Minnesota State Wire

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has secured $11.16 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to enhance conservation practices on irrigated farmland throughout Minnesota. The grant, awarded through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), will fund a five-year initiative aimed at improving irrigation efficiency, protecting groundwater, and advancing sustainable nitrogen management across 25 counties.

This new allocation builds on a previous award of $3.5 million granted to MDA for similar projects in 2021. The expanded effort is intended to provide both financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers who use irrigation systems.

Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen highlighted the significance of this partnership for water resource protection in the state. “This partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is invaluable to MDA’s mission to preserve and protect Minnesota’s water resources,” Petersen said. “Irrigation is critical for many of our farmers, and this funding allows us to support producers with the tools and technology they need to conserve water and improve outcomes.”

Keith Kloubec, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, also emphasized the effectiveness of collaborative efforts under RCPP: “This project and these partners are a great example of what the Regional Conservation Partnership Program can accomplish,” Kloubec stated. “The group's past success has already delivered measurable impacts, and we look forward to continuing this work to increase adoption of irrigation technologies that benefit both water quality and farm sustainability.”

The project will focus on several key objectives: promoting precision irrigation technologies; encouraging improved nitrogen management; supporting optimized irrigation water management; protecting groundwater quality and quantity; and expanding conservation practices on existing irrigated farmland.

Financial assistance opportunities for participating producers are expected to open in late 2025. Administration of the program will involve collaboration with 26 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), covering Anoka, Becker, Benton, Cass, Clay, Dakota, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Isanti, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Wadena, Washington, Wilkin,and Wright counties.

Beyond direct producer support,the initiative aims to build technical expertise among SWCD staff as well as NRCS employees and industry professionals.It will also facilitate training sessions and peer learning opportunities across agencies.Additionally,the program plans field daysand demonstration events where new irrigation technologies can be showcased.

A broad coalition supports this project—including local SWCDs,Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center,Minnesota State’s AgCentric,the University of Minnesota,the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe,state agencies,and various irrigator associations—reflecting an ongoing commitment toward innovation in agriculture and stewardship of natural resources within Minnesota.

Further details about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program are available on the RCPP website.