ST. PAUL, MN—Local farmer and Regional Representative for the Minnesota Corn Growers Association Dan Erickson will join Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea, as her guest for Governor Dayton's fifth State of the State address on Thursday, April 09. Erickson, who lives in Alden, a small town west of Albert Lea, said he is concerned about the Governor's buffer strip proposal, and hopes the Governor will address the issue in his annual address to the joint convention of the legislature. He is also a board member and past president of the Freeborn County Corn and Soybean Growers.
“Minnesota farmers use many different conservation practices, such as buffer strips, to protect soil and water resources while producing high quality food, feed, fiber and fuel,” Erickson said. “I appreciate Governor Dayton and his staff reaching out this past week and speaking with farmers regarding our concerns with his buffer strip proposal. Farmers remain committed to working toward meaningful solutions to water quality issues and look forward to continued dialogue.”
Dayton visited Worthington and Austin last week to meet with farmers and area residents about his buffer proposal. Both meetings attracted about 200 attendees.
"I'm grateful for the work Dan and all farmers in Southern Minnesota and across the state do each day to help put food on our tables, fuel in our cars, and create opportunities for thousands of workers in the agriculture industry," Bennett said. "It will be great to have Dan here representing the agriculture community, and I'm glad he will have a front-row seat to the Governor's State of the State address."
Erickson's family was named the Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year in 2011. He produces soy beans, corn, and alfalfa, and raises dairy heifers on his farm, where he lives with his wife, Jenny who is a teacher at Alden-Conger, and their three children.
Governor Dayton's will deliver his State of the State address at 7PM in the House Chamber at the Minnesota Capitol. It will be his fifth State of the State address since taking office in 2011.
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