Janna Fritz

Brand President, DF Seeds LLC

Janna was the CEO of the Michigan Soybean Committee (MSC) and the Michigan Soybean Association (MSA) since July of 2019. In this role, Janna led the six-person staff to implement statewide, soybean-focused programs that improve the industry and the soybean value chain from farmer to consumer. During her tenure, MSC/MSA completed in new strategic plans, rebranded, moved their office to St. Johns, MI, and implemented a strong committee structure designed to advance soybean projects and priorities for Michigan farmers. Prior to joining to Michigan Soybean, Janna was the Crop Insurance Manager for Farm Bureau Insurance, a District Sales Manager with Monsanto, and a Regional Manager for Michigan Farm Bureau.

Janna obtained a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Agriculture & Natural Resources Communications and a master’s degree from Concordia University in Organizational Leadership. She is a graduate of the MABA Leadership Program in 2014 and has served on various boards and committees including National Corn Growers Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, the U.S. Grains Council, the United States Soybean Export Council, Michigan FFA Foundation, and the Michigan Corn Growers Association.

Janna and her husband, Joel, reside in Bad Axe, MI and operate their family farm producing soybeans, corn, wheat, and dry edible beans on approximately 1,500 acres. They have 2 sons, Wesley and Zachary.

Teresa Ellsworth-Deforest

Operations Lead

Teresa lives in Dansville, Michigan. She grew up in Stockbridge, Michigan. She enjoys reading, gardening, and helping her husband on the farm.