ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has secured $11.16 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service to enhance conservation practices on irrigated agricultural lands throughout the state.

The five-year project aims to improve irrigation efficiency, protect groundwater, and promote sustainable nitrogen management across 25 counties. This initiative follows $3.5 million awarded in 2021 for similar efforts.

Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen emphasized the importance of this partnership, saying, "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."

Keith Kloubec of NRCS highlighted the pr

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