Otter Tail Producers Apply for Minnesota Irrigation RCPP Feb 2 to 27

Local producers with irrigated cropland have a short window to apply for federal and state support aimed at improving irrigation efficiency and reducing groundwater risks. The sign-up period runs from Feb. 2–27, 2026, and applications are being accepted through local Soil and Water Conservation Districts and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service offices.

The Minnesota Irrigation Regional Conservation Partnership Program provides targeted assistance for on-farm investments. Perham Focus summarizes the program this way: "The Minnesota Irrigation RCPP provides financial and technical assistance to producers interested in improving irrigation efficiency and adopting conservation practices that protect groundwater resources." Eligible applicants are producers with irrigated cropland located within participating project areas, and applications will be ranked and selected based on established criteria, available funding, and conservation benefits.

Practices supported under the sign-up include irrigation water management, variable rate irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, and related improvements that help reduce water use while maintaining or improving crop productivity. The program also funds pivot upgrades and fertigation systems in other project examples, and outreach components such as trainings and demonstrations are part of the initiative.

Funding totals reported by partner organizations vary in the material released about the RCPP and related initiatives. AgCentric describes the Precision Irrigation initiative as bringing "more than $11 million in new resources" to help farmers upgrade irrigation systems. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources reports that NRCS and partners are making "an additional $17.3 million available" for precision irrigation upgrades, and earlier RCPP awards and partner matches are described in related background material, including an $11.2 million award managed by MDA research scientist Jeppe Kjaersgaard and a 2022 NRCS award of $3.5 million with a $5.4 million partner match. Reported totals appear to describe different awards or match arrangements; applicants should confirm current funding amounts with local offices.

The program’s environmental aim is clear in local examples. Ron Sakry of Otter Tail County was one of 45 producers who installed precision irrigation upgrades with RCPP support; a variable-rate fertigation system on his 160-acre pivot demonstrated automatic shutoffs near sloughs and showed how precision technology protects groundwater. "It’s really to protect the groundwater from nitrate (pollution) and help our irrigators be more efficient," said Jeppe Kjaersgaard, who manages an RCPP award at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

Operational details vary by program and vendor. EarthScout notes that for similar state and local conservation funding, "When your application is approved, you receive the money up front, and then become certified the next three years through reporting requirements that verify that you are using the funding for conservation practices." The current RCPP runs through Dec. 31, 2029, and eligibility has been extended to 25 central Minnesota counties, though applicants should verify whether their land falls inside participating project areas.

Because demand is expected to be high, applicants should begin the process early. "Because funding is limited and demand is expected to be high, reaching out early in the February 2–27 sign-up period is strongly encouraged," AgCentric advises. Producers can contact East Otter Tail SWCD at 218-346-9105 or visit eotswcd.org for local sign-up help and eligibility questions. This sign-up is an immediate opportunity for Otter Tail County irrigators to access upgrades that can reduce water use, strengthen yield resilience, and help protect local groundwater for farms and rural communities.