Local SWCDs Lead The Way in Expanding Irrigation Conservation Across Minnesota
Local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are once again stepping up to help Minnesota farmers protect water resources and improve irrigation efficiency. Working closely with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 26 SWCDs across the state will lead on-the-ground implementation of a new five-year conservation initiative supported by $11.16 million in federal funding.
The funding, awarded to MDA through USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), builds on earlier efforts that brought $3.5 million to similar projects in 2021. This latest phase focuses on improving irrigation efficiency, optimizing nitrogen management, and protecting groundwater resources in 25 counties statewide.
“SWCDs are the connection between conservation programs and the farmers who put them into practice,” said Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen. “Their local expertise and trusted relationships are critical to ensuring these conservation dollars make a real impact on Minnesota’s soil and water resources.”
Through this partnership, SWCD staff will work one-on-one with irrigators to provide financial and technical assistance for:
• Installing precision irrigation technologies
• Improving nitrogen use efficiency
• Optimizing irrigation scheduling and water management
• Protecting groundwater quality and quantity
• Expanding proven conservation practices on irrigated farmland
Financial assistance for producers is expected to become available in late 2025. Participating SWCDs include those in 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.”
This effort brings together a wide range of partners—including Central Lakes College Ag & Energy Center, AgCentric – Minnesota State, the University of Minnesota, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and several irrigator associations and industry partners—all united in advancing Minnesota’s leadership in sustainable agriculture and water stewardship.
For more information about the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and this project, contact your local SWCD office.
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