The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recently received $11 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand conservation practices on irrigated agricultural land.
The funding will support a multi-year project in 25 counties statewide, building upon previous grant work in 2021. This includes projects in Cass, Hubbard, Mille Lacs and Morrison counties. Partners include 26 soil and water conservation districts, Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center, Minnesota State's AgCentric, the University of Minnesota and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
The program will provide financial and technical assistance to farmers using irrigation systems, with efforts focusing on precision irrigation technologies, improved nitrogen management, irrigation water management, protecting groundwater and expanding the adoption of conservation practices on existing farmlands.
“This partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is invaluable to MDA’s mission to preserve and protect Minnesota’s water resources,” stated Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen in a news release.
“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.”
Financial assistance is expected to become available later this year.
“This project and these partners are a great example of what the Regional Conservation Partnership Program can accomplish,” stated Keith Kloubec, assistant state conservationist for programs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“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.”
More information on the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and this project is available online.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEA similar hearing for Bemidji residents will be hosted at the Sanford Event Center on Oct. 8, 2025. -
Dani Fraher/KAXESuperior National Forest permits will be available beginning Oct. 6, 2025, for property owners and members of the public impacted by the spring's Brimson wildfire. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEEllison will visit Bemidji to hear from community members about their stories and concerns about recent federal actions. A second forum is planned for Oct. 27 in Brainerd. -
Plus: Donations are being accepted for area coat drives; MnDOT plans resurfacing in Cohasset; and the DNR seedling sale begins. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThe nursery has a strong supply of oak seedlings this year, offering landowners a chance to grow one of Minnesota’s majestic trees, and more than 20 other native coniferous and deciduous tree species. -
Lorie ShaullIf a Minnesota landlord accepts a rent payment after finding out about a lease violation, they can’t evict the tenant over that specific breach of the lease. -
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, most MN workers can apply for up to 12 weeks of medical leave, or 12 weeks of family leave. A payroll tax evenly split between the employer and employee. -
Motorists can expect lane closures and shifts. Work is expected to be complete on Oct. 10, 2025. -
Contributed/United Way of Bemidji AreaNorthern Minnesotans in the process of switching to their winter wardrobes can donate clean, gently used coats to give them new life through coat drives. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceThroughout most of 2026, the Chippewa National Forest will have contract employees out surveying people at developed and dispersed recreation sites, gathering information on how the national forest is used.
