The funding supports a five-year project focused on irrigation efficiency, protecting groundwater resources and promoting nitrogen management in 25 counties across the state, including Clay County.

Clay County will be part of a project that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers using irrigation systems.

According to a release from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the state was awarded $11.16 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to expand conservation practices on irrigated land across the state. The funding is from the USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

In Minnesota, the funding will support a five-year project focused on improving irrigation efficiency, protecting groundwater resources and promoting nitrogen management in 25 counties across the state, including Clay County.

Financial assistance for farmers is expected to become available in late 2025, the release said. The program will be administered by soil and water conservation districts across the state.

In the release, Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said the partnership with the USDA is invaluable to preserving and protecting Minnesota’s water resources.

“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,” Petersen said.

Source - https://www.inforum.com