It’s a beautiful day to run for the Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council (MWRPC) board of directors.
Wisely directing the investments of Minnesota wheat checkoff dollars, MWRPC works to improve the profitability and viability for Minnesota wheat producers across the state. MWRPC is guided by nine farmer-leaders who are elected by their fellow farmers and must be wheat producers who share in the profit and risk loss from producing wheat in the current or preceding marketing year.
“It’s critical that wheat checkoff investments are made by farmers who are actually out in their fields growing wheat – they’re the experts,” MWRPC Executive Director Brian Sorenson said. “By volunteering their time, our board members play a key role in ensuring that checkoff dollars help growers at the farm gate.”
Administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, there are three MWRPC board seats up for election this year: one seat each in Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3. While the current directors representing those areas are running for reelection, other farmers interested in serving as a board member are encouraged to submit their name by Jan. 16, 2026, to be placed on the ballot.
Mark Jossund, who currently serves as chair of the MWRPC board and represents Area 2, is seeking his seventh term of guiding checkoff investments.
“I like being a part of looking at different research options that we can invest in and different ways that we can promote wheat in the world,” said Jossund, who farms near Moorhead. “I enjoy being part of the group and making decisions that make the wheat industry better.”
MWRPC Treasurer Mikayla Tabert, who currently represents Area 1, and Scott Lee, who represents Area 3, are also seeking reelection.
“My family does conservation farming, which is the reason I decided to become a MWRPC director,” said Tabert, who farms near Red Lake Falls. “I’d like to see more environmentally sustainable practices be adopted, but they obviously have to be economical and researched. So, I wanted to be a voice on that side, advocating for more research on environmentally friendly and economically sustainable practices.”
Directors are elected to serve three-year terms, and the board meets approximately six times throughout the year. To obtain a nomination form, please email mnwheat@mnwheat.com. Nomination forms must be received by Jan. 16, 2026, to appear on the ballot and can be mailed to MN Wheat, 2600 Wheat Drive, Red Lake Falls, MN 56750.
“Being on the Council has given me an inside look at how the wheat checkoff works on behalf of growers across the state,” said Lee, who farms near Benson. “I enjoy being able to offer input and have a say about what investments are made. It’s been a great experience, and I hope to continue guiding our state’s wheat industry.”
All wheat checkoff investments are made with research and promotion at top of mind, with the ultimate goal of increasing profitability for Minnesota wheat farmers.
“We do a really good job of evaluating research projects to try to make a difference in wheat production,” Jossund said. “And we’re a part of U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) to promote wheat both domestically and overseas.”
Though the price is less than ideal, MWRPC continues to work hard to market the quality of the wheat grown in Minnesota and fund research that will help growers economically.
“It’s no secret that wheat struggles to compete with other commodity crops,” Tabert said. “The importance of the Council is to fund ways to make wheat be more profitable, as far as overseas marketing and the importance of wheat in the crop rotation.”
MWRPC is playing the long game for Minnesota wheat producers, and the upcoming director election is a chance for growers to give back to their industry by running for a board position.
“It’s just a great experience,” said Jossund, who, along with Vice Chair Peter Hvidsten, represents MWRPC on USW. “It is time consuming, but it isn’t too bad. It’s a great opportunity to help the wheat industry have a voice.”
