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Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification helping farmers

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification program is helping farmers throughout the state implement conservation practices.

Mark Root is the southeast regional certifier and says the voluntary process begins with a thorough assessment of individual farms.

“We look at all your site characteristics, nutrient management, tillage, different conservation practices you have on the ground.  And if you need something, we have a funding pool that can get you those funds to get most of that paid for.”

Financial assistance covers a wide array of practices like cover crops, grass waterways, and seed mixes for honeybee habitat.

“And our funding pool has a later signup than (the) regular NRCS EQUIP federal program.  It’s a March signup, and then the money can be available in like June or July.”

Farmers interested in the Ag Water Quality Certification should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Brownfield spoke to Root at the SWCD annual meeting and trade show last week.