IAM continues tracking water permitting, plumbing code concerns, and other policy issues affecting Minnesota irrigators. The 2026 Minnesota legislative session brought continued attention to water use, permitting, infrastructure, agriculture policy, and regulatory issues that could affect irrigators across the state. For the Irrigators Association of Minnesota, the session included direct advocacy on water appropriation permitContinue reading “2026 Session Leaves Key Irrigation Issues Unfinished”
Tag Archives: sustainability
Minnesota Irrigator Program Returns to Perham March 10–11
Irrigation continues to play a critical role in modern crop production across Minnesota. As technology evolves and water management becomes increasingly important for both productivity and sustainability, opportunities for irrigators to stay informed are more valuable than ever. The Minnesota Irrigator Program will return March 10–11 at the Cactus Event Center in Perham, bringing togetherContinue reading “Minnesota Irrigator Program Returns to Perham March 10–11”
Lobbyist Update Highlights Legislative Priorities at Irrigators Association of Minnesota Convention
The Irrigators Association of Minnesota’s 51st Annual Convention and Expo, held February 19, 2026, at The Park Event Center in Waite Park, featured a timely legislative update from association lobbyists John Berns and Tony Kwilas. Their presentation provided irrigators with insight into Minnesota’s evolving political climate, legislative priorities, and policy developments that could impact agriculturalContinue reading “Lobbyist Update Highlights Legislative Priorities at Irrigators Association of Minnesota Convention”
Dave Janson Headlines IAM Convention as Irrigators Navigate Markets, Policy, and the Future
The Irrigators Association of Minnesota (IAM) welcomed irrigators, industry partners, researchers, and agricultural leaders from across the state on Thursday, February 19, 2026, for its 51st Annual Convention & Expo at The Park Event Center in Waite Park, Minnesota. The event drew 163 attendees and featured 27 vendor exhibitors, highlighting the latest advancements in irrigationContinue reading “Dave Janson Headlines IAM Convention as Irrigators Navigate Markets, Policy, and the Future”
Minnesota Irrigation Continues to Play a Critical Role in Crop Production
Newly compiled data from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) highlights the scale, diversity, and geographic reach of irrigated agriculture across Minnesota heading into the 2026 permit year. The summary, prepared by retired University of Minnesota Extension irrigation engineer Jerry Wright using DNR data shared by Sean Hunt of Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesContinue reading “Minnesota Irrigation Continues to Play a Critical Role in Crop Production”
Make Your Voice Heard on Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule
Irrigating farmers across Minnesota have an important opportunity to share their perspectives on how groundwater is managed and protected. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is currently reviewing its Groundwater Protection Rule and has issued a public call for written comments. These letters will help inform how the rule is interpreted and implemented moving forward,Continue reading “Make Your Voice Heard on Minnesota’s Groundwater Protection Rule”
New Precision Irrigation Initiative Brings Major Investment to Minnesota Farms
Minnesota irrigators will soon have access to unprecedented support to modernize irrigation systems, improve water efficiency, and protect groundwater resources. Through the USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), more than $11 million has been awarded to Minnesota partners to launch a new Precision Irrigation initiative focused on long-term farm profitability and water stewardship. Led byContinue reading “New Precision Irrigation Initiative Brings Major Investment to Minnesota Farms”
MDA Awarded $11 Million to Advance Innovative Irrigation Practices
Investment will support groundwater conservation and protect water resources across 25 counties St. Paul, MN: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), in partnership with local and regional organizations, has been awarded $11.16 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to expand conservation practices on irrigated agricultural land across the state. TheContinue reading “MDA Awarded $11 Million to Advance Innovative Irrigation Practices”
Minnesota DNR Director Katie Smith Discusses Enhanced Water Enforcement Measures at IAM’s 49th Annual Meeting
At the Irrigators Association of Minnesota’s 49th annual meeting, Katie Smith of the Minnesota DNR announced changes to water enforcement policies. The amendments include increased penalties and new tools similar to those used by the MPCA. Smith stressed the DNR’s aim to protect water resources and ensure compliance. She also encouraged communication with the DNR for guidance and assistance.
Minnesota’s Clean Water Efforts: Progress, Challenges, and Collaborations
Minnesota unveils its latest report on the statewide Clean Water Fund initiatives, highlighting commendable progress in safeguarding and restoring water sources while acknowledging persistent challenges. Released biennially, this report is a product of collaborative efforts among seven Minnesota water agencies, reflecting the ongoing commitment to water quality enhancement since the establishment of the Clean WaterContinue reading “Minnesota’s Clean Water Efforts: Progress, Challenges, and Collaborations”
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