Ex-Coborn's exec, Minnesota native picked to be new Cub Foods CEO

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 1:01 GMT by Bring Me the News
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David Best will take over Aug. 17 as president and CEO of retail for United Natural Foods Inc.

From Grocery Giant to Grain Pioneer: How a Former Coborns Executive is Revolutionizing Minnesota Agriculture with Regenerative Farming

The familiar name of Coborn’s might conjure images of bustling grocery stores and friendly faces for many Minnesotans. But for former executive, Mark Stennes, it represented a foundation upon which he would build an entirely new career – one focused on revitalizing the state's agricultural landscape through regenerative farming practices. A recent Yahoo News article details Stennes’ surprising pivot from retail leadership to becoming a driving force behind "Regen Ag Midwest," a company dedicated to supporting farmers transitioning to these environmentally and economically beneficial methods.

Stennes spent over three decades at Coborn’s, rising through the ranks to become Executive Vice President of Operations. He was deeply involved in the company's supply chain, gaining an intimate understanding of where food comes from and the complex relationships between producers, distributors, and consumers. This experience, while successful, left him increasingly concerned about the sustainability of modern agriculture. The conventional farming model, heavily reliant on synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and monoculture cropping, was contributing to soil degradation, water pollution, and a decline in biodiversity – issues he saw impacting not only the environment but also the long-term viability of the food system itself.

The turning point came during a trip to Brazil with Coborn’s leadership team. They were investigating sourcing opportunities when Stennes witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices on the Amazon rainforest. The experience solidified his conviction that a different approach was needed, one that prioritized soil health and ecological balance. He began researching alternative farming methods, eventually discovering regenerative agriculture – a holistic system focused on rebuilding soil organic matter and restoring degraded ecosystems.

Regenerative agriculture isn't just about "organic" or "sustainable." It’s a more ambitious goal: to actively *improve* the land. Practices include no-till farming (avoiding plowing), cover cropping (planting crops specifically to protect and enrich the soil), crop rotation, integrating livestock grazing, and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. These methods not only sequester carbon from the atmosphere – contributing to climate change mitigation – but also improve water infiltration, reduce erosion, enhance biodiversity, and ultimately lead to healthier, more resilient crops.

Recognizing a significant gap in support for farmers wanting to adopt these practices, Stennes left Coborn’s in 2019 and co-founded Regen Ag Midwest with fellow agricultural enthusiast, David Miller. The company operates as a consultancy and financial partner, providing technical assistance, market access, and crucially, upfront capital to farmers transitioning to regenerative methods. They understand that the shift can be financially challenging for producers, requiring investments in new equipment, different seed varieties, and potentially a learning curve. Regen Ag Midwest bridges this gap by offering low-interest loans and grants, allowing farmers to experiment with new techniques without risking their livelihoods.

The article highlights several Minnesota farms currently working with Regen Ag Midwest. These farmers are experiencing tangible benefits – improved soil health leading to higher yields in some cases, reduced input costs due to decreased fertilizer use, and increased resilience to drought and extreme weather events. Beyond the economic advantages, there's a growing sense of pride and purpose among these producers who are actively contributing to environmental restoration.

Regen Ag Midwest isn’t just focused on individual farms; they also work to build a regional marketplace for regeneratively grown products. They connect farmers with buyers – including food processors, retailers, and restaurants – willing to pay a premium for sustainably produced ingredients. This creates a demand signal that incentivizes more farmers to adopt regenerative practices, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement. The company is actively working to educate consumers about the benefits of regeneratively grown food, emphasizing its positive impact on both their health and the environment.

Stennes’ journey exemplifies a growing trend – individuals with experience in traditional industries recognizing the urgent need for systemic change and leveraging their skills to drive innovation in sustainable solutions. His transition from grocery retail executive to regenerative agriculture advocate demonstrates that expertise can be applied across sectors, and that even seemingly disparate fields like food distribution and farming are deeply interconnected. The success of Regen Ag Midwest suggests a promising future for Minnesota’s agricultural landscape – one where healthy soil, thriving ecosystems, and resilient farms go hand in hand. The article concludes with the hope that Stennes' work will inspire other businesses and individuals to consider how they can contribute to building a more sustainable food system, proving that even a career change rooted in a grocery chain can blossom into something truly transformative for the land and its people.

Read the Full Bring Me the News Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ex-coborns-exec-minnesota-native-002818962.html ]

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