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: the Brainerd City Council is considering a plan to redevelop the City Hall parking lot into a four-story apartment complex. -
Chris Walker/KAXEThe Hibbing Gas Manufacturing Plant was torn down in 1980, but the industrial processes of the past left contamination in the soil, groundwater and nearby surface water. -
Contributed/National Weather ServiceThe Level 3 of 5, or enhanced risk of severe weather, has shifted east to Wisconsin, but much of Northern Minnesota is still at a Level 2 for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. -
Plus: the Brainerd School Board votes to put a levy referendum on the ballot; and the DNR's new electronic licensing system launches.
-
Map/DatawrapperThe Cass County, North Dakota, Coroner's Office reported that TeeJay Alvarez, 31, of Fosston, died June 9, 2026, as a result of injuries from a gunshot wound. -
Contributed/Ely Wolves Track and Field Facebook pageSophomore Violet Udovich of Ely took home two golds and a silver, setting records in the 200 and 400-meter. -
Graphic with Contributed Maps/National Weather ServiceThis means the potential for severe wind gusts of 75-80 mph or more, embedded tornadoes, hail up to the size of golf balls and locally heavy rainfall with flash flooding possible. -
Contributed/Aitkin County Sheriff's OfficeA neighbor on Gun Lake called 911 after hearing calls for help and seeing a person struggling. Other neighbors joined rescue efforts and brough Randy Benson to shore. -
Plus: Causes of BWCAW-area wildfires determined; Brainerd educators reach tentative agreement on overdue contract; and rural Northland athletes take home 87 medals in track and field.
-
Contributed/U.S. Forest Service - Superior National ForestA few wilderness campsites may be closed, but there are no other closures in the Boundary Waters. There is currently a campfire ban within the area because of dry conditions.
