It’s a good thing Patrick O’Leary used to be a chiropractor. Between the thousands of miles he racks up every year promoting northern-grown soybeans and the responsibility of operating a farm, O’Leary’s work can feel almost back-breaking at times.
But after more than a decade of commitment to soybeans through his time on Northern Soy Marketing (NSM) and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC), O’Leary continues walking tall in his support of the miracle bean.
“There came a time in my life when I had to choose between continuing my practice or go farming full time, but farming runs pretty deep in my blood so the decision was a no-brainer,” said O’Leary, who represents Minnesota on the NSM board of directors and previously served as chairs of both NSM and MSR&PC.
O’Leary raises corn and soybeans and contracts feed hogs with his brothers and dad on their family operation near Benson, Minn. As evident by his participation in trade missions over the years, international marketing has been a passion project for O’Leary. His initial interest in promoting soybeans across the globe came from his father, Mike, who also volunteered as a soy checkoff director.
“My dad was involved in MSR&PC for a long time,” O’Leary said, “and through that he did a lot of international marketing to promote soybeans, plus he hosted international trade teams on the farm when I was growing up, so it was a natural fit for me to fall into that role as well.”
O’Leary said he’s enjoyed broadening his horizons through building relationships in Southeast Asia, a large market for northern-grown soybeans.
“Our customers there are always excited to see us, so I’ve enjoyed visiting with them and getting to know them,” O’Leary said. “I think learning from the different cultures is probably the main reason why I love representing NSM on trade missions.”
Trade, of course, is a dialogue, and O’Leary is no stranger to hosting international visitors on his farm. As part of NSM’s Crop Tour in October 2024, he hosted trade team participants from Vietnam and Indonesia, and met with Southeast Asia buyers during the inaugural 2023 Crop Tour.
“It’s always a good sign when visits like these are reciprocated,” he said.
O’Leary has also welcomed more than two dozen foreign exchange students into his home from countries such as Germany, France, Brazil, Colombia and others. Just like the friends he’s made on trade missions in Southeast Asia, Patrick makes it a point to build on those connections long after their visit.
“Whenever I get some free time I make it a point to go visit a former exchange student that I’ve hosted and get to meet their families and friends,” said O’Leary. “It’s all about better understanding their way of life.”
