environment – Central Minnesota Irrigators

Central Minnesota Irrigators: Speak Up on the Groundwater Protection Rule

Farmers and irrigators in central Minnesota have a timely opportunity to help shape how groundwater quality is protected across the state. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently accepting public letters as part of its ongoing review of the Groundwater Protection Rule. Feedback from working irrigators is especially valuable, as irrigation and nutrient managementContinue reading “Central Minnesota Irrigators: Speak Up on the Groundwater Protection Rule”

A Big Opportunity for Central Minnesota Irrigators

Irrigated farms across central Minnesota are poised to benefit from a major new investment in precision irrigation. Through the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), more than $11 million has been directed to Minnesota to help farmers modernize irrigation systems, improve water and nitrogen efficiency, and protect the groundwater resources that agriculture depends on. ForContinue reading “A Big Opportunity for Central Minnesota Irrigators”

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”