Corn Links: Buffer strips, algae blooms, data, and best-in-show

It’s Tuesday, the weather is warming up again, and harvest time is getting closer and closer. Here are a couple of must-read stories from the world of corn and farming that are worth checking out:

All buffers, all the time
Minnesota’s new buffer legislation remains a hot topic in the Minnesota farming community. Daniel Looker at Agriculture.com examined the issue in a story today. It’s worth a read for the insight Looker provides on a couple of Farm Service Agency programs that may help farmers when complying with the new buffer regulations.

Algae blooms
While farmers try to make sense of the new buffer law, stories about agriculture and water quality continue to hit the front pages of Minnesota newspapers. On Sunday, the Pioneer Press ran a long story about algae blooms in Minnesota lakes. Minnesota Corn Growers Association President and Northfield farmer Bruce Peterson was interviewed for the piece. You can read it here.

Farming and data
The Wall Street Journal has an interesting piece about startup companies that are working with farmers to capture data on their own farms, then sell it to agriculture companies and futures traders. It’s an interesting concept and a good read. The full piece can be viewed here.

Supermileage grand champion
The Minnesota State Fair is in full swing and Minnesota Corn is already making its presence felt. This Supermileage Challenge vehicle from the team at Braham High School won “best in show” for the second year in a row. Congrats to Braham FFA and Braham High School!

If you’re heading to the State Fair today, be sure to swing by Carousel Park. Minnesota Corn has a booth set up with great giveaways, fun prizes, free Maizey tattoos and a whole lot more.