Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Selects Soybean Ambassadors

MANKATO, MN (04/30/2009)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) has selected three young Minnesotans to serve as Soybean Ambassadors. Congratulations to Chas Prahl of LeSueur; Colin Kjesbo of Norcross; and Micah Dicke of Red Wing. Their duties begin June 1st.

"We reviewed several excellent applications and conducted great interviews with the finalists, but in the end three of them really rose to the top," said Barb Overlie, MSGA board member and soybean producer from Lake Crystal, who served as part of the judging panel. Other judges included Trudy Wastweet, Assistant Executive Director for the MN Pork Producers and Jeff Stewart, reporter for the Linder Farm Network.

Modeled after the MN Pork Producer's Ambassador Program, the MN Soybean Ambassadors will provide assistance during Farmfest and "Soybean Day" at the State Fair, participate in the Minnesota Ag Ambassador Institute, attend MSR&PC, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and county board meetings as well as take part in a number of other activities designed to promote soybeans.

Each ambassador receives a $1,000 scholarship with the chance to earn extra stipends by completing additional tasks. Most importantly, they will build leadership skills, network with members of the ag industry and add unique and valuable experiences to their repertoire.

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council is made up of an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. The mission of the council is to invest soybean checkoff dollars in well-defined research, marketing, education and commercialization programs designed to increase demand and thereby improve the profitability of Minnesota's soybean farmers.