Traverse County farmer Tom Frisch has been appointed as the new chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) during the organization's recent board meeting. Frisch assumes the role previously held by Joe Serbus, who stepped down after a two-year tenure.
During Serbus's chairmanship, the soybean checkoff program witnessed significant milestones, with the successful implementation of the Driving Soy and Stepping Up campaigns. These statewide initiatives gained national recognition by promoting soy-based products and making charitable donations to sheriff's departments and frontline healthcare workers.
Frisch, a fourth-generation farmer, joined MSR&PC in 2019 and is actively involved in the family farming operation in Dumont. Together with his father, two first cousins, and his cousin's son, they cultivate soybeans, corn, sunflowers, and grapes. Frisch's expertise in agriculture economics, gained from his graduation from North Dakota State University in 2000, led him to establish his own crop consulting business.
Gail Donkers, a farmer from Faribault, was elected as vice chair, while Ben Storm was appointed as the treasurer. Pat Sullivan will continue his role as secretary, drawing on his extensive experience as a longtime Director. The Council also reelected Directors Bill Zurn, Patrick O'Leary, Pat Sullivan, Ron Obermoller, and Rochelle Krusemark, who serve various districts across the state.
The Council directors' three-year terms will commence on July 1st. Their primary responsibilities include directing state soybean checkoff resources toward research, market establishment, and the development of value-added uses for soy. At the recent board meeting held in Baxter, directors received updates on the Ag Innovation Campus and engaged in discussions regarding goals and checkoff projects for the upcoming summer and the 2024 fiscal year.
Photo Credit: istock-UrpsPoteko
Categories: Minnesota, Business, Crops, Corn, Soybeans