East Otter Tail SWCD - Blog

December 12, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Lance and Robyn Bragstad, proud owners of the Brakstad Family Farm, have recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

December 4, 2024 by Olivia Olson

When someone mentions forests, what comes to mind? You might think of large swaths of land covered with trees and other plants, perhaps older wooded ecosystems that have been around for decades or centuries. However, there is another type of forest that has gained traction over the past couple of decades, called pocket forests.

November 5, 2024 by Nicole Lundeen

A watershed is an area of land that channels rainfall and snowmelt to streams, rivers, and lakes.

October 30, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Mark, Mike, and Kristine Spadgenske, proud owners of the Spadgenske Dairy Farm, have recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

October 1, 2024 by Kristi Rorah

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources' (BWSR) Lawns 2 Legumes program is a great benefit for homeowners looking to create pollinator-friendly habitats in their yards.

September 25, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Angie Litchy, proud owner of The Crafted Orchard & More in Crow Wing County, has recently been water quality certified with the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

September 10, 2024 by Alyson Levig

True Vine Specialty Farms, a relatively new elderberry farm operated by Stephanie and Patrick Hockett in Otter Tail County, has joined over 1,400 producers in becoming stewards of water quality through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

September 3, 2024 by Olivia Olson

A pocket prairie is a small-scale native prairie planting under a few acres in size or can be as small as a garden bed.

August 14, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Earl and Coleen Hensel, proud owners of the Earthly Berry Farm in Hubbard County, have recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP). The decade-old program is a voluntary opportunity that certifies farmers taking the lead in implementing conservation-minded practices to protect water quality. To date, there are over 1,400 certified producers and one million certified acres throughout the entire state.

August 6, 2024 by Mitchell Janson

Irrigation plays a vital role in the sustainability of many farms in the Central Sands Region of Minnesota. Approximately 18% of the irrigated acres in Minnesota are in Otter Tail and Wadena County. The last three summers of drought showed us how important the resource of available water really is.

July 18, 2024 by Alyson Levig

Nestled into the rolling hills of Deer Creek Township in East Otter Tail County lies the Moen homestead, the starting point of a farming operation established in 1951 by Carlton Moen’s father, Luther. Back then, Rock Creek Valley and the surrounding sandy-loam hills fed fifteen head of cattle and taught the Moen family lessons in erosion’s power. As the picturesque hilltops began washing out because of the previous owners’ conventional tillage, Moen’s father switched to contour farming (tilling along the lines of consistent elevation to conserve rainwater and reduce erosion) and was one of the first to do so in the area. The switch deemed the farming operation as the Minneapolis Star Tribune Soil Conservationist winner in 1962.

July 2, 2024 by Alyson Levig

What plant comes to mind when you hear the word ‘weed’? Canadian Thistle? Crown Vetch? Amur Maple? Maybe even Wild Parsnip? Well, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has these, as well as fifty-three other species listed on their official Noxious Weed List under the state’s Noxious Weed Law. The law, whose legal terms can be found in Minnesota Statutes 18.76-18.91, states that landowners are expected to control or eradicate all noxious weeds on their land, using either mechanical, chemical, or biological efforts. Moreover, to comply with this law, individuals need to be continuously controlling the noxious weed populations found on their property.

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?

September 5, 2023 by Anne Oldakowski

“What is happening to my trees?” is the most common question that I’ve been hearing over the past month. 

August 7, 2023 by Alyson Levig

With roughly 11,842 lakes in the state, it’s no wonder Minnesotans spend a lot of their summer free time out on the water. Because of this, individuals have easily and unknowingly spread aquatic invasive species (AIS) when moving their boats and other water-related equipment around to different waterbodies, leading to eight percent of Minnesota’s water becoming impaired with aquatic invasive species.

August 1, 2023 by Liz Wiese

If you’re driving around Otter Tail County these bright summer days, it’s very likely that you’ll notice some patches of airy purple flowers with greyish-green leaves growing in road ditches and fields. Blooming June through August, spotted knapweed is especially noticeable this time of year. And because it likes our sandy soils, it is pretty well-spread throughout Otter Tail County.

