The IAM Summer Legislative Precision Irrigation Tour took place on July 26th in Dakota County. The tour took a bus around SE MN showcasing the use of irrigation for varying commodities. The high temps prevented the tour from exiting the bus, but attendees did get to see a sod farm with a year-old crop.
From there the tour got the opportunity to hear from Mat Forster (photo right) of Remington Seeds to learn about their seed corn and the importance irrigation is for their product. Maria Crownhart, Sr. Ag Operations Specialist for Conagra Brands, spoke to their production of vegetables they produce in the area and how without irrigation, they would not be able to grow two crops in a single growing season.
The field that the tour saw was a pea field that was planted and harvested from spring to late June, and then planted a sweet corn crop immediately to harvest by mid-October. The last stop of the tour was at Bailey’s Nursery, here the group learned how valuable irrigation is for all the plants at the nursery to survive and grow.
Following the bus tour, guests got the opportunity to hear from, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, Representative Isaac Schultz, Representative Pat Garofalo, and Representative Nathan Nelson who all spoke to the great work that IAM is doing, and the challenges legislators faced this year at the capital. Dakota County Commissioner Mike Slavik spoke to the group about the importance of knowing and connecting with your county commissioner.
MN Department of Ag Commissioner, Thom Petersen 
MN State Representative, Isaac Schultz
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Section Manager, Jason Moeckel, spoke about the new legislation that passed this last legislative session. Moeckel talked about water sustainability, and that more than 250,000 more acres of land are irrigated now than when he began his current position 12 years ago. He also spoke to the importance of tours like IAM’s that keep policy makers informed. IAM President, Jake Wildman, asked Moeckel if IAM would have a seat at the table when the drafting of the new language of the irrigation guidance enforcement would take place. Moeckel guaranteed that IAM will be involved in the process as they begin to start drafting this document.
MN DNR Section Manager, Jason Moeckel
A special thank you to Tom Otte and Otte Enterprises for use of their much-needed air-conditioned shop space, and the SE MN Irrigators for all their hard work preparing for the day.
IAM 