Gail Donkers (second to right) was reelected chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council during a June 16, 2026, board meeting in Mankato. The Council's entire officer team was also reelected. Photo: MSR&PC
Faribault farmer Gail Donkers has earned a second term as chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, after her colleagues reelected the farmer leader during the Council’s June 16 meeting in Mankato.
Donkers and her husband, Jim, and their extended family raise soybeans, corn, dairy steers, finishing hogs and sheep. In her role on the Council, she also serves as vice chair of the Soy Excellence Center’s Global Advisory Panel, sits on the United States Identity Preserved Alliance board and is active in Minnesota FFA. After learning the ropes during her first year as chair, Donkers said she’s excited to take further steps as she leads MSR&PC for a second term.
“The first year, you have a higher learning curve,” said Donkers, who has represented District 8 on MSR&PC since 2019. “In my second year, I’ll be much more understanding of the inner workings of the organization and how we’re continuing in our dedication to moving the pile and improving farmer profitability.”
Guided by an elected, farmer-volunteer board of directors, the Council ensures that soybean checkoff investments are overseen with the best interests of Minnesota’s over 25,000 soybean growers, and the state’s nearly $10 billion soybean industry, top of mind. Having an experienced officer team leading the way is crucial to MSR&PC’s continuing success in directing soy checkoff funds.
The rest of the Council’s 2025-2026 officer team was also reelected alongside Donkers, including Dover farmer Ben Storm as vice chair, Ridgeway farmer Glen Groth as treasurer and returning Secretary Pat Sullivan.
“We have a great officer team – we’re all on the same page in being fiscally responsible as well as being aware that every dollar we take in comes from Minnesota farmers and we want to utilize those dollars to the best of our ability to improve their profitability,” Donkers said.
Storm, a Council director for nearly a decade, is feeling optimistic about the outlook of soy checkoff initiatives.
“I’m energized by the opportunity to serve a second year as vice chair,” he said. “We have a lot of new projects coming down the pike, from the research we’re sponsoring to building markets domestically and globally. I’m excited to collaborate, roll up my sleeves and keep our checkoff working for our farmers.”
Sullivan, who’s served as Council secretary for several years, said he’s excited to continue directing checkoff resources that help advance research, build markets and create value-added uses for Minnesota’s soybean economy.
“There are a lot of exciting new technologies in research development phases that are going to help keep us profitable,” said Sullivan, who farms in Franklin. “The whole industry is ever-changing, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s always thinking ahead and working together toward a common goal.”
During the meeting, grower leaders paid tribute to outgoing directors Rochelle Krusemark and Bill Zurn, whose terms end July 1. Martin County farmer Lawrence Sukalski and Dave Garry of Thief River Falls will step into the District 8 and District 1, 2 & 3 positions, effective July 1. Directors also received program updates, previewed upcoming events, including the Future of Soy Summit and Farmfest, and discussed budget priorities for fiscal year 2027.
“It’s great to be part of a team that’s willing to discuss and debate and keep the best interest of our soybean farmers at heart,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “We’re keeping great leaders at the helm of MSR&PC to continue to drive our mission.”
The Council will gather Aug. 17-18 in Mankato to approve its FY2027 budget.
Source: Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
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