A field tour in July 2023 at Central Lakes College in Staples was part of the two-day training that introduced NRCS and SWCD staff to new technology, components of different irrigation systems, and some of the management decisions producers face. Coordinated through BWSR’s Technical Training and Certification Program, the training prepared technicians to plan, design and install practices supported by a $3.5 million Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) grant. NRCS awarded the grant to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. It’s focused on conservation work on irrigated lands within 20 central Minnesota counties.
