East Otter Tail SWCD - Blog

June 13, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Kyle and Sue Gowin’s farming operation has recently joined over 1,450 producers to become certified as water quality stewards through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). This voluntary program verifies farming operations implementing conservation-minded practices resulting in natural resource protection. Today, the decade-old program has confirmed over one million acres across the state working to protect water quality and reduce soil erosion.

April 29, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Last November, father-son duo Mark and Jason Fillbrandt, joined over 1,400 producers in becoming stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). This voluntary program through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture certifies farming operations utilizing conservation practices to protect Minnesota’s water resources. Today, the decade-old program has confirmed over one million acres across the state working in conjunction to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality.

April 8, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Hough Farms, proudly operated by brothers Ryan and Michael, joins the rising number of producers becoming certified as stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) - a voluntary opportunity that certifies farmers taking the lead in implementing conservation-minded practices to protect water quality. The Hough brothers’ farm accompanies over 1,400 producers in Minnesota farming one million certified acres within the program.

March 26, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Two years ago, Glenn Hjelle’s farming operation joined the continuously rising number of producers becoming certified as stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). At the time, the voluntary program that certifies farming operations implementing conservation-minded practices garnered over 950,000 certified acres. Today, that number has risen to over one million along with over 1,400 Minnesota producers—a well-earned milestone for the almost decade-old program.

November 1, 2023 by Darren Newville

Soil and Water Conservation District, Soils Office, Soil Conservation Service, Soil and Water, what….? What is a Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) other than a mouthful, and why should you care?  I’ve been working for SWCD’s for over 25 years and I believe that 90% of the general public does not know what a SWCD is or what we do. So, what the heck is an SWCD?