New Leader Joins Soybean Research Program

By Scout Nelson

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) has welcomed a new research director to lead its long-running checkoff-funded program. The Council appointed a soil scientist to oversee research efforts aimed at solving agronomic issues for soybean growers across Minnesota.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to connect with growers and apply research and transfer that knowledge to farmers,” said the new director. “This position feeds a lot of my interests as a researcher.”

Stationed at the MSR&PC headquarters in Mankato, the director will work on improving yields and profitability through research in key areas such as weed control, crop rotation, fertilizer efficiency, and disease management.

“Sergio is going to bring new expertise, energy and vision to the Council’s research program,” said MSR&PC CEO. “With his background and enthusiasm for agronomy, I know our farmers are excited to work with him, and we’re thrilled to welcome Sergio to our team.”

The new director has already begun visiting local farms and observing the state’s diverse growing regions. He noted that checkoff investments have significantly increased soybean production in parts of the state over the past 25 years.

“In order to have good soybean production, we have to have a good cropping system – and that applies to any crop,” he said. “The challenges for me are integrating farmers’ needs and challenges.”

This year, MSR&PC approved funding for 20 research projects, including its continued support for the University of Minnesota’s soybean breeding program, now active for over 50 years.

“There are different varieties, seeding rates, diseases – and that’s why research is so important,” the new director said. “Everybody involved in the checkoff program should be proud of what it’s accomplished.”

With a strong background in agronomy and crop research, he looks forward to connecting research with practical solutions for soybean farmers across Minnesota.

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