If you’re a farmer relying on irrigation in Minnesota, take note—important updates have been made to the Groundwater Protection Rule and its associated map. These updates are critical for planning your nitrogen fertilizer applications and ensuring compliance with state regulations. What’s Changed?The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has updated the Fall Nitrogen Fertilizer Application RestrictionsContinue reading “Take Note Minnesota Farmers: Updated Groundwater Protection Map Released”
Author Archives: mnirrgators
Understanding the Central Sands Private Well Network
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) established the Central Sands Private Well Network in 2011 to address concerns about elevated nitrate levels in private drinking water wells across the region. This initiative plays a vital role in protecting drinking water quality and informing well owners about nitrate trends in their area. A key success ofContinue reading “Understanding the Central Sands Private Well Network”
Exploring the Straight River Nutrient Study: Central Minnesota Irrigators’ Perspectives and Recommendations
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) July 2024 Straight River Nutrient Study has sparked critical feedback from the Central Minnesota Irrigators (CMI). CMI has raised several concerns regarding the study’s findings, methodologies, and conclusions, advocating for a more nuanced and inclusive examination of nutrient sources in the Straight River watershed. Explore the Full Response andContinue reading “Exploring the Straight River Nutrient Study: Central Minnesota Irrigators’ Perspectives and Recommendations”
Minnesota Releases Report on Clean Water Performance
Minnesota has published a comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of its Clean Water Fund initiatives aimed at safeguarding and restoring water sources across the state. The report, released biennially, highlights the collaborative efforts of seven Minnesota water agencies in executing Clean Water Fund activities, established by Minnesota voters in 2008 through the Clean Water LandContinue reading “Minnesota Releases Report on Clean Water Performance”
Unlocking Precision in Agriculture: Discover the Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP)
Upcoming MIP Course Mark your calendars for the next MIP course, scheduled for March 6, 13, and 20. Central Lakes College in Staples, Minnesota, will serve as the backdrop for this immersive three-day program. Empowering Irrigators for Sustainable Water Management Are you an irrigator seeking to align your irrigation practices with crop water use? AreContinue reading “Unlocking Precision in Agriculture: Discover the Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP)”
Nurturing Agricultural Insight: Hancock High School’s Grant-Fueled Initiative
Last autumn, Hancock High School embarked on a transformative journey, courtesy of a generous $750 grant from Central Minnesota Irrigators. This grant wasn’t just a financial boost; it was a gateway to a hands-on exploration of agriculture for our students. In this article, we invite you to delve into how these funds sprouted into aContinue reading “Nurturing Agricultural Insight: Hancock High School’s Grant-Fueled Initiative”
Minnesota Farmers Achieve Milestone: One Million Acres Certified for Water Quality Preservation
Governor Tim Walz commends Minnesota’s Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) as a key driver in preserving the state’s essential water bodies and ensuring a sustainable future. Highlighting the program’s significance, Governor Walz emphasized the commitment of farmers to stewarding natural resources. “Our Ag Water Quality Certification Program ensures our lakes, rivers, and drinking waterContinue reading “Minnesota Farmers Achieve Milestone: One Million Acres Certified for Water Quality Preservation”
Cultivating Knowledge and Growth
Earlier this fall, Sacred Heart Area School was granted a wonderful opportunity by the Central Minnesota Irrigators. Mr. Justin Edin and his second-grade classroom received a $500 grant to embark on a hydroponics project, enriching the students’ scientific journey. The grant aimed to enhance the students’ comprehension of life cycles and natural science while introducingContinue reading “Cultivating Knowledge and Growth”
Grants Awarded for Educational Projects Focused on Water Resources in Agriculture
The Central Minnesota Irrigators have awarded educational grants to support initiatives related to conservation, sustainability, precision agriculture, and water resources. The two grant recipients, Hancock Public Schools and Sacred Heart Area School, will each receive up to $750 for their educational projects. Hancock Public Schools plans to use the grant to purchase “Farmbeats for Students”Continue reading “Grants Awarded for Educational Projects Focused on Water Resources in Agriculture”
Minnesota Farmers Use Water Wisely and Well
By Jake Wildman, Richard Syverson, Dan Glessing, Bob Worth and Warren Formo As Minnesota farmers who irrigate crops, we’ve experienced a few tough growing seasons in a row – on the field with continually changing weather patterns and off the field with regulatory and legislative challenges. Both impact our ability to farm. Two recent StarContinue reading “Minnesota Farmers Use Water Wisely and Well”
Central Minnesota Irrigators 