The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program added a certified farm from the Whiskey Creek pilot area administered by the Buffalo-Red River Watershed District (BRRWD).
The Whiskey Creek watershed, under coordination of the BRRWD was selected as a pilot for this program, working in partnership with the West Ottertail County SWCD, the Wilkin County SWCD, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Matthew Wohlman presented Rick Drevlow with his certification sign and contract.
Wohlman said, “This program demonstrates that in Minnesota we can have a strong ag economy while protecting our water resources. Rick’s certified farm shows his leadership in conservation, and I am pleased to give him the recognition he deserves.”
The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program is a voluntary opportunity for farmer and agricultural landowners to take the lead in implementing conservation practices that protect our water.
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Those who implement and maintain approved farm management practices will be certified and in turn obtain regulatory certainty for a period of ten years; certified producers are deemed to be in compliance with any new water quality rules or laws during the period of their certification. There is also priority given to producers interested in this program for technical and financial assistance.
This program certifies farmers and landowners for managing their land in a way that protects water quality. The certification process is a whole-farm assessment that evaluates: physical field characteristics, nutrient management factors, tillage management factors, pest management factors, irrigation and tile drainage management, and conservation practices.
Aaron Larsen of the West Otter Tail SWCD worked with Drevlow on his certification. He said, “This program really identifies water quality resource concerns, and also provides technical and financial assistance to fix those concerns.”
Bruce Albright, BRRWD Administrator said, “It is good to see that the program also works well for livestock producers.
For more information on how to become certified in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/awqcp or contact Bruce Albright at the Buffalo-Red Watershed District at 218-354-7710.
