April 3, 2025 — The annual update on Minnesota’s permitted and reported irrigated acres is now available, offering a clear snapshot of trends across the state’s agricultural landscape. Compiled by Jerry Wright, Retired Extension Engineer from the University of Minnesota, this report includes decades of data and the latest figures through the 2023 and early 2024 growing seasons.
📈 Steady Growth in Irrigated Acres
Minnesota continues to see steady growth in both permitted and reported irrigated acres. According to DNR data:
- 2025 shows over 809,000 permitted acres
- Farmer-reported irrigated acres remain strong at just under 770,000 acres
- This represents a significant increase from just under 175,000 acres in 1975
Annual variability is still influenced by weather patterns, but the long-term upward trend reflects the growing importance of irrigation in Minnesota agriculture.
🌽 What Crops Are Being Irrigated?
In 2023, Minnesota irrigators reported:
- Corn and soybeans made up the majority of irrigated acres
- Specialty crops like sweet corn, green beans, and potatoes also make up a significant portion
% of Total MN Crop Acres That Were Irrigated in 2023:
- Potatoes – 96.6%
- Green beans – 40.1%
- Sweet corn – 18.5%
- Corn (grain) – 4.5%
- Soybeans – 1.7%
- Sugar beets – 2.2%
🧭 Regional Insights & Top Counties
The report includes a breakdown of the top 25 counties by irrigated acreage, along with full data available for download via the IAM website. This data is critical for producers, planners, and policymakers alike.
📊 Long-Term Trends That Matter
This report combines over 60 years of data—from early Extension-collected stats in the 1960s and ’70s to modern DNR reporting systems. It clearly illustrates how technological improvements, crop diversity, and climate challenges are driving the need for accurate irrigation data and support for smart water management.
📥 Download the full report here: Full Irrigation Report Crops/Acres
Stay informed. Stay efficient. Keep Minnesota growing.
IAM 