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September 2018

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Certification Update:

 

  • 645 certified producers
  • 407,534 acres
  • 1,244 new conservation practices

 

What is a "new practice"? A new practice is the full mitigation of a risk to water quality. A new practice could be the installation of 6 water quality inlets on tile inlets or addressing gully erosion with a series of 3 water and sediment control basins.


 

NASDA Public-Private Partnership Award

MAWQCP partners

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), in partnership with Land O’ Lakes, Inc., received the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture's (NASDA) 1st Annual Public-Private Partnership Award. The award recognizes NASDA Partners Program organizations that have partnered with a state to implement a program, project or service that positively impacts its state. The MAWQCP’s collaboration with Land O’Lakes, Inc. provides the opportunity for the State to develop delivery of conservation services via private industry, with the potential to take resource stewardship to a scale public institutions couldn’t achieve alone.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson:

“I thank NASDA for this recognition. As the Land of 10,000 lakes and home of the headwaters to the Mississippi River, Minnesota has a deep and personal connection to water,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “We realize the value in protecting this precious resource; however, this task can’t be accomplished alone. That’s why this public-private partnership between the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Land O’Lakes is so important. Together, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program can provide real solutions that help farmers protect our water while maintaining profitability.”

Matt Carstens, Senior Vice President, Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN:

“Land O’Lakes is proud to work alongside the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on a public-private approach to water quality that helps maximize the benefits of on-farm conservation across Minnesota, and we appreciate NASDA for this recognition,” said Matt Carstens, senior vice president of Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN. “Farmers along with their ag retailers are doing excellent work across Minnesota to safeguard water quality, and they benefit when the public and private sectors come together to help amplify their stewardship. We look forward to continuing this shared effort to help preserve and protect Minnesota’s land and water for the future.”

Check out the full news release!

Photo: Certification presentation at Dorrich Dairy east of Glenwood (L-R): Greg Vold, Richard Vold, Dorothy Vold, Suzanne Vold, Brad Vold, of Dorrich Dairy; Brad Jordahl Redlin, Grant Pearson, of MAWQCP; Holly Kovarik, Pope SWCD.

MAWQCP in the News


Stoney Brook Farms is the 600th Minnesota Water Quality Certified Farm

Stoney Brook Farm

Stoney Brook Farms, Inc. is a family farm in Foley, MN that grows sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, peas, green beans, and fall decorative items such as indian corn and gourds. They have also started hosting Harvest Fun Days with a pumpkin patch and a corn maze, and this year their corn maze is in the shape of a beehive!

Stoney Brook Farms has taken an innovative approach to managing their farm, with a focus on water quality and soil health practices. Some examples of their practices include no-till planting, residue management, cover crops, and crop diversity.

Check out Benton County SWCD's full article for more information.

Left to Right:  Brad and Mark Chmielewski of Stoney Brook Farms, Inc.  accepting their MN Water Quality Certified Farm sign from Benton SWCD Technician Casey Gwost

 

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We Are Water MN Traveling Exhibit

The We Are Water MN Traveling Exhibit is kicking off its 2018-2019 statewide tour on October 12 at the University of Minnesota - St. Paul.

We Are Water MN explores the connections between the humanities and water through an exhibit, public events and educator resources. The 2018-2019 tour will feature the stories of two MAWQCP certified producers and how they manage water quality on their farms.

Check out the tour schedule and mark your calendar!

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Certify your land, water and legacy for years to come.

Contact your local soil and water conservation district office to get started.

MyLandMyLegacy.com

mda.mawqcp@state.mn.us