Brad and Kelly Hovel named Minnesota's 2010 ASA/Dupont Young Leaders

MANKATO, MN (09/15/2009)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA), the American Soybean Association (ASA), and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, would like to congratulate the 2010 Young Leaders for Minnesota - Brad and Kelly Hovel of Cannon Falls.

"The Young Leader Program is an exceptional leadership training program," said Matt Widboom, soybean farmer from Worthington, and chair of the selection committee. "It's recognized throughout agriculture for its longstanding tradition of identifying and cultivating the producer leaders who are shaping the U.S. soybean industry."

Besides farming soybeans, corn, alfalfa, wheat and forage crops, the Hovels work with his parents and brother to finish 10,000 hogs and run a 100 pair cow/calf operation. Brad and his brother also own a custom round bailing business and haul hogs, while Kelly works as a registered nurse.

In his application, Hovel noted that the use of good management practices and drainage to decrease soil erosion are key components on his farm. He wrote "as a soybean producer my goals are to grow high quality soybeans while being a great steward of the land."

Hovel joined the MSGA board this past spring, representing soybean producers in the Goodhue and North Wabasha Counties. He was part of a group of young farmers who revitalized the county corn and soybean growers board in 2006 and then served as its president in 2007.

The first phase of Young Leader training will begin in early December at Pioneer's Headquarters in Johnston, IA with the second phase taking place just prior to Commodity Classic in Anaheim, CA. The meetings offer the opportunity for participants to enhance their leadership skills, as well as meet and learn from other Young Leaders from around the United States and Canada.

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is a non-profit, farmer-controlled membership organization established in 1962. Its goal is to assure profitable soybean farming by monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.