The MDA is seeking landowners to host weather stations that will support the Minnesota Ag Weather Network (MAWN). With funding from Minnesota’s Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, the MDA is expanding MAWN throughout agricultural regions of the state.
The goal of this expansion is to provide producers with reliable, real‑time local weather data and weather‑related agricultural tools. These tools help guide decisions about nutrient management, irrigation, and crop‑chemical applications, and support practices that reduce leaching and runoff. Accurate, timely weather information is essential for precision agriculture and many best management practices. By improving access to high‑quality environmental data, MAWN helps farmers optimize management decisions, improve profitability, reduce input losses, and protect both surface water and groundwater. More information is available on the MAWN webpage.
Expansion Goal
The MDA aims to have a weather station within 20 miles of most crop fields in Minnesota. If you are interested in hosting a station, please review the criteria below, consult the expansion map to see whether your location falls within the target area, and complete the application form if you believe your site is suitable.
Ideal Site Requirements
Each weather station requires an area of about 30 by 30 feet (0.02 acres). Stations cannot be installed on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program or the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. The intent is for each station to operate for 50 years or longer.
While not always possible, the ideal site has the following characteristics:
- Relatively flat, open area of at least one acre
- No obstructions (bushes, fences, tree rows, structures) within 200 feet
- No large paved surfaces within 100 feet
- No structures within 300 feet
- Soil typical of the surrounding area
- Not located on a high point or in a low depression
- Accessible year‑round by a four‑wheel‑drive pickup
- At least one bar of Verizon cellular signal
MDA staff will install the weather station.
Access Agreement and Site Visits
A signed access agreement between the MDA and the property owner is required. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of both parties. Weather‑station hosts serve as partners in the network and agree to:
- Report visible damage or issues
- Perform minor maintenance tasks, such as clearing snow from the solar panel
- Serve as a point of contact if a malfunction occurs
After installation, a MAWN technician will visit the site each spring and fall for routine maintenance. Additional visits may be needed to repair sensors or manage vegetation.
Weather Station Details
Each station includes:
- A 33‑foot tower equipped with weather sensors
- Three concrete piers and guy wires for stability
- A camera, which can be configured to avoid capturing private residences
- A small, herbicide‑treated bare‑soil plot for soil‑temperature monitoring
- Solar‑powered equipment that transmits data over a cellular network
- A temporary shallow soil pit dug during installation to support accurate soil‑moisture interpretation
Apply to Host a Weather Station
If your property meets the criteria and is located within the expansion area, complete the application form below. The MDA reviews applications as they are received and will contact you if your site is a good fit for the network.
