnesota soybeans abroad looked just a little bit different in 2021. MSR&PC took to social media to digitally target soybean processors, buyers and traders in China, Japan and South Korea. The message: Minnesota soybean farmers produce clean beans, well below the current foreign material (FM) threshold for export. With more than 820,000 impressions and 4,000 link clicks to learn more about current production and storage practices farmers take to reduce FM – many of which came from top soybean processing regions in their respective countries – this unique approach allowed soybean farmers to reach the intended audience without ever leaving the state. Guangdong 25,793 Yunnan 15,489 Shanghai 13,025 Gyeonggi-do 7,072 Beijing 5,440 Zhejiang 3,904 Fujian 3,680 Jiangsu
3,360 Jeollanam-do 3,040 Seoul 2,848 Gyeongsangnam-do 2,816 Gyeongsangbuk-do 2,816
WEWANTSOY
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The Next Steps
After a year in the fast lane, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Council team won’t be headed toward any exit ramps in 2022. We’re paving the way and keeping checkoff investments on the right track as we accelerate toward improving farmer-profitability in the year ahead. The Minnesota Soybean team always has our eyes focused on the road ahead. In 2022, we’re Stepping Up and promoting the latest checkoff advancements. As a companion piece to our MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka nationally recognized Driving Soy campaign, we’re launching a campaign this summer that mobilizes our county boards board to promote Skechers’ GO sneakers, which feature Goodyear-developed rubber technology containing a special polymer including sustainable soybean oil. The campaign will also inspire our grassroots county organizations to give thanks to frontline health care workers who sacrifice so much to help keep us safe. This promotion is also the perfect place to show consumers that agriculture is here to not only provide foods and fuel, but value-added products that impact every walk of life – from farm to frontline. We’re ready to take further strides in the year ahead. The Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston is primed to break more ground in 2022. We foresee the first phase of construction on this cutting-edge crush and research facility will be completed by year’s end, with production soon to follow. After a two-year hiatus, we anticipate we’ll resume hosting international trade teams this growing season, a key step in continuing to build relationships with our trading partners around the globe. We also look forward to sharing a peer-reviewed, National Institute of Health study that highlights the health benefits of another promising checkoff project, TruSoya high oleic soybean oil. We are living in interesting times in agriculture. Over the course of a long career in this industry – including a decade at Minnesota Soybean! – I’ve learned one lesson time and time again: Change is the only constant. In the coming year, marketing around soybeans will begin to change with the development of so many new crush plants. The dramatic increase in capacity to crush soybeans – more than a dozen crush plants are projected to be built across the country – will start to alter our focus from marketing whole beans to marketing soybean meal. In the face of so much change and market turbulence, the importance of the soybean checkoff has never been greater. The stakes are getting higher and we need strong leadership willing to do what’s necessary to increase on-farm profitability by understanding more and more of what these ever-expanding markets are going to require of our farmers. Fortunately, the Council is ready to rise to the challenge. Our farmer-led board is chock full of seasoned, passionate directors who are charged with asking the tough questions necessary to ensure soybean checkoff resources are invested wisely and boosting your bottom line. As part of preparing for a new day in a griculture, Minnesota Soybean is moving to a new home this year, just off Highway 14 in Mankato. This building will have limitless potential as a launching pad for creativity; a site for our farmer-leaders to gather for board meetings and brainstorming sessions; and a premier location for agriculture industry leaders to hold educational demonstrations and product showcases. On behalf of Minnesota Soybean, thank you for your support of the soybean checkoff. We’ll see you around the bend in 2022!
Tom Slunecka, CEO, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
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SOYcialMedia Minnesota Soybean and our strategic partners like to stay engaged on various social media platforms. Whether we’re highlighting a county event, a meeting with a legislator, sharing a podcast or promoting checkoff-related projects, our soy social station is always open.