June 12, 2023 by MAWQCP

Underneath a canopy of aged hardwoods north of Crosby lies 10.5 acres of land dedicated to growing fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms for the local community. The operation is run by Derrick Justin, who recently became water quality certified through the Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), on May 4, 2023. The program itself is voluntary and certifies producers using conservation-minded practices to protect water quality.

May 23, 2023 by MAWQCP

Jason Teiken 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.

May 19, 2023 by MAWQCP

Bob Keranen’s grass-fed cattle farm 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. Keranen’s 320 acres of pastureland achieved water quality certification in April of 2022, accompanying over 1,300 producers in Minnesota farming more than 950,000 certified acres within the program.

April 24, 2023 by MAWQCP

Four Hill Farms Inc., proudly operated by Nathan and Jacob Thompson, has recently become water quality certified under the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

April 13, 2023 by Alyson Levig

East Otter Tail and Wadena SWCD staff assist farmers with becoming Water Quality Certified.

November 4, 2021 by Kristi Rorah

Rondi Ulmer, eighth grade science teacher at Prairie Wind Middle School, has been selected for the 2021 Teacher of The Year Award by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD). Each year the MASWCD selects an outstanding teacher who actively engages students in the betterment of natural resources in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

September 1, 2020 by Annette Drewes, Clean Water Specialist, MN DNR

Lakeshore owners in recent years are finding new ‘weeds’ growing near their docks. Wild rice, a native grass that grows in shallow lake and river areas has re-emerged in locations where some say it hasn’t been seen in years. For some people that is cause for celebration, for others, a headache.

July 15, 2020 by EOT SWCD

It is a well-established fact that weather is the most influential and impactful variable in water and nutrient management decision making. In an effort to bring more local weather information to our producers, the EOT SWCD installed its first weather station in Perham in the early 90's. This station brought hourly data to the fingertips of our producers and helped guide management decisions that were profitable for the producer and better for the environment. The only problem? This was one weather station in a county that encompasses over 2,000 square miles, and as we all well know, weather can be different right across the road!

July 6, 2020 by MAWQCP

Congratulations to Arlin Wanderi!  His farms are now Water Quality Certified in Minnesota’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).  

June 28, 2020 by Darren Newville

I get it, we want our lake homes or cabins larger enough to accommodate all our family and friends. We want to have patios and decks that allow us to enjoy an unobstructed view of the lake. We want perfect, golf course-like, manicured lawns with sandy beaches that allow the kids or grandkids access to the lake for swimming. We want the lake in front of our lots to be weed free so the kids can swim without anything touching their feet or legs. We want a perfectly clear lake free of any aquatic invasive species, and we need to have a garage or shed conveniently placed and large enough to store all the toys we use on the water. We want the lake to be abundant with desirable fish so that we can catch one on almost every cast. We want to live the perfect #LakeLife experience. Sounds great, but is it great for the lake?

June 23, 2020 by MAWQCP

Babe Winkelman’s name is often recognized for his hunting and fishing adventures.  Now the Winkelman Farm is being recognized for achieving Water Quality Certification in Minnesota’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).  And Babe Winkelman is the first to say that all of the conservation stewardship efforts on their farm have been a ‘family project’.

May 12, 2020 by SWCD

It's pretty easy to turn on the faucet and not have a second thought about where the water that's gushing out of it comes from. But where does it come from and how do we impact it?

April 14, 2020 by EOT SWCD

Many lakeshore owners picture their ideal yard being lush, green, mowed grass straight down to the edge of the rip rap right along the lake. Maximum lawn equals maximum enjoyment, right? Well, we at the SWCD are here to challenge your idea of a perfect lake lawn (a little challenge is good in life, right?)! There are a lot of benefits to having a nice, mowed lawn straight to the lake: lots of room for activities for one, and the best unobstructed view of the lake, and the approval of your neighbors whose lawn rivals that of the white house (how do they do that?). But we want to take a look at some of the negative consequences of having a mowed lawn that stretches to the lake, as well as some of the benefits of planting native grasses and flowers along the shoreline (what else did you expect from us, this is our job!).

