"Minnesota Farm Lobbyists Flex New Political Muscle"

"Months after rural voters helped Republicans reclaim the majority in the Minnesota House, lawmakers in both parties are looking to weaken environmental laws tied to agriculture.

Legislation helping the agribusiness industry is moving through the House and Senate and environmental groups appear unable to stop it. Gov. Mark Dayton's push to require farmers to leave a 50-foot buffer zone unplanted around rivers is facing stiff resistance from agriculture lobbying groups.

Dayton hits the road this week to press for his buffer plan, arguing that it will reduce pesticide and fertilizer runoff that is harming the environment. It's not clear, however, what kind of clout he holds now in Minnesota's farm country."

Tom Scheck reports for Minnesota Public Radio March 31, 2015.