New Cost Share for Irrigation

By Scout Nelson

Minnesota farmers who rely on irrigation will soon have access to a significant new conservation funding opportunity focused on water efficiency and long-term resource protection. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is launching a new irrigation cost share initiative with federal support.

The program is funded through an award of 11.16 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. The five-year project builds on a successful earlier effort launched in 2021 and expands conservation support across 25 Minnesota counties.

The initiative is designed to improve irrigation efficiency, protect groundwater quality and quantity, and strengthen sustainable nitrogen management on irrigated farmland. Both financial assistance and technical guidance will be available to participating producers.

Key practices supported through the program include precision irrigation technologies, improved irrigation water management, and methods that increase nitrogen use efficiency. These practices are intended to reduce water waste, limit nutrient loss, and support long-term farm productivity while protecting natural resources.

Funding and implementation will be delivered in partnership with 26 Soil and Water Conservation Districts along with University of Minnesota Extension and other regional partners. Participating counties include areas across central northern and western Minnesota where irrigated agriculture plays an important role.

In addition to direct producer support, the project will invest in staff training peer learning opportunities and field days. These activities will allow producers to see practical irrigation solutions demonstrated on working farms and learn from shared experiences.

Farmer sign up for financial assistance and initial coordination opens on February 2 2026 and closes on February 27 2026. Producers are encouraged to act early to explore eligibility requirements and available practices.

Interested participants should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or Natural Resources Conservation Service office for guidance on the next steps. The program is led by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with support from multiple state local and federal partners.

This new cost share opportunity represents an important step toward improving farm profitability while advancing water stewardship and conservation goals across Minnesota agriculture.

Please see https://www.agcentric.org/rcpp-precision-irrigation/ for more information.

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