News

Minnesota Soybean remains frustrated with Buffer Law

The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) remains frustrated with the Buffer Law and its implementation.

MSGA director of public affairs Joe Smentek says recent clarifications to the rule including a list of alternative practices and revisions to the public waters inventory were not announced soon enough.

“Our official position is (the Buffer Law) is still very frustrating.  It’s a very frustrating law (and) a very frustrating procedure to go through.  And really, this only adds to our frustration to see corrections this late in the game.”

Under the current Buffer Law, enforcement of public waters in Minnesota begins this November and the following November for public ditches.

“Here we are in April of 2017 with guys out there planting.  All the planning for this planting happened last fall, and we are still getting answers and clarification just a few months out from that November deadline when buffers need to be planted.”

Minnesota House and Senate environment bills that include language to delay the Buffer Law at least a year are advancing through the Legislature.

However, Governor Dayton has threatened to veto any legislation proposing further changes to the rule after making concessions a year ago.