As the ever-changing wheat landscape evolves, so too must MN Wheat. That’s why the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers and the Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council are convening to discuss the strategic directions of the two organizations.

“We want to take our due diligence and make sure we are setting a path that best represents the interests of the wheat growers we serve,” said Tim Dufault, chair of the Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council (MWR&PC).

As part of that direction, the two boards will be meet Tuesday, Dec. 12, to engage in strategic planning as well as discuss the shared executive director position, which is vacant after Charlie Vogel, who has served as Minnesota Wheat’s executive director since 2019, left his position effective Nov. 30 for a higher calling.

“We thank Charlie for his time spent at Minnesota Wheat representing the interests of our wheat producers,” Dufault said. “We wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter of his life.”

Vogel departed to become the new advancement director for St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and School in Thief River Falls.

“During his time with Minnesota Wheat, Charlie did an excellent job of building relationships with other organizations in the industry,” Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers (MAWG) President Mike Gunderson said. “We are appreciative of his time with us.”

Coreen Berdahl will serve as interim executive director for MAWG and MWR&PC until the boards can meet to discuss strategic planning for the organizations and set the direction for a new leader to carry out.

Updates on the executive director search will be made via www.mnwheat.org.