On Friday, August 22, the Irrigators Association of Minnesota (IAM) and Centra Sota Cooperative hosted a Legislative Field Day at the Centra Sota Answer Plot in Santiago, MN. The gathering brought legislators, state leaders, and farmers together in the field, where conversations about conservation, innovation, and irrigation water management came to life against the backdrop of real-world practices.
The morning began with a clear message: partnerships matter. From USDA-NRCS and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to local cooperatives and growers, public-private collaboration was highlighted as essential for tackling today’s agricultural challenges. A nitrogen reduction effort tour demonstrated how science-based practices can improve nutrient efficiency, reduce runoff, and protect Minnesota’s water resources.
IAM President Jake Wildman set the tone by stressing the role of irrigation in Minnesota’s agricultural economy and the need for policies that support responsible water use. Later in the morning, Keith Olander of AgCentric underscored the value of irrigation water management, connecting efficient practices to sustainability, farm profitability, and the long-term health of Minnesota’s natural resources.
Technology was another focus of the day. Centra Sota agronomists showcased advanced conservation tools that are already reshaping the way farmers approach stewardship, while a drone technology demonstration captured how innovation is helping producers monitor fields and make data-driven decisions.
State leaders including Commissioner Thom Petersen, Sen. Rob Kupec, and Rep. Isaac Schultz joined the field day, speaking directly to attendees about the importance of farmer–legislator dialogue. Their presence reinforced the value of events like this in shaping agricultural policy with input from those most affected — the producers on the ground. IAM Vice President Anna Bregier also played a key role in building those connections, actively networking with legislators, industry representatives, and farmers throughout the day.
The event closed with a Lunch & Learn led by Leif Fixen (The Nature Conservancy) and Tony Kwilas (T.K. & Associates), who put the day’s themes into context by connecting conservation practices with policy and advocacy efforts across the state.
By partnering with Centra Sota, IAM created more than just a showcase of practices — it created a platform for meaningful conversations about the future of Minnesota agriculture. The Legislative Field Day highlighted how cooperatives, farmers, and policymakers can work together to ensure that innovation, stewardship, and irrigation all have a place in a strong and sustainable agricultural system.
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