June 06, 2024 by Aaron Larsen
Five soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) from across west central Minnesota have partnered to create and implement a comprehensive Soil Health Program in west central Minnesota. This partnership includes Clay, Grant, Traverse, Wilkin, and West Otter Tail SWCDs and is focused within those respective county boundaries. This new program aims to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, improve water infiltration, and increase soil organic matter.
Landowners can choose from a suite of practices ranging from Cover Crops, Conservation Crop Rotation, No Fall Tillage, Reduced Tillage, and No-Tillage. Program payments will be at a flat rate and on a per acre basis with a 160-acre maximum per person, entity, or corporation. Any of the above-mentioned soil health practices must be applied to the same acres for the life of the contract. Contracts can range from one – five years. The SWCDs will be accepting applications for the first round of funding through July 15th.
Collectively, this Soil Health Program is being funded through multiple sources including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), Red River Basin Commission, General Mills, Cargill, and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources.
For more information on eligibility and practice standards please contact your local SWCD office.
Clay SWCD – (218) 287-2255
Grant SWCD – (218) 685-5395
Traverse SWCD – (320) 760-2232
Wilkin SWCD – (218) 643-2933
West Otter Tail SWCD – (218) 998-5300
Posted in:
News