GIF
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Tweet
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Slippery Slope for Crop Protection Products
Brought to you by Mustang Seeds
Farmers got some favorable news in mid-January when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had extended the label for Enlist™ herbicide through 2029. However, some troubling news came at the same time as the EPA placed restrictions on Enlist™ One and Enlist Duo® herbicide applications in some Minnesota, South Dakota and Nebraska counties. Farmers in six Minnesota counties are restricted from spraying Enlist Duo® herbicide on their crops. Growers in parts of south-central South Dakota and a large portion of central Nebraska can no longer apply either Enlist™ One or Enlist Duo®. “The issue that growers are facing is that they may have already bought herbicides for their Enlist™ soybeans,” says Mustang Seeds CEO Terry Schultz. “They are going to be challenged this year, or they may not be able to use Enlist™ herbicide at all because of some restrictions put on by the EPA.” Schultz says the EPA decision, based on efforts to protect endangered species, delivers some immediate difficulties to farmers who have already made plans and purchases for the 2022 growing season. “Minnesota has label restrictions that does not allow growers to spray Enlist Duo®, but it does allow them to spray Enlist One™,” Schultz says. “South Dakota has counties in the south that all Enlist applications are banned. If they are a grower in southern South Dakota or Nebraska and they’ve got Enlist™ soybeans, and have herbicide already bought, it’s now illegal to spray that product. That’s a problem.” Larger Concerns Schultz says that Mustang Seeds does have a variety of different trait platforms that farmers can access. Farmers who need to make a switch in their seed and herbicide platforms for 2022 can still do so. However, global supply
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chain issues may limit availability of some crop protection products. “As a company, we definitely would like to see this restriction go away. But if growers need to adhere to the new EPA regulations, if they end up going to a different herbicide platform, we do have that ability,” Schultz explains. Losing the use of some Enlist™ products is problematic for some growers, but the concern among many people in the agriculture industry is that these restrictions may be just the beginning of tighter regulation on crop protection products. “Restricting this technology, even in those counties, is going to allow further government regulation on more of our crop protection products,” Schultz contends. “Our concern and the industry’s concern is that we’re going to continue to have these issues as we try to raise enough crops to feed a growing world.”
MORE BUSHELS ARE OUT THERE.
Schultz says Mustang Seeds fully supports the use of all traits and tools for their customers. He also encourages farmers to not sit on the sidelines and watch more products be taken away. “We encourage people to talk to their legislators and urge them to allow growers to have all the necessary tools available to produce their crops,” Schultz says. “This is not going to bode well for even the competitive platforms of products, and farmers need these tools to farm. We do have the options right now, but the concern is that if something else gets banned on the other side of the herbicide spectrum, we’re going to be up against serious problems.” To learn more about the products and trait platforms available from Mustang Seeds, visit www.mustangseeds.com.
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MSGA, MSR&PC bring home agri-marketing honors Ag Management Solutions, the Mankato-based organization that oversees MSGA and MSR&PC and several more organizations, took home eight awards in January at the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) Region 3 Best of NAMA awards. For the second year in a row – and the fourth time in five years – the Council was recognized for its fiscal year 2020 Annual Report. MSGA again earned accolades for its in-house magazine, Soybean Business. Two issues were submitted for consideration: its May-June 2021 edition and the September-October 2021 issue, which featured a cover story on President Mike Skaug and was written, designed and edited entirely by AMS staff. Both organizations earned a merit win for Minneline, the Council and MSGA’s official weekly e-newsletter. The Council was also recognized for a biodiesel wrap campaign in the Twin Cities metro area. Each of AMS’ winning entries will be eligible to compete at the national Best of 2022 ceremony April 6-8 in Kansas City, Mo. Enlist Duo prohibited in six Minnesota counties The U.S. EPA has granted new registrations and labels for Corteva Agriscience’s Enlist One and Enlist Duo herbicides. The products are registered for seven years but will not be available to growers in a limited number of Minnesota counties. In Minnesota, Enlist Duo will be prohibited for use in Clay, Marshall, Polk, Redwood, Renville and Stearns counties due to federally listed endangered species. Please note: Enlist One will still be labeled for use in those counties. EPA is also adding several new requirements to the label to protect these federally listed species and habitats, as well as limit off-target movement and protect pollinators.
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These additional restrictions include: • No applications permitted when rainfall is expected within 48 hours, or when soils are fully saturated • No irrigation that could produce runoff within 48 hours of application • Users must select from a list of runoff reduction measures to reduce 2,4-D and glyphosate concentrations in runoff • Only approved tank mixes, nozzles and spray pressures are permitted • A downwind 30-foot infield buffer is required to protect sensitive areas Enlist Duo and Enlist One are herbicides used for postemergence control of broadleaf weeds in cotton, soybean and corn crops, including those that have developed resistance to multiple herbicides. Minnesota farmers and industry leaders ‘see for themselves’ at the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) strives to build leaders through its See For Yourself (SFY) Program. MSR&PC invited fuel distributors, mechanics and farmers from across the state to the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. This year, 12 industry participants from Minnesota attended the conference. The SFY Program was originally created as an evaluation to ensure checkoff dollars were being used effectively to support the biodiesel industry and to overall help farmers’ bottom line. As a result, collaboration between industry and the farmers has built the program to what it is today. During the opening session of the 2022 National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, the National Biodiesel Board officially unveiled its new name and new brand, Clean Fuels Alliance America. MSR&PC currently invests checkoff funds into four projects with the Clean Fuels America Alliance.
