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.
-
Plus: Changes to 'roadless rule' could open areas of Superior National Forest to logging; and researchers consider climate change's impacts on pathogen spread. -
Contributed/Adobe Stock via Minnesota News ConnectionPublic health experts said states can better prepare for future illness outbreaks by keeping a sharp eye on climate change. -
Emma Krab/KAXEStauber, state officials and local mayors voiced their opposition at a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe state reported the Glacier Ice House employee was one of several laid off during their disability leave. But while others were allowed to move to open positions, this employee was not. -
Contributed/NewRange Copper NickelThe Babbitt mine and Hoyt Lakes processing plant is expected to impact about 1,100 acres of wetlands, according to the company's permit application. -
Plus: The FBI launches a new "Voices Not Forgotten" initiative to raise awareness of cold cases in tribal nations.
-
Contributed/FBIThe new program increases monetary rewards for information on six cold cases involving Native people where the FBI has jurisdiction, including one from the Red Lake Nation. -
Plus: Meat processing facility in Staples opens
-
Contributed/Deborah Rose / Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThirty-three communities received nearly $5 million in funding, including Virginia, Hill City and other Northern Minnesota cities. A new DNR grant closes Sept. 14, 2026. -
Megan Buffington/KAXELocal livestock producers face limited options for meat processing and slaughter amid market consolidation and workforce shortages.
