Minnesota State Wire

Farmfest 2025 attendees are invited to visit the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) exhibit for information on various agriculture-related programs and resources, including a free nitrate private well testing clinic.

The event is scheduled from Tuesday, August 5, through Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls, Minnesota. The MDA Farmfest Booth is #517S.

Nitrate-nitrogen, known as nitrate, is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. It naturally occurs in groundwater at levels typically ranging from 0 to 3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Levels above 3 mg/L are considered elevated, while those above 10 mg/L are deemed unsafe. The MDA encourages residents to bring a water sample for testing at their booth.

To participate in the free nitrate water testing clinic:

- Run your faucet for five to ten minutes.

- Collect at least one cup of water in any sealable container like a jar or Ziploc bag.

- Keep it chilled if possible. It's recommended you make the MDA booth your first stop at Farmfest.

Testing takes less than five minutes and results are private with no personal information collected.

High nitrate levels in water can originate from fertilized soil, wastewater, landfills, feedlots, septic systems, or urban drainage. The Minnesota Department of Health advises testing private wells for nitrate every one to two years.

Other featured programs at the MDA booth include the Rural Finance Authority Loan programs, MDA grant programs, the Minnesota Ag Weather Station Network, Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program, and rural mental health resources.