New Irrigation Cost-Share Opportunity Coming to Minnesota Farmers: Sign-Up Opens on February 2nd 2026
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Minnesota farmers using irrigation will soon have access to a major new conservation funding opportunity!
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in partnership with local and regional organizations including 26 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and University of Minnesota Extension, has been awarded $11.16 million through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as part of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
This five-year project will support improved irrigation efficiency, groundwater protection, and sustainable nitrogen management on irrigated farmland across 25 counties statewide, building on the success of a similar $3.5 million effort launched in 2021.
The project will provide both financial and technical assistance to producers. It will focus on precision irrigation technologies, optimized irrigation water management, and improved nitrogen use efficiency, all while protecting groundwater quality and quantity. Funding will be delivered in collaboration with Anoka, Becker, Benton, Cass, Clay, Dakota, Douglas, East Otter Tail, Grant, Hubbard, Isanti, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Wadena, Washington, West Otter Tail, Wilkin, and Wright SWCDs. In addition to direct producer support, the project will invest in staff training, peer learning, and field days showcasing practical irrigation solutions on working farms.
The project will provide both financial and technical assistance to producers. It will focus on precision irrigation technologies, optimized irrigation water management, and improved nitrogen use efficiency, all while protecting groundwater quality and quantity. Funding will be delivered in collaboration with Anoka, Becker, Benton, Cass, Clay, Dakota, Douglas, East Otter Tail, Grant, Hubbard, Isanti, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Wadena, Washington, West Otter Tail, Wilkin, and Wright SWCDs. In addition to direct producer support, the project will invest in staff training, peer learning, and field days showcasing practical irrigation solutions on working farms.
Sign-up Dates:
Farmer sign-up for financial assistance and initial coordination begin on February 2nd 2026 and end February 27th 2026, so now is the time to act.
Interested producers should contact their local SWCD or NRCS office to learn about eligibility, qualifying practices, and next steps. This initiative, led by MDA and supported by partners including local SWCDs, NRCS, CLC, BWSR, MDH, the University of Minnesota, and others, represents a significant opportunity for irrigators to strengthen both farm profitability and long-term water stewardship in Minnesota.
Please see https://www.agcentric.org/rcpp-precision-irrigation/ for more information.
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For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.
If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.
Please see https://www.agcentric.org/rcpp-precision-irrigation/ for more information.
—
For the latest nutrient management information, subscribe to the Nutrient Management Podcast. And don't forget to subscribe to the Minnesota Crop News daily or weekly email newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, like UMN Extension Nutrient Management on Facebook, follow us on X (formerly twitter), and visit our website.
If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.
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