MSR&PC and MSGA Awards Luncheon Recognizes Excellence in Soybean Industry

MANKATO, MN (01/11/2010)(readMedia)-- Outstanding contributors to the soybean industry were recognized today during the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) Awards Luncheon at the 2010 Ag Expo.

"Every year the MSGA President, MSR&PC Chairman and MN Soybean committees take the opportunity to highlight the work of individuals and industries that have provided exceptional service to the state's soybean farmers," says Bill Zurn, MSGA President.

President Zurn chose to give special recognition to MSGA's top recruiters from 2009 – Robert Nelsen of Westbrook and Doug Toreen of Bird Island – whose efforts accounted for nearly 60 percent of MSGA's memberships. He bestowed the MSGA Industry of the Year Award on Dennis Wendland, Senior Vice President of Oilseed Processing for CHS who has served as a trusted friend and industry advisor to the organization

MSR&PC director Mike O'leary and the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) were selected to receive the Chairman's Director and Industry of the Year awards for their combined effort to boost demand for U.S. Pork with the 2009 Pork Stimulus Project.

The International Marketing Committee thanked AGP's Peter Mischek for growing markets for Midwest soybeans through the Grays Harbor shipping facility and developing new opportunities in the Black Sea Region.

The Domestic Marketing Committee recognized the extraordinary dedication of MN Soybean's Director of Field Services, Mike Youngerberg, to Minnesota's biodiesel industry.

The Research and Tech Transfer Committee Award went to Mike Schmitt, Associate Director for the University of Minnesota Extension, in response to the work he has done to ensure soybean production research remains a top priority at the university.

John Byrnes, Director of Marketing Communications for the University of Minnesota's Ag Experiment Station, was chosen by the Communications Committee for his willingness to assist the soybean checkoff share its accomplishments with producers throughout the state.

The final award recognized the efforts of Minnesota Ag and Rural Leadership (MARL) program director, Tim Alcorn. Thanks to his dedication, MARL is providing premier leadership training to the next generation of ag leaders.

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.

Photos available upon request.