The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has secured $11.16 million from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to expand conservation practices on irrigated farmland across 25 counties.
The five-year initiative will focus on improving irrigation efficiency, protecting groundwater, and advancing sustainable nitrogen management.
The project, led by the MDA in collaboration with 26 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts, will also include training, peer learning, and field demonstrations to expand expertise among conservation staff and producers. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen highlighted the importance of the effort in protecting water resources while supporting farm sustainability, with producer assistance expected to become available in late 2025.
Photo Credit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Comments