April 6, 2020 by EOT SWCD

Do you live in Central Minnesota? Do you like having access to accurate up-to-date weather? If so, the North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN) is for you. Yes, we know it says North Dakota, but it serves data for central and northwestern Minnesota. There are 12 stations located throughout the central region including: Becker, Hubbard, Otter Tail, Wadena, Pope, Todd, Morrison, Benton and Sherburne counties. Weather stations in our area include Perham, Parkers Prairie, Ottertail, Wadena, and Staples.

April 2, 2020 by EOT SWCD

One question I get asked by landowners every winter and spring is “I would like to make my property better for deer, which trees should I plant?” It seems like a simple question to answer, but there are several factors you need to consider when planting trees for deer, turkeys, or even grouse. While one tree might work for your neighbor or you read how well one tree was is in a magazine, that does not necessarily mean it will be productive on your property.

March 23, 2020 by Jim Lahn

Last year I gave a presentation on the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) at a meeting of the Central Minnesota Irrigator’s Corporation (CMIC).  This meeting was held in Wadena, and the farmers in attendance utilize irrigation in their farming operations and come from the surrounding area.

March 16, 2020 by EOT SWCD

What do you do all winter?

Not gonna lie, we get asked that a lot! In the summer, we spend as much time as we possibly can out in the field doing site visits, planting trees or native seed or installing shoreline buffers, and as soon as the ground freezes we all get mopey and stare out the window wishing for a longer fall. But winter isn’t that slow and boring for us at the Soil and Water! Winter gives us a chance to catch up on all the things that fall by the wayside when the weather starts to warm up in the spring!

March 5, 2020 by EOT SWCD

PERHAM —When Mark Riestenberg installed an irrigator in 1995, he relied on a handful of soil and a look at what the neighbors were doing to decide when to turn it on.

Twenty-five years later, neighbors still rely on neighbors to determine when to irrigate. But now they’re watching Riestenberg and about 45 other farmers who work with East Otter Tail Soil & Water Conservation District staff on a science-based approach to irrigation scheduling.

March 4, 2020 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?

February 23, 2020 by SWCD

Funding to help local producers plant cover crops is now available through the SWCD.

February 18, 2020 by MAWQCP

Wayne Enger, board member of the EOT SWCD, recently became a Water Quality Certified Farm through Minnesota's Ag Water Quality Certification Program. 

October 31, 2019 by MAWQCP

Congratulations to Bruce and Carol Albright – their farm is now Water Quality Certified in Minnesota’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP)!  The Albrights received their Water Quality Certified Farm sign on a snowy Friday in October.

September 20, 2019 by MAWQCP

Congratulations to Terry Greenwaldt and to his son, Jason Greenwaldt! Because of their decisions to practice conservation on their land, the Greenwaldt farms are now Water Quality Certified in Minnesota’s Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

April 23, 2019 by MAWQCP

Bryce Blickenstaff’s farming operation is now Water Quality Certified! Bryce received his Water Quality Certified Farm sign on April 23, 2019. 

Bryce’s farming operation is located north of New York Mills and involves corn, wheat, alfalfa, dairy cows, and turkey barns.

April 8, 2019 by EOT SWCD

This past Friday, the 3^rd and 4^th grade hallways at Heart of the Lakes Elementary School were abuzz with children laughing and imitating farm animals, with the occasional baa of an actual new lamb coming from one of the classrooms. Over the course of the morning at our Agriculture in the Classroom event, the students rotated through stations learning about the different aspects of farming in Otter Tail County, thanks to the efforts of local producers and natural resources staff who shared what a day of work looks like for them.

March 22, 2019 by EOT SWCD

This past Saturday we were asked to present at the Horticulture Day in Perham put on by the East Otter Tail Master Gardeners. 

January 7, 2019 by SWCD Staff

We are excited to formally congratulate Andy Dombeck for being our East Otter Tail Conservationist of the Year and the Area Conservationist of the Year for 2018! On his farm, Andy continues to experiment with techniques that build the soil health of his fields, which also helps protect the environment. He is a great example of a producer that conserves our natural resources while operating a successful farm.

November 6, 2018 by MAWQCP

Two new Water Quality Certified farms in Otter Tail County come from a family effort.