Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer and DFLer Mark Dayton scored endorsements Thursday from big-name farmers groups.

Dayton got the nod from the Minnesota Farmers Union.

"Sen. Dayton is a known and trusted ally to rural Minnesota and farmers, and he can be counted on to be a strong advocate for agriculture," president Doug Peterson said in a statement.

Separately, the Minnesota Farm Bureau Political Action Committee endorsed Emmer.

"As governor, I will work to relieve the regulatory and tax burdens on our farmers, highlight the impact of our rural economy on the overall state economy, and engage local leaders to identify partnerships that will build stronger rural communities," Emmer said in a statement. "I will also explore opportunities to enhance regional partnerships which will allow the private sector to grow and prosper in an ever-changing global economy."