This month the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute will say goodbye to John Goihl one of its longest sitting board members. Goihl has served three consecutive terms (the maximum allowed by AURI), representing agribusinesses and Minnesota Pork Producers. Recently Ag Innovation News sat down with him to talk about his business, his time with AURI and some of the highlights from his nine years on the board of directors.
AIN: What made you want to get involved with AURI?
JG: Our company, Agri-Nutrition Services, is primarily involved in providing nutritional consulting and nutritional products to swine producers. Evaluating research information is an important part of our services.
Getting involved with AURI was a logical step to become involved with the various research projects being conducted by AURI staff.
AIN: What have been some highlights from your time on the AURI board?
JG: The highlights have been many from the initial years of utilizing distiller dried grains and solubles (DDGS) in livestock diets to the current influx of the many food related projects and the utilization and processing of various byproducts.
AIN: What has it been like working with AURI staff?
JG: I like the close relationship the board members have with the staff, which helps one understand the responsibility of each in providing the AURI services.
AIN: What do you see as being AURI’s biggest asset?
JG: AURI’s biggest assets are its people and the services it can provide to Minnesota agriculture in terms of R & D services to its many clients.
AIN: In which projects have you been most interested?
JG: Of course, I would be a little biased, but any projects related to animal nutrition would be of most interest. However, I find all products to be interesting.
AIN: What will you miss most about not being on the AURI board?
JG: A person’s life is made up of many clusters of people. I.e. family, church, work, etc. AURI has been one of these clusters for me and members of the board and staff will be missed.
AIN: What are your plans for the future?
JG: My plans are to continue to be involved in the swine industry and doing nutritional consulting.
AIN: One last question—looking forward, what do you see for the future of value-added agriculture?
JG: The future of value-added agriculture and food products looks very positive when we look at the food needs for the increasing world population. However, it will be more difficult because of the anti-agriculture activists, increased regulations, increasing costs, and meeting the many demands of the consumer.
AURI thanks John for his dedication to the organization, its board and all of value-added agriculture. His contributions have been many and his impact significant. Please join AURI in wishing John well in his future endeavors.