East Otter Tail SWCD - Blog

September 09, 2025 by Darren Newville

Minnesota farmers now have an exciting opportunity to improve their land while strengthening their bottom line through the Minnesota Soil Health Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program provides financial and technical assistance to producers who want to implement soil health practices that build resilience, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. Whether you’re interested in cover crops, reduced tillage, or nutrient management, the RCPP is designed to support practices that benefit both your farm and the environment.

August 28, 2025 by Darren Newville

When we think about healthy lakes and rivers, most of us picture clear water, good fishing, and recreation opportunities. What we don’t always see is the invisible system that supports them—the watershed. Understanding watersheds and runoff helps explain why a lack of rain during the growing season (April through October) has such a direct effect on lake levels in river-fed systems, like many of the lakes in the Otter Tail River Watershed.

June 26, 2025 by Alyson Levig

Ken Berg, who has served as a board supervisor for the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) since 2000, has recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). The decade-old program offers a voluntary opportunity for farmers to become certified by implementing conservation-minded practices that protect water quality. Berg’s farm achieved certification in April of 2025, accompanying over 1,500 producers farming over one million accredited acres throughout the program. 

June 26, 2025 by Alyson Levig

Elizabeth and Matt Kahlstorf have joined the rising number of producers becoming water quality certified through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). This voluntary program certifies producers using conservation-minded practices to protect water quality by requiring an in-depth examination of field characteristics, crop rotation, tillage, nutrients, and pesticide management techniques, depending on the operation. For the Kahlstorfs, cattle are their primary focus. Still, they also raise meat and laying hens, hogs, and goats throughout their diversified farm, 211 Ranch LLC. 

January 06, 2025 by Alyson Levig

Judy and Harry Worm have joined the rising number of producers becoming water quality certified through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).