Stevens County producers make strides towards cleaner water
In Stevens County, 13 farms have been certified with nearly 10,800 acres under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). Interest in the program is growing and that tells us local farmers are interested in protecting the land and water resources around us.
The MAWQCP is a voluntary program offered by MDA that works with landowners to identify and mitigate risks to water quality at a field level. Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices can be certified and obtain regulatory certainty for 10 years as well as have access to cost share funds to aid in implementing new conservation practices. This program is a great way to learn about what you are already doing well on your farm and what improvements could be made.
Many participants implement conservation practices on their farm operations to reduce soil erosion potential. Planned practices some of them intend to add to their operations include water and sediment control basins for gully erosion, French drains to close open tile intakes, cover crops, field windbreaks, native grass plantings, wetland restorations, or a multitude of other practices. All are meant to have a positive impact on water quality and soil health.
Stevens SWCD works cooperatively with the MDA to complete on-farm assessments and provide technical assistance to farmers and landowners. Please contact the SWCD at 320-589-4886 ext. 4 for more information about the program or to sign up. You can also find more information online at www.MyLandMyLegacy.com
Congratulations to the following producers for being certified in the MAWQCP program! Kasey Jenc, Stevens SWCD Program Technician and Grant Pearson, West Central MAWQCP Certification Specialist, present certification signs to producers in Stevens County.
Steve Howe
Randy Schmiesing
Darin, Derek, Molly and Steve Woodke
Jim Krosch
Joe, Susan, and Mark Fitzgerald
Greg Fynboh
Mark Erickson