Minnesota Soybean Leaders Elected to Soy Excellence Center Roles

MSR&PC directors Gail Donkers and Joel Schreurs take on leadership positions with global soy program

Mar. 2, 2026 at 7:15pm

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The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) announced that its Council Chair Gail Donkers and Director Joel Schreurs have been elected to leadership roles with the Soy Excellence Center (SEC), a checkoff-supported program that provides developing countries with tools and resources to grow their food and agribusiness sectors. Donkers was elected SEC Global Advisory Panel (GAP) vice chair, while Schreurs was named SEC GAP treasurer.

Why it matters

The SEC works alongside the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) to build emerging markets into examples of economic success by building the capacity and market potential of international food and agriculture businesses. Minnesota's strong representation on the SEC and USSEC helps elevate U.S. soy in the global market and differentiate it from competitors.

The details

Donkers and Schreurs will continue to play key roles in helping emerging markets mature through serving on the SEC's GAP. The SEC delivers workforce training and capacity building needs across soy's value chain to enhance industry capability and capacity across two dozen countries. Each year, the SEC trains nearly 20,000 protein professionals in nearly 200 training events around the world.

  • Donkers was elected SEC GAP vice chair during the SEC's Annual Meeting on February 25, 2026.
  • Schreurs was named SEC GAP treasurer during the SEC's Annual Meeting on February 25, 2026.

The players

Gail Donkers

Council Chair of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and a farmer from Faribault, Minnesota.

Joel Schreurs

Director of the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and a farmer from Tyler, Minnesota.

Soy Excellence Center (SEC)

A checkoff-supported program that provides developing countries with tools and resources to grow their food and agribusiness sectors.

U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC)

An organization that works alongside the SEC to build emerging markets into examples of economic success by building the capacity and market potential of international food and agriculture businesses.

Jim Sutter

CEO of the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC).

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What they’re saying

“It's so amazing what the SEC is doing to educate people and showcase high-quality U.S. soybeans. I'm surrounded by a talented group of farmers leaders that are passionate about promoting our soybeans around the world.”

— Gail Donkers, Council Chair, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

“As a USSEC member, it's our job to incentivize and differentiate our soybeans in the global market. And the SEC is a huge win for us. It's the best checkoff program I've ever seen, and I'm proud to be part of this group.”

— Joel Schreurs, Director, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

“Joel is a great advocate, especially for our Soy Excellence Center, and so is Gail. SEC is something that's different than anything we've ever done before, and it contributes to a strong preference for U.S. Soy. It has so exceeded our expectations.”

— Jim Sutter, CEO, U.S. Soybean Export Council

What’s next

The SEC will continue to deliver workforce training and capacity building programs across soy's value chain in emerging markets around the world, with Donkers and Schreurs playing key leadership roles in guiding the organization's efforts.

The takeaway

Minnesota's strong representation on the Soy Excellence Center and U.S. Soybean Export Council demonstrates the state's commitment to growing global demand for U.S. soybeans and elevating the reputation of American agriculture on the world stage.