Groundwater Protection Rule: Farmer Public Comment Letter
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently accepting public comments as part of its review of the Groundwater Protection Rule (GPR). The Irrigators Association of Minnesota encourages farmers who irrigate crops to participate in this process by submitting a written comment in support of the existing, science-based rule.
Click the following link to download the template letter.
The Groundwater Protection Rule has been in place since 2019 and has already led to meaningful improvements in fertilizer timing, nitrogen management, and groundwater protection across Minnesota. Data from monitoring programs, including private well networks, show positive trends in nitrate levels over time. Continued implementation of the current rule allows these improvements to build while maintaining flexibility for farmers to use proven, site-specific practices.
Why This Letter Matters
Public comments are an important part of MDA’s decision-making process. Farmer voices help ensure that real-world experience, on-farm stewardship, and existing conservation efforts are considered as the agency evaluates potential changes to the rule.
This letter is intended to:
- Share firsthand experience from irrigated farms
- Highlight existing nutrient management and irrigation practices already in use
- Support continued implementation of the current Groundwater Protection Rule
- Encourage science-based, targeted approaches rather than broad new restrictions
How to Use the Letter Template
- Download the farmer letter template using the button below.
- Personalize the letter by filling in your name, county, farm details, and the conservation and nutrient management practices you use on your operation.
- Send the completed letter to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture using the mailing or email address provided in the template.
- Make sure your comment is submitted before the deadline.
Click the following link to download the template letter.
🚨 PUBLIC COMMENT DEADLINE: THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
All comments must be received by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture by this date to be considered.
Submitting a comment helps ensure that the perspective of irrigating farmers is represented in this review. Taking a few minutes to personalize and send this letter is a simple but effective way to support responsible nutrient management, groundwater protection, and the long-term sustainability of irrigated agriculture in Minnesota.
Minnesota Irrigators: See Your Potential New Costs with the IAM Excel Calculator
The Irrigators Association of Minnesota (IAM) has created a simple Excel spreadsheet to help you calculate how the proposed $60 per permit fee increase could impact your operation.
How to use it:
- Download the spreadsheet from the IAM website.
- Enter your total number of irrigation permits.
- Enter your total number of irrigated acres.
The calculator will automatically show:
- Your new estimated fees if the $60 increase is approved.
- The added cost per acre to your farm.
Why use it?
This tool gives you a quick, personalized look at how the proposed changes could affect your bottom line — helping you stay informed and ready to take action.
Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship
The Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship serves to Respect natural resources, Embrace innovation, Advocate for agriculture at local, regional and national levels, Protect irrigated production agriculture and Promote research.
Alan Peterson lived and farmed in Sherburne County his entire life. He proudly served as a member of many agricultural boards at the local, county, and state levels and was president of the Irrigators Association of Minnesota for 18 years. One of his many passions was advocating for irrigation in the sandy soils of central Minnesota. He enjoyed communicating with farmers regarding irrigation questions and concerns. He was open to innovative practices that would increase crop productivity.
2023 Recipients
Congratulations to Natalie Beckendorf and Tyler Ratka, on being awarded one of two $2000.00 IAM Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarships. Both aspiring scholars are set to embark on their academic journey at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.
Established with the vision of fostering excellence and commitment in the field of agriculture, the Alan Peterson Agricultural Scholarship serves to respect natural resources, embrace innovation, advocate for agriculture at local, regional and national levels, protect irrigated production agriculture and promote research. By embodying the scholarship’s core values, Natalie and Tyler exemplify the spirit of agricultural stewardship and leadership.
Read more about past recipients here.
Research Farms in Minnesota
University Irrigation Crop Management Research
University of Minnesota Extension
University of Wisconsin Extension
University of Nebraska Extension
Minnesota Agricultural Weather Network
- Daily Rainfall
- Air Temperature (Max/Min)
- Air Humidity (Max/Min)
- Wind Speed (Max/Min) and Direction
- 4-inch Bare Soil and Turf Temperature
- Solar Radiation and Avg. Dew Point
Go to Weather Station Data
IAM 