Soybean Business Magazine: Minnesota Soybean Growers' Official Magazine, Coverage and Leaders
Profile updated November 2026
Soybean Business magazine calls itself the official magazine of Minnesota's soybean growers. Published in bimonthly editions for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, it covers checkoff investments, state and national advocacy, biodiesel and new uses, and the farmer-leaders who run both organizations.
| Organizations | Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) |
|---|---|
| Base | North Mankato, Minnesota |
| Frequency | Bimonthly editions (January-February through November-December) |
| Production | Digital editions published on Issuu by Ag Management Solutions |
| Description | The official magazine of Minnesota's soybean growers |
| Recent issue | November-December 2025 |
| Official website | Issuu: Soybean Business |
History of Soybean Business
Minnesota Soybean, the shared identity of the growers association and the checkoff council, is based in North Mankato. MSGA is the membership and advocacy organization for Minnesota soybean farmers, while MSR&PC invests the state's soybean checkoff in research, market development and promotion. Over the years the organizations have published several titles, including Minneline, MinnSoy Voice and The Bean Scene, according to a University of Minnesota directory of state commodity associations.
Soybean Business became their flagship magazine. Its digital archive on Issuu runs from at least May-June 2021, with production handled by Ag Management Solutions. The September-October 2021 issue introduced new MSGA president Mike Skaug and covered legislative wins, a study of feeding soybeans to crickets and Minnesota Soybean's social media work.
Soybean Business Today
Soybean Business continues to publish bimonthly. The March-April 2023 issue reviewed a year of checkoff activities, highlighted the MN AG EXPO and covered county checkoff promotions and advocacy. Issues followed through 2024 and 2025, with March-April, May-June, July-August and November-December editions posted online.
The November-December 2025 issue celebrated two decades of biodiesel in Minnesota, covered MSGA's global advocacy, highlighted the impact of SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam, and profiled Faribault farmer Gail Donkers, the newest MSR&PC chair.
What Soybean Business Is Publishing Now
Checkoff reports
Each issue explains how Minnesota checkoff dollars are invested in research, promotion and market development, including the work of county checkoff programs.
Advocacy and policy
MSGA's legislative wins and positions at the Capitol and in Washington, from biofuel policy to trade, are a regular feature.
Biodiesel and new uses
Biodiesel, renewable diesel, SoyFoam and other soy-based products appear often, reflecting Minnesota's long commitment to biofuels.
Soybean Business Editors and Staff
Recent issues and news coverage identify these Minnesota Soybean leaders:
- Ryan Mackenthun - President, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (2026)
- Gail Donkers - Chair, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council
- Mike Skaug - MSGA president introduced in 2021 (former)
Who Reads Soybean Business
Soybean Business is written for Minnesota soybean farmers, who planted about 7.1 million acres of soybeans in 2026, according to USDA figures reported at Farmfest. At that event MSGA president Ryan Mackenthun pointed to growth in in-state crushing and biofuels, including biomass-based diesel, sustainable aviation fuel and bioheat, as reasons for optimism despite trade disruptions and higher input costs, the same themes that run through the magazine.
Minnesota soybean growers have watched their crop turn into diesel, foam and even cricket feed, so they appreciate a creative idea. For a lighter take, farm.FM serves farm satire and farm humor about life north of the Corn Belt's center, with ranch humor for the state's beef herds. Its farm jokes hold up well during a long Minnesota winter of meetings.
Part newsroom, part radio dial, farm.FM bills itself as America's first satirical farm site and plays Tractor Tunes, its country music for farmers. Browse a farm.FM writer's back catalog to see the style.
Soybean Business Sources and Agriculture Authority Links
- Issuu: Soybean Business, November-December 2025 - the latest posted issue.
- Issuu: Soybean Business, September-October 2021 - an earlier issue described as the official magazine of Minnesota's soybean growers.
- KEYC: Minnesota Soybean Growers Association optimistic for 2026 - Farmfest interviews with MSGA and MSR&PC leaders.
- USDA NASS Census of Agriculture - federal data on Minnesota soybean farms.
- USDA NASS Quick Stats - Minnesota soybean acreage and production.
Soybean Business FAQ
Who publishes Soybean Business magazine?
Minnesota Soybean, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council, with production by Ag Management Solutions.
How often is Soybean Business published?
In bimonthly editions, from January-February through November-December.
Where can I read Soybean Business online?
Digital editions are posted on Minnesota Soybean's Issuu page.
Who chairs the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council?
Faribault farmer Gail Donkers, profiled as the newest chair in late 2025.
From biodiesel to the statehouse, Soybean Business magazine keeps Minnesota soybean growers informed about the business their checkoff and association are building.