The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) announced that five grower leaders have been elected and reelected to the board of directors. Tasked with directing soybean checkoff dollars to increase profitability to Minnesota soybean farmers, MSR&PC’s elected board of 15 directors are dedicated to maximizing checkoff dollars in three core areas: research, promotion and education.

Elected to their first terms on the MSR&PC board are Corey Hanson, representing District 1, 2 & 3, and Joel Schreurs, who will represent District 7. Hanson will replace Kris Folland, who served nine years on MSR&PC, while Schreurs will fill the position vacated by Jim Willers, who retires from MSR&PC after 21 years of checkoff leadership.

“We’re super excited to have two new directors joining us to serve our state’s soybean farmers and see which ideas they bring forward,” said Gail Donkers, MSR&PC vice chair and election chair. “It’s a high learning curve, so we’re excited to bring them along, but we also thank Jim and Kris for going above and beyond for the Council.”

Though Hanson and Schreurs are new to the MSR&PC board, both have extensive experience representing Minnesota soybean growers on the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) board. In addition, Schreurs represents the Council on the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of directing checkoff funds and working with my fellow farmer leaders,” Schreurs said. “I think the Council is thinking outside the box, and I’m excited to be part of this team and out in front of people promoting the checkoff.”

Hanson, who grows soybean, corn and alfalfa on a cow/calf operation, currently serves as president of the Norman County Corn & Soybean Growers Board, a group that helps promote soy at the local level.

“I want to help Minnesota farmers understand how soy checkoff dollars work to benefit our state’s farmers, along with showing the differences between MSGA and MSR&PC,” Hanson said.