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FACES OFMSGA
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) is the nation’s premier soybean association because farmers and agribusinesses recognize the value their investment in MSGA brings. Here are two examples of members who actively promote Minnesota’s soybean industry. By Sydney Harris
Nick Bjornberg grows corn, soybeans and navy beans
on his fifth-generation farm southeast of Willmar. Early in his career, he recognized that farmers need to work together to evoke change. Naturally, he became a member of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. “We’re a small group of farmers,” Bjornberg says. “We need a collective voice to help combat issues in St. Paul or Washington D.C. With MSGA, there are people working to make sure our voice is heard when it comes to legislative and environmental issues. That’s really important to me.” After becoming a member, Bjornberg became more involved on the county level when he was still in his 20s. Today, he is the board chair for Kandiyohi County. “My neighbor, who was already on the board, encouraged me to get more engaged,” Bjornberg says,
Ryan Weinkauf didn’t become an MSGA member to
sit back and let everyone else do the work. “I thought that I had a good voice,” he says. “I wanted to be involved and help the organization grow.” This outlook is what spurred him to be active at the county level. Today, Weinkauf is Pipestone County’s board chair. “I wanted to give a name and face to relevant issues and explain my side of the story,” Weinkauf says, “because a lot of people don’t understand agriculture and policy issues.” To Weinkauf, being an MSGA member means staying in the know. “It helps keep me aware of what’s happening at the state level with laws,” he says. “Then I can give my two cents and help influence policy. I’m made aware of issues coming down the pipeline that’s going to affect me on the farm.”
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“and I have enjoyed being an advocate for agriculture ever since.” Along with advocating for agriculture on the government side, Bjornberg recognizes the importance of supporting his county and being involved locally. Plus, they have many opportunities to have fun while promoting agriculture. “We really enjoy doing the corn and soybean night at the Willmar Stingers baseball game,” he says. “It’s been a good event for us with a lot of exposure.”
At the county level, Weinkauf enjoys giving back to organizations such as 4H and FFA. “We allocate the dollars we get and spend 100% of everything to help local organizations in our county,” Weinkauf says. “It’s a highlight every year and is very rewarding.” Weinkauf raises corn and soybeans in a rotation, as well as hogs in wean to finish barns.
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MSGA DIDYOU KNOW By Drew Lyon
MSGA puts pen to paper to keep its members profitable.
Full-court Press
A
membership in the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association encompasses more than just advocating for farmers in the halls of the capitols in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. Members help MSGA pool together resources to join other state and national commodity groups – including the American Soybean Association (ASA) – to protect the rights of farmers and landowners through the judicial and regulatory process via lawsuits and submitting comments. “Anytime there’s regulatory action that we feel doesn’t follow the science, or will adversely affect our farmers, we are going to have our voices heard,” said MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek, who’s also an attorney. “Advocating through state and federal agencies and the court system is another way we fight for farmers.” Earlier in 2022, MSGA joined the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesota Farmers Union in filing an amicus brief in support of Renville County and its landowners in a dispute over what constitutes a “public water.” The Minnesota Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case, which could have far-reaching ramifications for agricultural drainage in Minnesota. “We will be keeping a close eye on that case,” Smentek said. MSGA also takes its own lead. The group recently submitted comments on the definition of the Waters of the United States. It was the third time in eight years across three presidential administrations that MSGA had issued comments. The Supreme Court announced in
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January that it will consider the scope of the Clean Water Act as early as this summer. “Our state’s soybean growers complete their work in a veritable minefield of shifting regulations and rules,” MSGA wrote to the EPA. “In a job where weather already provides plenty of uncertainty, what our growers need is regulatory certainty. This shifting of the goalpost that comes with each election does not serve Minnesota’s farmers well.” In recent years, MSGA has also submitted multiple comments on the buffer law, chlorpyrifos, dicamba, the Nitrogen Fertilizer Rule, the Clean Cars rule and glyphosate. When applicable, MSGA also urges its members to submit comments. “Members are our strongest voice,” MSGA President Mike Skaug said. “It really matters when people submit comments.” In 2016, MSGA joined the state of Minnesota in a lawsuit that defended the state’s biodiesel mandate. That September, Chief Judge John Tunheim of the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis ruled in favor of MSGA and the State of Minnesota. The decision helped remove a major roadblock toward Minnesota’s B20 rollout, which began in May 2018. In his ruling, Judge Tunheim ruled Minnesota’s biodiesel mandate is not preempted by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). “That case specifically was a huge hurdle that we cleared on the way to B20,” Smentek said.
Journey beyond. Cleanfuels.org The National Biodiesel Board is now Clean Fuels Alliance America.
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