Jamie Beyer, a Wheaton soybean grower, has been re-elected to lead the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association for a second term.

She was re-elected during MSGA’s July virtual board meeting.

“I’m very thankful for the opportunity,” she said in a news release. “It’s nice to have the support of the organization.”

Beyer’s first year as MSGA president was highlighted by securing $5 million toward the Ag Innovation Campus in Crookston, along with $30 million in disaster assistance. Beyer represented MSGA during Farmfest, Hill Visits and the Commodity Classic.

Last fall she hosted Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan at her family farm and appeared on the nationally syndicated “Advancement Series” program. Beyer, who farms with her husband, Rodd, also participated in numerous water quality meetings with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and conducted dozens of interviews with agricultural media.

As with other farm organization leaders, Beyer was challenged with face-to-face advocacy efforts in March when COVID-19 began shutting down businesses and travel.

“Out of all the scenarios I played out in my head, [a pandemic] wasn’t one I had planned for,” she said.

Initially, Beyer was reluctant to take on the demands of president for a second year. The unusual circumstances of 2020, combined with a pivotal election in November, convinced her to take a crack at rewriting her ending and completing unfinished business.

“We’ve got to figure out how to move forward and not get stuck in the shock of our current situation,” she said. “We’ll be trying to figure out new ways of working with legislators and virtually mimicking the fundraising events we normally have. It’s going to take a lot of creativity this year.”

Beyer is the third woman to serve as MSGA president in the organization’s nearly 60-year history and is the first female farmer elected president in consecutive years. Kristin Weeks-Duncanson (2002-03) and Theresia Gillie (2016-17), respectively, were the first two women to lead MSGA.

Mike Skaug, Beltrami, was re-elected vice president; Bob Worth, Lake Benton, was named treasurer; and Darin Johnson, Wells, returns as secretary. MSGA's board also re-appointed Joel Schreurs, Tyler, to the American Soybean Association Board.

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