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Climate Smart Farm Endorsement
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) has launched a new Climate Smart Farm Endorsement to recognize producers who are going above and beyond to implement practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon. This endorsement joins the line-up of three others that have been offered for the past year: Soil Health, Integrated Pest Management, and Wildlife.
With the emerging markets that can pay farmers for practices that store carbon in the soil and reduce emissions, undergoing the Climate Smart Farm Endorsement assessment is a good exercise to explore practices that will help you benefit financially in these markets. The assessment includes a review of all acres and every rotation using index-based scoring that is size neutral.
Along with the learning opportunity, those that receive the Climate Smart Farm Endorsement will receive a field sign to pair with the Water Quality Certification sign and a chance to let neighbors know that you are doing your part as a Climate Smart farmer.
Interested in learning more? Contact your MAWQCP Certifying Agent.
Coming soon! Financial assistance for practice implementation
MAWQCP Regional Conservation Partnership Program Award
The MAWQCP Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) award offers opportunities for water quality certified producers (or those seeking certification) to receive financial assistance for making improvements to their operations. The funding application will be available in the coming months so be in touch with your MAWQCP Certifying Agent to see what conservation practices will work for your operation and be eligible for this financial assistance. Over $1.5 million will be available per year for the next 4 federal fiscal years. Funding is aimed to help program participants install or adopt conservation practices that will benefit water quality throughout the state. Eligible practices and payment rates are posted by NRCS annually, and the funding can be used for practices needed to get certified or improvements when certified.
Meet a Water Quality Certified Producer
Brent Gulbrandson, Technical Manager with Grant SWCD (left), and Jim Lahn, MAWQCP Area Certification Specialist (right), presented the Hjelles with their certification sign.
Glenn and Paula Hjelle recently joined the ranks of over 1,025 Water Quality Certified producers in Minnesota.
The Hjelles use conservation tillage and plant cover crops, both of which reduce soil erosion rates and protect water quality. The nearby lakes and streams are further protected by adjacent grassed filter strips which slow down runoff water. The Hjelles also practice careful nutrient management and pest management as they produce corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Check out the MAWQCP story map to get to know some of the other certified producers across Minnesota!
Farm Business Management Scholarship
In January the MAWQCP launched a new scholarship for certified producers enrolled in the Farm Business Management Program.
The Farm Business Management Program is a one-on-one, student-led program designed to provide education to farm owners and operators. The program helps students to meet their business and personal goals and focuses on using quality records and sound business decisions with tools and other resources. The MAWQCP Farm Business Management Scholarship will award $140 per credit (approximately 75% of the cost of tuition) for new Farm Business Management students in their first and/or second semester of the program and $90 per credit (approximately 50% the cost of tuition) for returning students in their third semester or beyond.
The application for the 2021-2022 academic year will be available soon. To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be MN Agricultural Water Quality Certified. To apply, contact a Farm Business Management instructor.
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