2023 Minnesota Irrigator Program

Starts:
Wed, 03/1/2023 - 8:30 am
Ends:
Wed, 03/1/2023 - 3:30 pm
Location:
Dakota County Extension Office
4100 220th Street W #101
Farmington, MN 55024
MDA is a:
Sponsor
Presenter
Link:
Minnesota Irrigator Program Registration
MDA Contact:
Jeppe Kjaersgaard
Jeppe.Kjaersgaard@state.mn.us
651-201-6149

Details:

The Minnesota Irrigator Program is a 3-day program on the first three Wednesdays in March (March 1st, 8th, and 15th).

  • Are you an irrigator concerned about matching your irrigation with crop water use? 
  • Are you wondering how to improve water use efficiency and reduce water costs?

The Minnesota Irrigator Program (MIP), is a great opportunity to learn more about irrigation scheduling for your soil and crops, how to incorporate nutrient management and irrigation best management practices (BMPs), how to select the right sprinkler packages for you, and special topics like drip irrigation and remote sensing. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will talk about the well permitting process and the Soil and Water Conservation District and Natural Resource Conservation Services will talk about available funding opportunities. This is a great opportunity to learn about the available tools for irrigators.

MIP is one of the requirements to attain the Irrigation Endorsement to the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program. If you are interested in being recognized for the great stewardship you do on your farm, this is a great program.

10.5 CEUs will also be offered, so this is a great program for crop advisors and conservation staff as well.

Breakfast and lunch are provided. Cost for the 3-day program is $75.

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February 6, 2023

The Minnesota Senate today reconfirmed Thom Petersen as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The vote was 63-0. This marks the second term for Petersen, who was first appointed in 2019 by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to serve as Agriculture Commissioner.

“Thom Petersen understands how policy directly affects farmers’ daily lives,” said Gov. Walz. “I look forward to continuing our work to support our farmers – from new farmers to the leaders of food and ag companies – while ensuring Minnesota remains a global leader in food and agriculture.”

“From supporting emerging farmers to helping communities recover from drought, I’m proud to work alongside Commissioner Petersen to listen to our farmers and invest in the future of agriculture right here in Minnesota,” said Lt. Gov. Flanagan.

“It has been an honor to serve as commissioner these past four years, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan, and all the dedicated MDA employees to strengthen and improve our ag economy,” said Commissioner Petersen. “Agriculture drives and shapes Minnesota, and I’m proud to represent our farmers, producers, and food makers in the four years to come.”

Before being appointed Commissioner, Petersen served as the Director of Government Relations for Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) from 2002 to 2019, working on behalf of MFU’s farmer-members in both Washington, D.C., and St. Paul.

Commissioner Petersen is a long-time resident of Royalton Township near Pine City. He and his wife, Alana, have two sons. The Petersens show horses around the state and have competed at the Minnesota State Fair for over 25 years.

Photo of Commissioner Petersen

The MDA’s mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy. The MDA has served the state for more than 125 years and the work of the department touches every Minnesota citizen every day. Learn more at www.mda.state.mn.us.

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Media Contact
Allen Sommerfeld, MDA Communications
651-201-6185
Allen.Sommerfeld@state.mn.us