MANKATO – The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) returns to Washington, D.C., July 16-18 to advocate for farm-friendly policies during meetings with lawmakers and regulatory leaders. The visits are in conjunction with the American Soybean Association’s (ASA) biannual Hill Visits.
Minnesota currently supports seven directors on ASA, including Strathcona farmer Jim Kukowski, who sits on ASA’s Executive Committee.
“With the August recess around the corner and election season upon us, this is a great time for us to deliver our message to our congressional leaders,” Kukowski said. “We’re proud to have a group of farmer leaders from Minnesota who are passionate about speaking up for our state’s soybeans producers.”
In addition, MSGA President Darin Johnson and Secretary Kyle Jore are also attending the Hill Visits, along with Executive Director Joe Smentek.
“I’m excited to continue building relationships on the Hill and represent Minnesota farmers,” said Jore, who farms in Thief River Falls.
On July 17, two groups of Minnesota farmer leaders will team up to meet Minnesota’s congressional delegation and their legislative aides. MSGA is also hoping to engage with federal agency officials during the week in the nation’s capital.
“Whether we’re meeting with the legislators or their staff, Hill Visits are a unique opportunity to engage directly with elected officials and discuss the policies that are affecting Minnesota and the nation’s farmers,” said Johnson, who replaced Bob Worth as MSGA president in June 2024. “There are certainly a lot of issues and policies to talk about.”
In addition to federal farm-related priorities, which include the Farm Bill, promoting biofuels and discussing regulatory issues, Minnesota farmers anticipate legislators will want to hear direct reports about recent flooding in portions of the state.
“It’s been a tough season for a lot of producers, and we appreciate that our leaders in D.C. are concerned about that,” said Johnson, who experienced flooding on his farm in Wells. “We have a lot of support from folks on both sides of the aisle.”
About the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
MSGA is a nonpartisan, farmer-led advocacy organization established in 1962. The organization represents the interests of Minnesota’s nearly 26,000 soybean farmers. MSGA’s goal is to ensure profitable soybean farming by influencing favorable farm legislation, monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.
