Key Takeaways:
- Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) receives $11.16 million through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program
- Five-year project to improve irrigation efficiency and nitrogen management across 25 counties
- Builds on $3.5 million awarded in 2021 for similar conservation initiatives
- Program to provide financial assistance, training, and field demonstrations beginning in late 2025
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Expands Conservation Practices Through Federal Partnership
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in partnership with local and regional organizations, has been awarded $11.16 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The funding will expand conservation practices on irrigated agricultural land across 25 counties throughout Minnesota.
The award, provided through the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), supports a five-year project designed to improve irrigation efficiency, protect groundwater resources, and promote sustainable nitrogen management. This latest funding builds upon $3.5 million awarded to MDA for similar projects in 2021.
“This partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is invaluable to MDA’s mission to preserve and protect Minnesota’s water resources,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “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.”
Five-Year Initiative to Strengthen Irrigation Practices and Groundwater Protection
Led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the project will provide both financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers utilizing irrigation systems. The initiative focuses on:
• Promoting precision irrigation technologies
• Encouraging improved nitrogen management
• Supporting optimized irrigation water management
• Protecting groundwater quality and quantity
• Expanding adoption of conservation practices on existing irrigated farmland
Financial assistance for producers is expected to become available in late 2025. The program will be administered in collaboration with 26 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across 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.
“This project and these partners are a great example of what the Regional Conservation Partnership Program can accomplish,” said Keith Kloubec, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Programs. “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.”
Collaboration and Technical Capacity Building
In addition to providing direct support for producers, the project will build technical expertise among SWCD, NRCS, and industry staff. Training programs and peer learning opportunities will be developed across agencies and partner organizations. Field days and demonstration events will also be hosted to showcase precision irrigation technologies and conservation practices.
Partners in this initiative include NRCS, local SWCDs, Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center, AgCentric – Minnesota State, the University of Minnesota, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and various state agencies and irrigator associations. Collectively, these organizations aim to advance Minnesota’s leadership in sustainable water management and agricultural innovation.
