Brownton farmer Ryan Mackenthun is the newest president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association. He'll be supported on the officer team by Vice President Kyle Jore (second to left), Treasurer Rose Karau (right) and Secretary Bob Lindeman (far left).
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association is turning to the steady leadership of Brownton’s Ryan Mackenthun to guide the organization as president.
“This group has done so much in the past, and especially recently,” Mackenthun said. “The value that we’ve brought back to our farmers and members through our advocacy efforts is sizable, and I hope to just continue on that path that leads to better profitability and stronger markets for Minnesota soybeans.”
Mackenthun said he’s humbled and energized by his colleagues’ endorsement to lead MSGA into its 65th year of grassroots advocacy in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.
“Serving on the MSGA board has been an invaluable experience. I deeply appreciate the depth, diversity and dedication that exists on this team, with the directors, the fantastic staff and our lobbying team,” Mackenthun said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to what we can accomplish together in the coming year, as well as continue to support and build strong new leaders that can carry MSGA into the future.”
Mackenthun replaces Darin Johnson, who transitions back to director after two years as president, helping to spread MSGA’s message and share its policy priorities to farmers and industry professionals across Minnesota and the globe. Johnson will also continue representing MSGA on the American Soybean Association (ASA) board.
“Darin and I have both grown as leaders together on the officer team, and I know we both enjoy mentoring younger directors just like we were mentored,” Mackenthun said. “He set a great example for not just MSGA, but our entire industry, on how to share our story and build relationships.”
Mackenthun begins his new position equipped with MSGA institutional knowledge. A member of his McLeod County Corn & Soybean Growers Board, Mackenthun became MSGA’s American Soybean Association Young Leader in 2019-2020. He’s led numerous internal committees dedicated to building markets, research, leadership development, MN Ag Expo and MSGA’s official magazine, Soybean Business. Mackenthun has served as secretary and treasurer and recently completed two terms as MSGA vice president behind Johnson.
“Darin was a great president, and we appreciate all the work he put in over the past two years,” MSGA Executive Director Joe Smentek said. “Ryan knows the ins and outs of MSGA and has done his share of interviews and legislative testimony. He’ll do great as president and has a very talented officer team alongside him.”
Mackenthun is a fifth-generation farmer who raises soybeans and corn on 2,200 acres in McLeod County. Ryan and his wife, Tonya, raise three teenaged children and are active in their community.
“It’s an honor to continue building upon the investment MSGA has made in me and to keep representing Minnesota’s soybean farmers at the state, national and international levels,” said Mackenthun, who was also reelected as an MSGA at-large director. “MSGA’s leadership in defending our crop inputs and promoting our practices is impactful and inspiring.”
Mackenthun will be supported in 2026-2027 by a strong MSGA officer team, including Vice President Kyle Jore, Treasurer Rose Karau and Secretary Bob Lindeman. Mackenthun will also serve on the board of Ag Management Solutions, which oversees MSGA’s daily operations.
Jore, an ag economist, is primed to grow his visibility within MSGA as vice president.
“I’m expecting we’re going to have a lot of work on our hands,” said Jore, who farms in Thief River Falls. “The national issues are always going to be there, of course, but we’re going to be laser-focused on the state and making sure we’re protecting the interests of our growers.”
Karau, who farms in St. James and helps oversees MSGA’s Young & Emerging Farmer Workshop, is excited to return as treasurer.
“I value the opportunity to advocate for agriculture, share my experiences as a young female farmer and help encourage and develop the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Karau said. “Serving as treasurer allows me to continue supporting our industry while representing the voices and perspectives of Minnesota farmers.”
Lindeman, who farms near Mackenthun in Brownton, is beginning his first year on MSGA’s officer team.
“Once I commit to something, I want to do my best,” said Lindeman, who also represents MSGA on the Agricultural Fertilizer Research and Education Council. “And if I have a question, well, I know where Ryan lives.”
Passing the torch
During the board meeting, growers and Executive Director Joe Smentek recapped the recently completed legislative session in St. Paul and looked ahead to campaign season; discussed MSGA’s support for year-round E15; received federal policy updates; and elected at-large directors and members of MSGA’s Governing Board.
To begin the meeting, growers paid tribute to retiring Directors Keith Nelsen and Joel Schreurs, who retired with nearly 40 combined years of service to MSGA. Schreurs encouraged directors who have recently joined the board to pursue further opportunities.
“The younger directors, this is now your time to step up,” Schreurs said. “You get out of it what you put into it.”
Minnesota farmers representing MSGA and ASA will return in mid-July to Washington, D.C., to promote pressing federal policies, including preserving the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, biofuels and rising input costs. Following what promises to be an active Farmfest, the MSGA board will gather again in mid-August to discuss upcoming elections and forecast potential policy challenges and opportunities for 2027.
“We’re anticipating a busy next few months ahead before the elections and next legislative session,” Mackenthun said.
MSGA news release
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