MSR&PC And MSGA Present Awards At MSGA Annual Meeting

MANKATO, MN (01/07/2009)(readMedia)-- During today's awards luncheon at the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) Annual Meeting, the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and MSGA announced the winners of their committee awards as well as the president and chairman's choices for Industry of the Year.

"Every year the MSGA President and MSR&PC Chairman, as well as the committees of the MSR&PC, present awards to entities or individuals who have shown exceptional service to the state's soybean farmers and the missions of our organizations" says Jim Willers, chair of the MSR&PC.

Today MSGA President Larry Muff chose to recognize Chris Radatz of Minnesota Farm Bureau (MFB) for his cooperative lobbying efforts. MSR&PC Chairman Jim Willers selected the MFB entity for their partnership and work on the county share program.

The International Marketing Committee honored Mark Pietz, past chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council and soybean farmer from Lakefield, Minn. for volunteering endless hours to further demand for U.S. soybeans both here and abroad.

The Domestic Marketing Committee Award went to the Minnesota Corn Growers Association for giving renewable fuels a voice in the Food vs Fuel debate through a strategic communications campaign.

The Research and Tech Transfer Committee Award was presented to University of Minnesota Professor Satish Gupta for conducting solid, scientific research that will provide data for ag groups to use as they move forward in upcoming TMDL and water quality discussions.

Prairie Ag Communications was recognized by the Communications Committee for its efforts to increase education and outreach opportunities for soybean farmers in the northern parts of the state. Their efforts have greatly increased the understanding of the soybean checkoff and its programs.

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council is an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. They direct the investment of soybean checkoff dollars in international marketing, research, promotion and domestic marketing programs designed to increase the profitability of Minnesota soybean farmers.

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.

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