By Scout Nelson
During a recent visit to Minnesota, Lucas Lentsch, CEO of the United Soybean Board (USB), marked his birthday with a tour of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council's (MSR&PC) newly renovated office. This visit is part of his 21-day, multi-state tour focusing on agricultural initiatives.
The MSR&PC team, led by CEO Tom Slunecka, showcased their current projects to Lentsch, including the Ag Innovation Campus, expansion into the Uzbekistan market, and the organization of county soybean boards across Minnesota. Impressed, Lentsch commended the leadership and vision seen during his visit.
Following discussions in Mankato, Lentsch continued his journey with a farm tour near Farmington, emphasizing the importance of firsthand farm experiences in understanding the challenges and insights of soybean farmers.
Having recently transitioned from his role at Dairy Management Inc., where he worked with the national dairy checkoff program, Lentsch is now focused on enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability within USB.
His extensive background in agriculture, including growing up on a dairy farm and serving as the South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture, equips him with a deep understanding of the sector.
The meeting in Mankato also provided an opportunity for local leaders to engage with national agricultural leadership, fostering discussions on how to further the impact of the checkoff program contributed to by Minnesota farmers.
Among the attendees were notable Minnesota representatives on the USB, including Lawrence Sukalski from the Executive Committee, Council Chair Tom Frisch, Patrick O’Leary, and Gene Stoel.
The dialogue underscored the value of collaborative efforts in driving agricultural innovation and commercialization at local, regional, and international levels. Through such interactions, organizations like MSR&PC and AMS (Ag Management Solutions) continue to play pivotal roles in defining the agricultural industry's future.
Photo Credit -istock-urpspoteko
Categories: Minnesota, Business, General