Minnesota farmers to serve on United Soybean Board

MANKATO – Dumont farmer Tom Frisch continues to embrace a greater role as a national farmer leader. In early February 2026, Frisch was reappointed by the USDA to serve a three-year term on the United Soybean Board (USB).

“I’m honored to represent Minnesota on USB. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the years ahead to build markets and improve our farm economy, and I’m eager to contribute in any way I can,” said Frisch, a current director and past chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC).

In December 2025, Frisch, who will begin his second term on USB, was elected to USB’s Executive Committee as secretary. He also serves as chair of the Communication & Education Committee and USB’s Feed, Fuel and Exports Action Team.

In addition to Frisch, Minnesota farmer Joel Schreurs was also appointed to USB. Schreurs, MSR&PC’s District 7 director, replaces Gene Stoel, who termed off USB. Schreurs was also recently elected to represent Minnesota on the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

“I’m humbled to step into this position and replace a respected leader like Gene,” said Schreurs, who farms in Tyler, Minn. “International trade is a passion of mine, and I hope to add my voice to the USB team while also learning more about the many ways our checkoff can accelerate demand for our soybeans in Minnesota and across the country.”

Frisch and Schreurs are joined on USB by Minnesota farmers Patrick O’Leary and Lawrence Sukalski. In January 2026, Frisch and O’Leary attended a USSEC-led trade mission to Egypt to help strengthen relationships in one of the top international markets for U.S. Soy.

“I’m definitely fortunate to have a team of farmers from Minnesota who are experienced in their roles and take their duties in directing checkoff funds very seriously,” said Schreurs, who’s attending his first USB board meeting as director this week.

Frisch and Schreurs, in collaboration with new USB Chair Brent Gatton and more than 70 USB volunteer farmer leaders, will assist in overseeing FY26 investments and priorities across the market segments of food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production, which effectively grow demand for U.S. Soy, drive on-farm resilience and bring value to the nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers.

In the coming year, USB will continue its focus on increasing communication and education efforts to strengthen the reputation of U.S. Soy with customers, amplify checkoff investments to inform U.S. soybean farmers, and enhance partnerships with over 30 state soybean boards, including MSR&PC, on research, outreach and demand generation.  According to the latest data, for every dollar Minnesota farmers invest into the checkoff, growers earn about $12.30 in return value.