Sergio Cabello-Leiva brings his infectious energy to the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council as Director of Research. In his role, Sergio oversees soybean research, education and outreach to enhance farmer profitability across the state. Originally from central Chile, Sergio grew up surrounded by mountains, crops and excellent food. From a young age, he recognized that his future was in agriculture. He earned his degree in Agronomy and a Master’s in Soil Science, focusing on precision agriculture and also studied and worked in Spain in vegetable greenhouse production. His professional journey began in seed production in Chile, where he worked as an agronomist, researcher and assistant manager. Later, he moved to the U.S. where he completed a summer internship and earned a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from North Dakota State University, conducting research on corn, wheat, sugar beets, cover crops and nutrient cycling.  

Before joining Minnesota Soybean, Sergio served as a Soil Scientist in Carrington, N.D., leading crop fertility research across diverse cropping systems in the Northern Great Plains. Agriculture is in Sergio’s DNA. He brings a positive attitude and is ready to serve Minnesota’s soybean farmers to continue advancing soybean production. 

Fun Fact: Sergio loves the outdoors! He and his wife, Becky, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and spending quality time together in nature as a way to recharge and stay connected.