New Minn. soybean executive director brings biofuels experience

A biofuels industry veteran has been chosen to lead the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council into the future. Thomas Slunecka has been hired as executive director for Minnesota Soybean and assumed that role in late August.

Slunecka has a long track record of working in biofuels and agriculture. His previous experience includes serving as executive director of the Ethanol Promotion & Information Council and vice president of marketing for the National Corn Growers Association. He most recently served in a consulting role for the Urban Air Initiative and Phibro Animal Health where he was vice president of marketing for PhibroChem, a specialty supply company focused on ethanol and animal agriculture, based in New Jersey.

“I am very happy to have the opportunity to be a part of these strong groups and look forward to the challenges and opportunities facing agriculture and biodiesel,” Slunecka said. “I am excited to help execute current and future research projects to bring new opportunities to Minnesota producers’ farm gate.  Biodiesel holds much promise and with continued hard work will deliver positive impact for rural and urban economies alike.”

“We are very happy to add a leader of the quality that Tom provides,” said MSGA President and Dodge County farmer Bruce Schmoll. “He is visionary and will help establish and achieve goals that will benefit soybean growers across Minnesota.”

“Tom’s broad experience in biofuels, grain and feed, herbicides and industry relations was attractive to us,” added Brian Greenslit, Renville County farmer and chair of the MSR&PC. “We look forward to bringing Tom to Mankato to keep Minnesota Soybean on the forefront.”

MSGA is a nonprofit, farmer-controlled membership organization established in 1962. Its goal is to assure profitable soybean farming by influencing favorable ag legislation, monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities.

The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council is an elected board of 15 soybean producers from across the state. The mission of the council is to invest soybean checkoff dollars in well-defined research, marketing, education and commercialization programs designed to increase demand and thereby improve the profitability of Minnesota's soybean farmers.