Minnesota Farmers Appointed to United Soybean Board

Dumont farmer Tom Frisch reappointed, Tyler farmer Joel Schreurs joins USB

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Two Minnesota farmers, Tom Frisch and Joel Schreurs, have been appointed to serve on the United Soybean Board (USB). Frisch, a farmer from Dumont, was reappointed to a three-year term and will continue to serve on USB's Executive Committee as secretary. Schreurs, a farmer from Tyler, was newly appointed to USB, replacing a termed-out member. Both farmers are also involved with the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and will work to grow demand for U.S. soybeans domestically and internationally.

Why it matters

The United Soybean Board plays a critical role in directing soybean checkoff funds to initiatives that expand markets and improve the farm economy for the nearly 500,000 soybean farmers across the country. Having experienced Minnesota farmers like Frisch and Schreurs on the board helps ensure the state's interests are represented.

The details

Frisch was reappointed to a three-year term on the USB and will continue to serve on the board's Executive Committee as secretary. He also chairs the Communication & Education Committee and the Feed, Fuel and Exports Action Team. Schreurs, who farms in Tyler, was newly appointed to USB, replacing a termed-out member. Schreurs also recently joined the U.S. Soybean Export Council, bringing his expertise in international trade to the board.

  • In early February 2026, Frisch was reappointed by the USDA to serve a three-year term on the United Soybean Board.
  • In December 2025, Frisch was elected to USB's Executive Committee as secretary.
  • In January 2026, Frisch and fellow USB member Patrick O'Leary attended a trade mission to Egypt led by the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

The players

Tom Frisch

A farmer from Dumont, Minnesota who was reappointed to a three-year term on the United Soybean Board. Frisch is a current director and past chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council.

Joel Schreurs

A farmer from Tyler, Minnesota who was newly appointed to the United Soybean Board, replacing a termed-out member. Schreurs also recently joined the U.S. Soybean Export Council.

Brent Gatton

The new chair of the United Soybean Board.

Patrick O'Leary

A Minnesota farmer who is also a member of the United Soybean Board.

Lawrence Sukalski

A Minnesota farmer who is also a member of the United Soybean Board.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored to represent Minnesota on USB. We have a lot of work ahead of us in the years ahead to build markets and improve our farm economy, and I'm eager to contribute in any way I can.”

— Tom Frisch, Farmer

“I'm humbled to step into this position and replace a respected leader like Gene. International trade is a passion of mine, and I hope to add my voice to the USB team while also learning more about the many ways our checkoff can accelerate demand for our soybeans in Minnesota and across the country.”

— Joel Schreurs, Farmer

What’s next

Frisch and Schreurs, in collaboration with new USB Chair Brent Gatton and more than 70 USB volunteer farmer leaders, will assist in overseeing FY26 investments and priorities across the market segments of food, feed, fuel, industrial uses, exports and sustainable production, which effectively grow demand for U.S. Soy, drive on-farm resilience and bring value to the nearly half-million U.S. soybean farmers.

The takeaway

The appointment of experienced Minnesota farmers like Frisch and Schreurs to the United Soybean Board ensures the state's soybean growers have a strong voice in directing checkoff funds to initiatives that will expand domestic and international markets and strengthen the overall farm economy.