A new cost-share program is available for upgrading irrigation systems and associated practices for Minnesota growers in 20 counties.

Growers with irrigation systems in Becker, Benton, Cass, Dakota, Douglas, East Otter Tail, Grant, Hubbard, Kandiyohi, Meeker, Morrison, Pope, Sherburne, Stearns, Stevens, Swift, Todd, Wadena, Washington, and West Otter Tail soil and water conservation districts are eligible.

Applications, available through local SWCD offices, are due June 17.

The program will provide financial and technical support to irrigators looking to adopt and integrate proven precision irrigation technology and nitrogen management practices, such as installing soil moisture sensors for irrigation scheduling, upgrading sprinkler packages, converting to variable-rate application, advancing irrigation water management and retrofitting fertigation.

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, through its Regional Conservation Partnership Program, is providing $3.5 million for the matching funding effort. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, 20 SWCDs, Central Lakes College, AgCentric, University of Minnesota, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, state agencies, irrigator associations and businesses are partnering to offer the cost-share program.

The irrigation updates will help address groundwater quality and quantity issues under irrigated cropland, according to program sponsors.

Jeppe Kjaersgaard, with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division, estimates that more than half of the irrigated acres in that region would see financial, agronomic and environmental benefits from some form of precision irrigation compared to their current system. There are around 2,000 operations that are eligible for the program, he says.

“Approximately 75% of all irrigated acres in the state are in the 19-county region,” Kjaersgaard adds.

Flexible program

The cost-share program is designed with each farm’s different needs in mind, and farmers can chose to participate at the cost level relevant to their operation, Kjaersgaard explains.

“For example, a farmer can pursue relatively inexpensive practices, such as soil moisture sensors used for irrigation scheduling,” he says. “At the other end of the cost scale, other farmers may look at more expensive practices such as retrofitting a pivot with variable-rate application capabilities or fertigation retrofits.”

Acres receiving cost-share for irrigation practices are also eligible for cost-share for cover crops, residue and tillage management, and nutrient management.

In addition to providing the cost-share, 21 scholarships are available to farmers who participate in AgCentric’s Farm Business Management Program to provide an annual financial analysis of their operation. Enrolling in the FBM program is encouraged but not required.

“This is an excellent program that help participants review their financial performance and delivers management information for decision-making to achieve individual business goals,” Kjaersgaard says. “AgCentric has other scholarships available for the program as well, so we hope additional cost-share recipients will enroll in the FBM.”

Kjaersgaard encourages interested farmers to contact their local SWCD.

For more information, including an interactive map of eligible areas, visit the project website at agcentric.org/rcpp-precision-irrigation.